IGOLF Charter

IGOLF CHARTER

AN 8-POINT COMMITMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

IGOLF LAUREATE COURSE STATUS AWARDED TO

"Name of Course"

Awarded in recognition that the Laureate Course:

• Provides an exceptional golfing experience, recognizing its responsibility as a global citizen and stakeholder of a natural and cultural heritage, both to the local community and to the world at large.
• Agrees that, in addition to a desire to provide a healthy sporting experience within world class facilities, to be pro-active in its environmental and social operations by adopting the following eight points.

Respect for the environment

The Laureate Course recognizes its responsibility as a steward of nature, when both developing the course and maintaining the course.  Where appropriate, measures to implement this principle may include:

1. Chemicals - limit the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizer; seek biological options; and use manual techniques, such as hand-weeding.

2. Recycle/re-use - particularly in areas where water is scarce, use treated waste water; develop efficient and appropriate irrigation systems: recycle waste such as glass, plastics, paper.

3. Pollution/power generation - where possible use non-polluting or reduced-pollution vehicles, particularly in golf buggies and maintenance vehicles; reduce emissions from power plants; consider installing non-polluting, renewable power schemes such as solar and wind.

4. Biological diversity - monitor wildlife levels and develop or maintain habitat for wildlife; where the course is near a watershed work with downstream stakeholders to maintain water quantity and quality; and maintain the ecological and aesthetic integrity of the ecosystem within which the course is built.

Social responsibility

The Laureate Course strives to ensure that operations respect local community values, that its operations provide income and training for people from local communities, and that the laws and traditions of the country/resident cultural groups are respected during the construction and operations of the course.

5. Caddies - Provide professional training in golf etiquette, rules and nature appreciation

6. Staff -  Provide working conditions, wages and benefits which meet or exceed local standards; provide or support career development opportunities; provide education on water, chemical, biodiversity and other environmental issues.

7. Community relations/Heritage – Be a good neighbor; work with neighboring communities; employ people from nearby communities; pursue community development projects.  Respect and support local traditions including preserving and respecting historic/religious/cultural shrines which may be present on the course.  Where feasible provide walking paths and recreational opportunities for the local community.  Sponsor and support charitable tournaments that benefit the local community.

8. Land acquisition - When building a new course, ensure that land is acquired legally and with agreement of the owning communities and individuals, and that fair prices and adequate compensation are offered.