How do you showcase your environmental achievements and awards?

1 Get certified

One of the most credible and recognized ways to showcase your environmental achievements and awards is to get certified by a reputable organization that evaluates and verifies your environmental performance. For example, you can apply for the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, which provides guidance and recognition for golf courses that conserve water, protect wildlife, reduce chemical use, and enhance natural areas. Or you can join the Golf Environment Organization (GEO), which offers a comprehensive certification system that covers six key areas of sustainability: nature, water, energy, supply chain, pollution prevention, and community. Getting certified not only demonstrates your commitment and leadership, but also gives you access to valuable resources, networks, and marketing opportunities.

2 Display your badges

Once you get certified, you want to make sure that your customers, visitors, and partners know about it. One of the easiest and most effective ways to do that is to display your certification badges on your website, social media, newsletters, brochures, signage, and scorecards. These badges act as visual cues that convey your environmental credentials and values, and can help you stand out from your competitors. You can also use them to link to more information about your environmental achievements and awards, such as case studies, testimonials, or press releases.

3 Share your stories

Another way to showcase your environmental achievements and awards is to share your stories with your audience. Stories are powerful tools that can engage, educate, and inspire your listeners, and can help you build trust and loyalty. You can share your stories through various channels, such as blog posts, podcasts, videos, webinars, or live events. For example, you can tell the story of how you restored a wetland on your golf course, how you reduced your water consumption by 50%, or how you won an award for your community outreach. You can also invite your customers, employees, or partners to share their stories of how they benefited from or contributed to your environmental efforts.

4 Seek recognition

Another way to showcase your environmental achievements and awards is to seek recognition from external sources, such as media outlets, industry associations, or award programs. This can help you gain exposure, credibility, and endorsement from influential and respected voices, and can also provide you with feedback and motivation to improve your environmental performance. You can research and apply for relevant awards that match your goals and achievements, such as the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Environmental Stewardship Award, or the GEO Sustainability Awards. You can also pitch your stories to local or national media outlets that cover environmental topics, such as magazines, newspapers, radio, or TV.

5 Collaborate with others

Finally, one of the best ways to showcase your environmental achievements and awards is to collaborate with others who share your vision and values. By joining forces with other golf courses, organizations, or communities, you can amplify your impact, learn from best practices, and create a positive image for the golf industry. You can participate in or initiate collective initiatives, such as the Golf Course Water Resource Initiative, the R&A Golf Course 2030 Project, or the USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program. You can also partner with or support local or global environmental groups, such as the World Wildlife Fund, the Nature Conservancy, or the National Audubon Society.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?