PLAY GREEN LIVE GREEN Driving Impact
ST ANDREWS LINKS SUSTAINABLITY OUR COMMITMENT
Our Business: We will drive positive, ethical, transparent, business impact through innovations across golf, venue, and land management.
Our People: Our approach to diversity, inclusion and belonging will make us the place to work, visit, and play.
Our Planet: Our forward-thinking actions for the environment will leave a positive legacy and be applied globally.
We have set out our commitment to sustainability in our strategy Driving Impact. We are dedicated to sustainability and aim to set an example within golf, venue, and land management. We will leverage our platform to promote a sustainable future in golf, benefiting both our planet and our people.
As the Home of Golf and custodians of the Links, we take our environmental and social responsibilities seriously. By prioritising these responsibilities, we strive to create a lasting positive impact in everything we do.
As our environment changes, we too must change, adapting to our changing climate, community, and visitor expectation to ensure we develop a resilient, futureproofed venue. Consequently, sustainability for us is the balance of societal benefits, environmental sensitivities and economic performance underpinned by governance to contend with these uncertain conditions. Our holistic approach to sustainability is encapsulated within our Driving Impact strategy.
As an organisation we are committed to continually improving our sustainability management system, ensuring we comply with all applicable legislation and our own voluntary commitments, and to lead by example, delivering and setting best practice in golf, venue, and land management.
We will monitor, manage, and review our performance against our Driving Impact sustainability strategy targets and the requirements of our sustainable management system.
All St Andrews Links Trust (SALT) staff, contractors, partners, suppliers and visitors are made aware of this Policy, its aims and objectives and must adhere to its requirements.
Neil Coulson
Chief Executive
St Andrews Links Trust
WE ARE BOTH THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF GOLF.
WE WILL USE OUR PLATFORM TO ENSURE THAT THE FUTURE OF GOLF IS SUSTAINABLE FOR OUR PLANET AND OUR PEOPLE.
Be seen as a champion and advocate in and of sustainability
Embed sustainability into all aspects of the business
Stimulate local and UK wide economic impact
St Andrews will remain open and inclusive to everyone
Retain and attract the best employees
Ensure all staff have an opportunity to develop and grow underpinned by sustainability-led role training
Protect and conserve the natural value and biodiversity of the links and adjacent coastal environment
Reduce and mitigate carbon emissions resulting from and caused by SALT
Optimise use of resources and minimise waste in SALT operations
We will follow best practice within golf, venue and land management, to operate our business sustainably and use our global platform to educate and encourage others.
At St Andrews Links, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility but a core value that guides our actions and decisions. Our commitment to sustainability is built upon three pillars: Our Business, Our People and Our Planet. We are proud to share our high-level sustainability goals and objectives that demonstrate our dedication to creating a positive impact on the environment and our community.
We will drive positive, ethical, business impact through innovations across golf, venue, and land management.
1. Sustainability Certifications: Maintain relevant sustainability certifications (e.g. GEO Certified) for all our golf courses to validate our ongoing efforts and commitment to sustainable excellence.
2. Sustainable Procurement: Ensure 50% of our suppliers sign our Sustainable Procurement Policy by the end of 2025, committing to improve their sustainability performance and provide low-carbon, sustainable products and services to SALT.
3. Local Economic Impact: Increase our local economic impact by 10% annually, with a robust assessment system in place to track progress year on year.
4. Renewable Energy: Consolidate all our electricity contracts under a single supplier and source 100% from renewable electricity by 2025.
5. Waste Management: Divert 99% of waste from landfill through enhanced recycling and composting programmes by 2025, significantly reducing our environmental footprint.
Our approach to diversity, inclusion and belonging will make us the place to work, visit, and play.
1. Sustainability Training:
Ensure at least 90% of our staff receive annual sustainability training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to promote and practice sustainability in their daily roles.
2. Local Community Engagement: Increase local community participation in our sustainability events and initiatives by 20% yearover-year to strengthen community ties and promote collective action towards a sustainable future.
3. Green Transportation: Incentives: Implement a salary sacrifice scheme for electric cars and raise the cycle-to-work scheme limit to £3,000 by March 2025 to encourage greener transportation options.
4. Gender Diversity:
Our goal is to enhance diversity by increasing the number of women in both leadership roles and golf. We aim for 100% of women leaders and aspiring leaders to have the opportunity to undertake tailored leadership development resulting in a rise in women representation in senior roles at St Andrews Links or appointed externally into a promoted / senior role. We also aim for a 10% annual increase in female participants in golf at all ages. To support our goals, we proudly signed up to the Women in Golf Charter in 2024.
Our forward-thinking actions for the environment will be applied globally.
1. Coastal Management Plan: In 2025, we will develop and implement a comprehensive coastal management plan that addresses environmental sustainability, mitigates erosion, and enhances the resilience of our coastal areas. This plan will be aligned with best practices and community needs to ensure long-term protection and sustainable use of our coastal resources.
2. Net Zero Commitment:
We will aim to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2040, from a 2022 baseline. As we develop our comprehensive carbon reduction plan to achieve net zero, we will assess our readiness to align with the UN Sports for Climate Action framework requirements.
3. Carbon Emissions Reduction: Achieve a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, using 2022 as the baseline year, to mitigate our impact on climate change.
4. Biodiversity and Native Species: Maintain and enhance biodiversity by ensuring 99% of species within the SALT estate are native to the UK. Continue our active policies for removing non-native species, prioritising native species, and integrating nature-positive actions into our landscape management. Aim for no loss of habitat or species from 2023 levels, adapting to climate impacts in line with national biodiversity strategies.
Be seen as a champion and advocate in and of ststainability
O U R P E O P L E O U R P L A N E T
Protect and conserve the natural value and biodiversity of the links and adjacent coastal environment
Actively communicate and advocate across sustainability. Develop both commercial and non-commercial purpose led impactful partnerships
• Publish long term sustainability strategy
• Create a communications plan
• Engage with commercial partners to form innovative partnerships
• Map and engage existing/ potential partners to match SALT criteria
• Present Driving Impact at Partner Gathering
• Create non-commercial partnerships
• Establish governace structure including Steering Group
• Establish Sustainability Management System to embed into operations and governance
• Establish Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire and Sustainable Procurement code to evaluate and align suppliers to SALT targets
• Support UK/Scottish initiatives
• Identify collaboration opportunities with UK suppliers/manufacturers to shorten the supply chain
• Measure and track the economic impact of SALT to the local area
Increase biodiversity and natural capital value of the site
• Benchmark natural capital value of the Links and coastal strip
• Work with partners and experts to create a Coastal Management Plan
• Feed into local/national Biodiversity Action Plans
• Maintain biodiversity and nature positivity
• Implement youth engagement around nutrition
Increase the number of unrepresented groups at St Andrews Links and the wider golf community
Set targets to increase the number of underrepresented groups at SALT to achieve equality by 2030
• Benchmark golf participation and coaching demographics
• Develop plan to attract diverse audiences
• Continue to deliver SALJGA programmes ensuring gender equality
• Implement female-led initiatives/coaching
• Create Golf Positive Impact Tournament
• Create internal sustainability training
• Develop plan for affordable accommodation and transportation for staff to SALT
• Wherever possible encourage hybrid working
• Work with local businesses to improve transport
• Gather diversity and sustainability awareness data
Embed sustainability into staff roles, development and internal communications
• Be an encouraging employer through sustainability programmes and development
• Continually
• Produce carbon emission inventory
• Develop carbon reduction plan across SALT
• Document existing food procurement and communicate externally
• Establish a supply chain decarbonisation plan
• Identify Carbon Compensation Plan using green assets
• Continue to manage and monitor resource consumption through GEO Certification
• Establish Waste and Resource Management Plan
• Increase water efficiency through technology
• Develop water strategy plan
SALT was named as a finalist in the 2024 Scottish Golf Tourism Awards in the Best Golf Course (£250 and over) and winner in the Sustainability Project category.
Embrace new technologies and methods of operating to become a more sustainable business.
Strive to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.
The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognise that tending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15- year plan to achieve the Goals.
PLAY GREEN LIVE GREEN Driving Impact
PLAY GREEN, LIVE GREEN 2023/2024 SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT
ANDREWS LINKS TRUST CHAMPION A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IN SPORT
St Andrews Links Trust already has a strong baseline for environmental practices, such as our greenkeeping department’s ‘Living Landscape’ initiative which has facilitated the Trust being awarded a GEO Certification. We have won a number of awards for our land management practices, namely in 2003, winning the Scottish final of the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association’s environmental competition and in 2009, we received the Golf Course Environment Award from the Sports Turf Research Institute for protecting the ecology of the Links landscape.
In addition, we have been taking action to protect the West Sands and Out Head sand dunes to ensure their habitats, form and function are preserved. Further efforts have been established to reduce our carbon emissions, such as introducing electric buggies, mowers and utility vehicles. We are also placing more emphasis on responsibly managing waste, with 100% of ‘business’ waste now being recycled, 100% of green waste being composted, we have transitioned to 99% online tickets and renewal systems to avoid paper waste, and 100% of all waste is diverted from landfill. Finaly, we are making more deliberate choices to ensure responsible procurement, such as recyclable poly packaging bags, recycled materials in our branded retail materials, and the local procurement of food.
GEO Certification
In the social impact realm, we have taken action to ensure we are giving back to the local community, particularly through St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association (SALJGA). Established in 2001, it works to attract more young players through tuition and competitions. During the high season SALJGA will have around 270 members between the ages of 5-18 years old.
2011, 2014, 2017, 2022-2027
Ecological Project of the Year 2023 Winner
Golf Course Environment Award from the Sports Turf Research Institute 2009 Winner
St Andrews Preservation Trust Recognised for outstanding design and clifftop landscapes
Coastal Protection
West Sands and Out Head sand dunes restoration since 2001
St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association Since 2001
St Andrews Links is the first Open venue to be GEO certified and held to date
OUR BUSINESS
• 11,596 kWh generated from solar energy
• 14 Toro electric mowers
• 24 Toro hybrid mowers
• 19 electric utility vehicles and 48 electric buggies
• Toro Lynx ultra-targeted irrigation management system
• 73% of total water sourced, and 100% irrigation water, is from sustainable and monitored groundwater via boreholes
• 99% of all business waste is recycled
• 100% green waste is composted and given to local community for free
OUR PEOPLE
• 250,000 rounds of golf, 99% walking
• 40% of all golfers under age 40
• Dedicated West Sands and Environment Ranger team. Dedicated social media pages for community engagement
• 64 ecological surveys completed
• 15 nature education events
• 12 public beach cleans
• 1098 local community volunteer hours on SALT habitat management
• £20,000 raised for charity
• Over 55 sustainability communications
OUR PLANET
• 368.11 ha of land
• 118.51 ha of habitat, including 79.08 ha of wild grassland 25 ha of sand dunes, 9.8 ha of scrub
• 530 species identified, of which 47 are protected or notable
• 64 breeding pairs of ground nesting birds
• 2.2Ha of conservation rare breed grazing
• 1.5Ha of species rich wildflower meadow
• Corn bunting support project meadows
• Largest and longest running sand dune restoration project in Scotland with 19 nature based enhancements to 2023, increasing dune volumes by 30,000m3.
• Saltmarsh Regeneration project ‘Green Shores’ restoring 800m of coastline
• Operation Pollinator initiative
• Eden Course Nature Area, new 1 Ha of wild grassland and meadow dedicated to biodiversity
• Award winning Kestrel breeding and monitoring programme (24 juveniles fledged and ringed)
• 450 trees planted in 2023
ENHANCING OUR FACILITIES
We are committed to enhancing our facilities. This includes upgrading our infrastructure to improve energy efficiency. We have exciting plans to upgrade our main Clubhouse, such as installing new windows, sustainable heating, and energy saving technology. We are expanding spaces to better accommodate visitors and introducing eco-friendly initiatives to reduce energy consumption and operational cost. These improvements reflect our dedication to creating a more sustainable and inclusive environment.
E-RECEIPTS
Our introduction of e-receipts across our shops supports cutting down on paper waste and reducing our environmental footprint. It allows us to offer a more convenient and streamlined shopping experience, whilst actively contributing to a greener, more sustainable planet. Advancing our sustainability efforts, we’ve successfully reduced the use of plastic bags in our stores by 100,000.
EQUIPMENT UPGRADES
St Andrews Links has upgraded all its photocopying equipment to advanced next-generation devices, opting for a printing technology that prioritises environmental sustainability. As part of our requirements, we conducted a sustainability assessment, revealing significant CO2 emission reductions achieved through this transition. Our analysis indicates the potential to reduce CO2 generation by as much as 86.6%.
CONSERVING WATER AND RESOURCES
As part of our long-term Sustainability Strategy. St Andrews links is planning a major investment in advanced irrigation over the next 6 years. Starting with the Old Course, we will upgrade sprinklers and pipes and ensure their most effective positioning, to reduce water waste. Wetting agents will also be used to improve water retention, ensuring healthier, more sustainable turf. This is a key step in our commitment to maintaining world class courses with smarter water management.
99% of business waste is recycled 100% of green waste composted
We are proud to now source 100% of our irrigation from sustainable carefully monitored groundwater
OUR PEOPLE
With ‘People’ as one of the pillars of our Sustainability Strategy, a number of the goals outlined in this strategy have a read across to the pillars of our People strategy and in particular our focus on Leadership, Talent Retention and Acquisition, and Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
At St Andrews Links we are committed to investing in our people. We have wellbeing champions across the site, mental health first aiders, a women’s network, staff golf lessons, and an active health and wellbeing forum. These initiatives demonstrate our dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff.
SALT is committed to positive change in the golfing community, with a strong focus on making the sport accessible and inclusive for all. Through initiatives like the St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association (SALJGA) and dedicated Young Golfers Rooms at the links, we are actively encouraging the next generation of players. SALT remains dedicated to nurturing young talent and fostering a love for golf among youth, ensuring the future of the sport is bright and welcoming for everyone.
ELECTRIC CARS AND CYCLE TO WORK SCHEME
We are committed to the wellbeing and development of our staff. To support this, we are working on implementing a salary sacrifice scheme for electric cars by 2025, enabling our employes to make environmentally friendly transportation choices more accessible and affordable. Additionally, we are raising our cycle to work scheme limit, encouring staff to adopt healthier more sustainable commuting options.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
St Andrews Links is proud to sign up for the Women in Golf Charter, reinforcing our commitment to diversity and inclusion within the sport. Our goal is to increase participation of women in golf by 10% year on year by creating a more inclusive environment for all. We aim to break down barriers, promote gender equality and ensure golf is a sport where everyone feels welcome and valued.
SANDS AND ENVIRONMENT RANGERS
The objective of our West Sands and Environment Rangers is to safeguard and enrich the natural and cultural heritage of our landscape and environment. They oversee the management and maintenance of the iconic West Sands beach and dune system, a significant community asset. Additionally, they collaborate with the greenkeeping department to fulfill our environmental, biodiversity, and sustainability goals for the links courses and coastline. Their responsibilities include overseeing the largest sand dune restoration program in Scotland and establishing connections between the local community and SALT through natural avenues.
15 beach cleans
100 volunteer hours
15 educational events
Coastal Explorers program for 6-10
WEST SANDS RANGER SERVICE
year olds
Restored 5 acres of wildflower meadows
5 new sand dunes
65 ecological surveys
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2024
Conducted 15 beach cleans and engaged various local community groups and individuals, totaling 100 volunteer hours in support of environmental management.
Organised 15 educational events catering to primary, secondary, and further education levels, including the Coastal Explorers program for 6-10 year olds. They also facilitated field studies and site visits for colleges and universities.
Restored 5 acres of wildflower meadows, established 5 new sand dunes, and conducted over 65 ecological surveys to enhance biodiversity.
Successfully managed non-golf visitors to promote responsible and sustainable public access to the local coast and beach, ensuring safety and protection.
COASTAL PLAN 2024
Developed in early 2024, the Coastal Plan builds upon previous management plans and studies, aiming to secure the coast beyond 2033 by implementing nature-based and adaptive actions to mitigate climate impacts.
GREEN SHORES PROJECT
Led by the University of St Andrews, the Green Shores project aims to restore saltmarshes within the Eden estuary, supported by Nature Scot. SALT actively contributes to this initiative, aligning with coastal security objectives outlined in the Dynamic Coast report.
OUR PLANET
St Andrews Links has proudly partnered with Bluewater to supply purer, healthier water in a sustainable manner. This initiative reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility and health. Bluewater’s advanced systems have been installed across all our sites, ensuring easy access to high-quality water for everyone. This collaboration not only enhances the experience of our visitors and staff but also significantly reduces our ecological footprint by minimising the use of single- use plastics and promoting a greener, more sustainable approach to hydration.
SALT staff participate in regular beach cleanups, marking a significant step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability and community support. Continuously exploring new methods to champion eco-friendly practices, SALT is dedicated to making a positive impact both on the environment and within local communities. This initiative is the beginning of our journey towards fostering a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
Recognising the impact of transportation on our carbon footprint, we have taken proactive steps to travel greener. Our introduction of the new travel portal is designed to guide our team to the most sustainable travel options, making eco-friendly choices easier and more accessible. It also allows us to report on all our travel-related emissions and overall carbon footprint. This initiative not only aids in reducing environmental impact but aligns with our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability within our culture.
COASTAL MANAGEMENT
St Andrews Links, in collaboration with national and local agencies such as Nature Scot, Marine Scotland, Fife Council, and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, has undertaken significant efforts to manage and protect the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) at The Eden Estuary and West Sands beach. Notable projects include the restoration of four low areas of dune and the construction of two new ‘clavicular gate’ dunes. Additionally, an innovative nature-based dune solution has been developed to address erosion along the Jubilee shoreline, with plans for a delivery phase currently under discussion and planning. Further, support has been provided for the restoration of 800m of saltmarsh as part of the University of St Andrews ‘Green Shores’ project.
HABITAT MANAGEMENT
Through partnerships with organisations like RSPB and Syngenta’s ‘Operation Pollinator’ programme, we have implemented various habitat management initiatives. Collaboration with RSPB has led to the creation of Corn Bunting meadows, reversing the decline of this bird species in Scotland. Additionally, efforts to support pollinating insects through wildflower meadows have resulted in the addition of 0.6Ha in 2023. These initiatives contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, with the Links recognised as an important part of the BCT/RSPB ‘Bee Line’ along the northeast coast of Fife.
The ongoing sand dune restoration programme on West Sands, which involves over 2500 individual volunteers, has been recognised as an exemplar nature-based restoration project. This project was showcased at COP26 by JNCC and is subject to a Scottish Government funded ‘Coastal Climate Adaptation’ case study. Furthermore, St Andrews Links’ coastline and estate serve as a Scottish Government/Nature Scot Dynamic Coast ‘Supersite’, contributing valuable data to inform future scenarios and recommendations for the next 30-50 years.
WEST SANDS RANGER ACTIVITIES
CASTLE COURSE KESTREL BREEDING PROGRAM
Since 2018, SALT has provided a high-quality nest site for Kestrels on the Castle Course, monitoring and tagging breeding birds for identification. Through continuous monitoring, 24 birds have successfully fledged, contributing to grassland rough management and biodiversity support.
SAND DUNES, CLIMATE ADAPTATION, AND NATURE-BASED COASTAL MANAGEMENT
SALT has utilised nature-based solutions since 2001 to mitigate climate-driven impacts, particularly through sand dune restoration. Recognised nationally and internationally, the programme was showcased at COP26 and shortlisted for prestigious awards. Recent initiatives include dune restoration post-winter storms and collaborative projects with Fife Council and the Scottish Government.
WEST SANDS RANGER SERVICE
HEBRIDEAN SHEEP GRAZING PROJECT AT OUT HEAD
Continuing the grazing project at Out Head on West Sands, SALT managed 35 ewes in 2023, promoting species-rich grasslands, local livestock farming, rare breeds, pollinators, and breeding birds.
Establish carbon inventory and introduce carbon reduction initiatives across the business
• Sustainability Management system implemented
• Maintain relevant sustainability certifications (eg. GEO Cetrified)
• Sign up to the Women in Golf Charter
• Establish waste/resource management plan
• Sustainability embedded into roles and agreed working group
• Coastal Management Plan: we will develop and implement a comprehensive coastal management plan that addresses environmental sustainability, mitigates erosion, and enhances the resilience of our coastal areas
Net Zero Commitment: We will aim to achieve net zero carbon emissions
• Sustainable procurement: Ensure 50% of our suppliers sign our Sustainable Procurement Policy.
• Renewable Energy: 100% from renewable electricity by 2025
• Waste Management: Divert 99% of waste from landfill through enhanced recycling and composting programmes
• Sustainablity Training: Ensure 90% of our staff receive annual sustainability training to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to promote and practice sustainability in their daily roles
• Incentives: Implement a salary sacrafice scheme for electric cars
Carbon Emissions Reduction: Achieve a 30% reduction in carbon emission
CARBON EMISSIONS
CARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATION OVERVIEW
In 2022, St Andrews Links Trust undertook its first formal carbon footprint assessment. This process aimed to establish a baseline for carbon emissions in 2022 and calculate total emissions for the financial years of 2020 and 2021.
The assessment, led by SALT, included all major emission sources across our business operations. Emissions were categorised according to standard Scope 1, 2, and 3 classifications, covering energy use, transportation, supply chains, and visitor travel .This visitor travel, while not directly included in our business footprint, plays a crucial role in understanding our overall environmental impact due to the high number of annual visitors.
ANNUAL EMISSIONS OVERVIEW
The carbon footprint results are summarised in the chart below, showing total CO2 emissions (in tonnes) for 2019, 2020, and 2021 across various emission scopes:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions, including supply chain impacts.
Customer Travel: Emissions related to visitor journeys to the golf courses.
Figure 1: Total CO2e emissions (tonnes) by year and scope, including customer travel
CARBON REDUCTION PLANS
Building on the foundation set in previous years, St Andrews Links Trust will expand its carbon footprint calculations. We will continue aligning with international best practices, specifically using the GHG Protocol for Scope 3 emissions and including more precise activitybased data.
Our goal is to refine our methodologies to ensure that our carbon footprint calculations are accurate, reliable, and consistent with industry standards. This includes updating reduction targets based on key business areas such as energy use, transportation, and supply chains. These reduction efforts will be reviewed annually and adjusted as needed to stay on track for achieving our sustainability targets.
IMPROVING DATA ACCURACY
Our primary focus is improving the quality and completeness of the data used in our carbon footprint calculations. By transitioning away from reliance on financial spend data and towards activity-based data, we aim to improve the accuracy of our emissions assessments.
This data improvement effort will include collaborations with suppliers, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that all aspects of our business operations are aligned with our sustainability goals. As part of this effort, we will introduce an annual carbon data quality score to measure the effectiveness of our data collection processes.
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
St Andrews Links Trust recognises the significant effort required to meet the best practice standards for carbon accounting. However, all departments are fully committed to achieving these goals and working towards the long-term target of net-zero emissions.
CARBON FOOTPRINT METHODOLOGY
The calculation was conducted in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the global standard for corporate carbon accounting. This involved determining which operations were relevant for our business’s footprint and ensuring that the data used for these calculations were accurate and comprehensive.
In 2022, most of the data used was based on financial spending related to emissions sources. However, activitybased data (which includes specific details such as fuel use and materials) is seen as more accurate. Going forward, we aim to increase the use of such data for better precision in future assessments.
BUSINESS DRIVERS INDUSTRY DRIVERS GLOBAL DRIVERS
SALT has committed to setting robust emissions reduction targets to achieve net zero
Capitalise on operational efficiency opportunities from decarbonisation
Meet and exceed stakeholder expectations of the Home of Golf
Golf courses contribute to golf’s reputation as a carbonintensive sport
Keep pace with industry peers progress on decarbonisation
Live up to growing golf industry expectations on custodians of the game such as SALT
PURPOSE
As of 2024, we have exceeded 1.2°C warming above preindustrial levels
The impacts of climate change are tangible and growing in frequency and intensity around the world
Reduce SALT’s contribution to climate change by setting emission reduction targets and a net zero target date.
Alignment to standards: Greenhouse Gas Protocol Reporting Period: January 2022 – December 2022 (FY) Approach: Operational control
The operational control approach was chosen because:
The approach best captures the activities an organisation is directly responsible for and where a business can take meaningful action.
Choose the appropriate methodology
Confirm SALT’s organisational boundary and what is included / excluded from your footprint
THE MEASUREMENT OF SALT’S CARBON FOOTPRINT FOLLOWED A FOUR-STEP PROCESS
Confirm SALT’s emissions inventory Identify and collect the relevant data
Identify the relevant activities and emission sources that are within your organisational boundary
Collect the data and supporting context on the identified emission sources and activities
Calculate SALT’s carbon footprint
Based on the data available, complete the calculation of SALT’s carbon footprint
Your carbon footprint vs your sphere of influence: The objective of the boundary is to ensure that it “appropriately reflects the GHG emissions of the company and serves the decision- making needs of users”.
WHAT A CARBON FOOTPRINT SHOULD CONSIDER
+ emissions related to wider sphere of influence (eg. funding grants, socail media etc.)
Measured to help inform actionnot required to be reported
Measured and Reported
+ visitor travel
Operational control with targets
FOCUS OF THE PROJECT
CLIMATE TRANSITION PLAN
As a globally recognised golf destination, St Andrews Links Trust is committed to addressing climate change and reducing our carbon footprint. This Climate Transition Plan outlines the steps we will take over the coming years to meet our carbon reduction targets and transition to a sustainable future. Our plan aligns with global best practices and supports the overarching goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
Our primary goals are:
Aim to achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2040 with an interim goal of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to our baseline year, 2019.
Enhance Data Quality by improving our methods for measuring and tracking emissions, shifting from spend-based to activity-based data for more accurate reporting.
Collaborate with Stakeholders, including our suppliers, partners, and customers, to ensure that our climate efforts are supported across all areas of our business.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
The initial phase focuses on setting up strong data management practices and beginning carbon reduction efforts.
1. Improving Data Quality
We will transition from financial spend-based carbon data to activity-based data, which provides more detailed insights into our emissions. This includes tracking fuel usage, material consumption, and travel distances more accurately.
We will introduce an annual Carbon Data Quality Score to assess how well we’re improving the accuracy and completeness of our emissions data.
2. Departmental Carbon Reduction Plans
We will develop reduction plans for specific areas of the business, such as energy consumption, supply chain emissions, and travel. These plans will aim to achieve a 10% reduction in energy usage over the next three years by implementing energy efficiency measures and exploring renewable energy options.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
We will actively engage with our visitors, suppliers, and internal teams to promote sustainability and encourage participation in our carbon reduction initiatives. This includes educating visitors on how they can help reduce their own carbon footprints.
2025–2030 – ACCELERATING
REDUCTIONS
During this phase, we will focus on expanding our efforts to make more significant reductions in emissions.
1. Transition to Renewable Energy
We will invest in renewable energy solutions, such as adopting energy-efficient systems across our facilities. Our goal is to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 30% by 2030, primarily through energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy use.
2. Sustainable Supply Chain
We will collaborate closely with suppliers to reduce Scope 3 emissions, aiming for a 30% reduction in supply chain emissions by 2030. This will include sourcing materials from low-carbon suppliers and optimising logistics to reduce emissions from transportation.
2030–2040 – ACHIEVING NET ZERO
In the final phase, we will focus on eliminating or offsetting any remaining emissions to achieve net-zero.
1. Sustainability at the Core
All future projects and investments will be aligned with our climate objectives. By 2026, we will ensure that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our operations.
2. Carbon Removal and Offsetting
We will explore new technologies for carbon capture and participate in verified offsetting schemes to neutralise any emissions that cannot be eliminated through direct action.
3. Customer Travel Initiatives
To mitigate emissions from customer travel we will work with transportation providers to offer low-emission travel options and encourage visitors to participate in carbon offset programs for their journeys to our golf courses.
MONITORING AND REPORTING
We will publish an Annual Climate Impact Report that outlines the progress we’ve made toward our emission reduction goals. This report will include:
Emission Totals: A breakdown of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Carbon Data Quality Score: A measure of how accurate and comprehensive our data is each year.
Progress Toward Targets: Regular updates on our progress toward both short-term and long-term carbon reduction goals.
Digital and Technology: Being one of the components in improving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions within the business.
Our reports will be aligned with recognised global frameworks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), to ensure transparency and accountability.
GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY
An independent Sustainability Advisory Group will be established to provide expert advice and ensure that our efforts remain aligned with best practices in carbon reduction and sustainability.
3. Continued Collaboration
We will maintain close relationships with our partners, suppliers, and visitors to ensure that emissions reductions are sustained over the long term. Our collaborative efforts will remain crucial to our success in achieving net-zero emissions.
St Andrews Links Trust is fully committed to reducing its environmental impact and working towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. Through this Climate Transition Plan, we will take significant steps toward achieving our climate targets, ensuring that we remain a leader in sustainability within the golf and leisure industries.
Overall responsibility and accountability for sustainability and climaterelated programme performance across St Andrews Links Trust. Development, management and monitoring of the sustainability strategy, management system and climate-related actions and procedures.
Two-way communication between the Working Group and departments on sustainability actions and progress, and lead advocacy for behaviour change across the business.
Operational delivery of the sustainability strategy and climate action plans, and implementation of the management system procedures and reporting of performance.
