In cooperation with the European Tour Group’s ‘Green Drive’ initiative, the 2024 Volvo China Open will implement a number of activities to emphasize sustainability throughout the event. The key areas of focus of this campaign include green transportation, waste reduction, environmentally friendly catering, inclusivity and accessibility, and community legacy. Together these activities will help the tournament continue to push the boundaries of sustainability for golf events.
Low Emission Transportation
Eco friendly transportation has consistently been a cornerstone of sustainability efforts at the Volvo China Open. Last year upon the resumption of the tournament, the organizing committee facilitated shuttle bus services for fans, staff, and media using clean energy buses. This year, additional shuttle services will exclusively feature thethe Volvo EM90, the company's first ever fully electric premium MPV, further reducing carbon emissions throughout the event.
Plastic Waste Reduction
The 2023 Volvo China Open marked the inaugural year of a successful collaboration with Bluewater, Sweden’s leader in water purification technology. In a concerted effort to reduce plastic waste, the tournament prohibited the sale of single-use plastics on-site. Instead, Bluewater installed 17 water purification stations throughout the venue, providing complimentary water to tens of thousands of fans, athletes, and staff. This initiative resulted in an estimated distribution of 130,000 liters of water and prevented 260,000 half-liter plastic water bottles from contributing to environmental pollution. As the tournament eagerly returns to the DP World Tour this year, the number of water stations will be increased to 21, complemented by the addition of a new water wall feature. Furthermore, only eco-friendly cups will be available to spectators, further enhancing our commitment to sustainability.
Green Catering
Adhering to the principles of the 'Green Drive' initiative, all food and beverages served at this year's Volvo China Open will be sourced exclusively from local seasonal ingredients. Our menu selection will prioritize sustainability, offering vegetarian and halal options to cater to diverse dietary preferences. In our commitment to minimizing waste, any food surplus generated during the event will be composted, while all containers utilized will be made from recyclable and biodegradable materials.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
One of the central pillars of the 'Green Drive' initiative is to foster inclusivity within the game of golf, ensuring access for all individuals regardless of gender, age, or disabilities. This year's Volvo China Open, hosted at the Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen, remains committed to this ethos, striving to make the tournament open and accessible to everyone. Efforts are underway to enhance the venue's accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Moreover, the tournament is expanding its social outreach initiatives, including local school programs and collaborations with the Shenzhen Metro Volunteer Federation. These concerted efforts aim to ensure that this year's tournament is even more inclusive and welcoming to all.
Community Legacy
The Volvo China Open is dedicated to contributing to the local community through various means. As the largest golf tournament in China, it attracts numerous spectators, generating significant economic benefits for the city of Shenzhen and particularly the Longgang district. The organizing committee prioritizes local sourcing of raw materials, further bolstering the region's economy. Additionally, the tournament provides employment opportunities for many local residents, fostering the acquisition of new skills and professional development. Importantly, the event's impact extends beyond the duration of a single week, contributing to long-term sustainable development goals in the community.
The European Tour Group’s ‘Green Drive’ initiative is a robust commitment to addressing priority issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, air and ocean pollution, and sustainable and ethical procurement. Launched on World Environment Day, June 5, 2021, as part of the overarching Corporate Social Responsibility program “Golf for Good”, the Green Drive aligns with the United Nations’ “The Decade of Action” and aims to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2040. The initiative is supported by the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf (GEO), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in golf. The Green Drive’s approach to climate action aligns directly with The Paris Agreement and the UN Sport for Climate Framework. The initiative focuses on key areas such as fostering nature, conserving resources, social responsibility and value, and climate action.
In line with the 'Green Drive' initiative, the Volvo China Open remains committed to enhancing its established sustainability endeavors throughout the event. By implementing a diverse array of initiatives, the tournament aims to fulfill and potentially surpass the ambitious standards set by the European Tour Group.
"Since 2021, we've really embedded green and sustainable development principles into every aspect of our event planning, both during and after the event. We've seen some tangible progress towards making the event more sustainable," shared Michel Zhao, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Volvo China Open. "Now, as we move forward, we're at a crucial stage. How we build on our successes and push things further really tests our entire team, especially in areas like providing eco-friendly catering, ensuring fairness and inclusivity, and boosting local prosperity. It's not just about what we do internally, but also about garnering support from the wider community. However, I'm confident that with the guidance of the European Tour Group's 'Green Drive’ initiative, we can overcome any challenges and deliver outcomes that we can all be proud of."
