Carnoustie Golf Links swings huge water savings

Three prestigious golf courses in Scotland have reduced their operating costs and become more energy and water efficient in the process.

Carnoustie Golf Links, the venue for the 147th Open Championship in 2018, has become more energy savvy helping to reduce operating costs across its three golf courses, through support from utility management specialists Orchard Energy.

Orchard Energy has advised approximately 25 courses across the UK over the years to increase their awareness of energy and water use. Working closely with each client they have helped develop energy and water management strategies that ensure courses are maintained in excellent condition.

All of Carnoustie Golf Link’s courses, the Championship, Burnside and Buddon, are all rated in the top 50 Links courses in the UK and Ireland. The Championship Course is one of the very few courses in the UK to have hosted seven Open Championships, one Ladies open and a Seniors Open (twice). Golfing greats who have won at Carnoustie include Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Tom Watson.

Links Superintendent Sandy Reid responsible for the overall management of the three courses said: “The audits carried out by Orchard Energy have ensured that we have a good understanding of where and when we’re using energy and mains water throughout the facility. This has provided me with vital data to feedback to our environmental sub-committee.

“Orchard has highlighted cost savings and alternatives to ensure we can cut our usage and negotiated contracts on our behalf which has taken the hassle away and helped streamline our processes. Carnoustie is one of the world’s most prestigious golf links with a long history, but we are modern enough to move with the times and we continue to seek news ways of reducing costs and improving the golf experience for our members.”

Orchard Energy is urging other golf courses to check their water usage and energy bills ahead of the deregulation of the English non-domestic water market in April 2017, which will give organisations choice in their water supplier. Scotland was the world’s first country to introduce competition to the non-domestic water market in April 2008, clearing the way for Scottish businesses to choose their water and waste water service providers.

Gareth Henderson, managing director for Orchard Energy, said: “Golf courses use a vast amount of water through regular irrigation to ensure they remain in top condition, so it’s important to find ways to bring costs down. Next year the non-domestic water market is set to change, giving organisations across England an opportunity to negotiate better prices and choose a company that really delivers an excellent service.”

To receive advice on switching water supplier please email Orchard Energy’s water team on water@orchard-group.co.uk