Environmental Sustainability Policy

This Environmental Sustainability Policy sets forth the commitment of La Grande Mare Country Club & Golf Course to conduct all operations and management practices in harmony with environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and community engagement. Our goal is to minimize negative environmental impacts while delivering exceptional recreational experiences for all members and guests.

Principles

1: Sustainability & Stewardship

Commitment: Champion sustainable practices that protect and enhance the natural environment for future generations.

Objectives:

Implement sustainable practices that reduce pressures on nature.
Enhance biodiversity through habitat conservation and connectivity.
Monitor and report environmental impact using natural capital indicators.
Support sustainable land and water management practices in line with climate resilience goals.

2: Culture & Community

Commitment: Foster a strong sense of community and advocate for LGM role in supporting Guernsey’s broader sustainability goals.

Promote sustainability initiatives among members, staff, and local communities.
Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all LGM departments.
Raise awareness of nature’s value through education and events.
Support local businesses and community programs through partnerships and events.

3: Sport & Performance

Commitment:
Promote the physical, mental, and social benefits of engaging with nature through sport.

Encourage outdoor activity to promote health and wellbeing
Highlight the benefits of nature-based recreation
Support citizen science and nature learning through sport-related initiatives
Share data and insights from nature interactions on the course.

Policy

To support the guiding principles outlined above, LGM will structure its efforts into key focus areas, each with a set of related objectives. Recognising that not all areas can be addressed simultaneously, priorities will be set in collaboration with directors, Head Greenkeeper, Landscapes Team Leader and Ecologist. These priorities will be guided by:

Emerging opportunities
Available budget and resources
Progress achieved to date

This flexible and responsive approach ensures that actions remain relevant, achievable, and aligned with both operational capacity and long-term sustainability goals.

The areas of focus for action include:

Conservation of flora, fauna, and habitats
Water management
Efficient energy use
Waste reduction and recycling
Safe and minimal use of chemicals
Sustainable purchasing practices
Ongoing education and training

1. Conservation of flora, fauna, and habitats

LGM is committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity across its grounds. This includes:

Undertaking regular ecological assessments to monitor species diversity and habitat condition
Enhancing ecological connectivity through native planting schemes and wildlife corridors
Safeguarding sensitive ecological zones from disturbance or degradation
Collaborating with local conservation organisations to support island biodiversity goals

2. Water management

Efficient and responsible water use is a core environmental priority. LGM will:

Implement and maintain water-efficient irrigation systems with regular monitoring
Track and monitor water use and evapotranspiration to help determine watering needs
Utilise rainwater harvesting to reduce reliance on mains supply
Prevent runoff and protect adjacent water bodies through effective drainage and buffer zones

3. Efficient Energy Use

LGM is committed to reducing energy consumption and transitioning to low-carbon alternatives is essential.

Transition to energy-efficient lighting and equipment
Explore and, where feasible, adopt renewable energy sources
Monitor energy usage to identify and act on efficiency opportunities
Encourage sustainable transport options for staff and members

4. Waste Reduction and Recycling

LGM is committed to minimising waste and promoting circular practices is a key operational focus.

Establish clear and accessible recycling and composting systems across all departments
Eliminate single-use plastics from operations and events
Deliver education on waste reduction for staff and members
Partner with local waste services to ensure responsible disposal and resource recovery

5. Safe and Minimal Use of Chemicals

LGM is committed to reducing chemical dependency and safeguarding environmental health. Actions include:

Adopting integrated pest management (IPM) approaches
Prioritising organic or low-impact alternatives where appropriate
Ensuring all staff are trained in the safe handling and application of chemicals
Monitoring chemical use and its environmental impact, particularly on soil and water

6. Sustainable Purchasing Practices

Procurement decisions will reflect LGM’s commitment to sustainability. This includes:

Sourcing from local, ethical, and environmentally responsible suppliers where feasible
Selecting products with minimal packaging and reduced environmental impact
Embedding sustainability criteria into procurement policies and supplier evaluations
Supporting circular economy initiatives and responsible product lifecycle management

7. Ongoing Education and Training

Building awareness and capability is central to LGM’s sustainability journey.

Provide regular training on sustainability practices for staff and volunteers
Host educational events, such as workshops and guided nature walks, for members and the wider community
Encourage participation in citizen science and biodiversity monitoring initiatives
Share progress, challenges, and success stories to foster a culture of continuous improvement

If you have any questions about this Environmental Sustainability Policy, please contact us.