Who would have said that a culinary magazine from the late 20th century had a hand in shaping a fundamental term in today’s sustainability lexicon? The Oxford English Dictionary attributes the creation of the term “carbon footprint” to an issue of BBC’s Vegetarian Good Food magazine from April 1999. Before that, conversations primarily centered on subjects like sustainability and ecological footprint. However, “carbon footprint” managed to crystallize a pivotal concept: our impact on our environment is measurable. It encompasses everything, from the morning coffee we sip to the light bulb illuminating our bedtime reading, even the paper our favorite book is printed on.
In essence, the term “carbon footprint” has broadened the scope of sustainability, encompassing all human activities, whether personal or industrial. In this context, the world of sports is also awakening to the importance of sustainability. Because of its social impact and global audiences, it is a field in which not only decarbonization is at stake but also the possibility of offering an example to millions of people worldwide, with sportsmen and women as drivers of change for new generations. ACCIONA has already taken steps in this direction by sponsoring events like the Extreme E rally for electric cars. In 2021, we embraced an entirely different challenge: making golf not only an eco-friendlier sport but also a force for positive change in the environment.
Golf, a tradition dating back to the 15th century, is deeply entrenched in history. The Old Course in Scotland, dating to 1552 and hosting the Open thirty times, serves as a testament to the sport’s heritage.
It is precisely this prestigious competition that we’ve chosen to drive the idea of regenerative golf. We understand that there is a long journey ahead, but our sponsorship of the Open de España for the past three editions has already transformed it into the first European Golf Tour event that not only offsets its CO2 emissions but actively contributes to decarbonizing the planet.
We embraced a different challenge, making golf a more eco-friendlier sport and a force for positive change in the environment.
At ACCIONA, we are used to undertaking infrastructure projects where sustainability is at the heart of every stage – from sourcing renewable energy and materials to nurturing our forests. We applied the same holistic approach for the Open de España, held annually at the Club de Campo de Madrid in the capital of Spain.
Our considerations encompassed renewable energy usage, as well as such as employing reusable materials, encouraging public transport, offering local and vegetarian-focused catering, and promoting employability in underserved communities – including volunteers and young participants. These facets converge around three core principles: mobility, circular material and waste practices, and sustainable energy initiatives.
Our commitment to this tournament was founded on the aspiration to make it a leading example of sustainability and a catalyst for positive change, striving to be a beacon of continuous improvement that propels the transformation of elite sporting events.
To achieve this, we’ve implemented an array of measures, starting with sustainable mobility, the most significant contributor to the tournament’s carbon footprint. Our efforts include deploying 100% electric shuttles in collaboration with the Madrid City Council, employing a 100% electric fleet for players and sponsors, and expanding the network of electric charging stations.
Regarding waste and energy consumption, we’ve bolstered circular practices by introducing modular, reusable furniture and infrastructure for future editions. Additionally, we’ve taken a firm stand against single-use plastics in catering and with our suppliers. Speaking of catering, our focus has been on selecting local and sustainable products, emphasizing vegan cuisine. One of the most notable advances in the 2023 edition has been the installation of photovoltaic panels, which, with their 3900-kWh output, have contributed nearly 20% of the total energy used.
In terms of generating a positive social impact, we’ve collaborated with local suppliers to ensure that the region reaps the social benefits.
Thanks to these initiatives, we’ve built a promising track record in terms of environmental conservation and resource circularity, particularly in the realm of energy. Throughout three editions, we’ve achieved a 25.6% reduction in the carbon footprint per attendee, offset 2865 tons of CO2, and planted 5500 trees, the equivalent of fifteen soccer fields.
Furthermore, these three editions have paved the way for a strategic approach to address our Water Footprint in the coming years, primarily focusing on categories indirectly affected by embedded water. These include food, merchandise, uniform products, materials, transportation, and energy. Our objective is to implement Positive Water Solutions in the near future, aimed at curbing water consumption.
"We have reduced each attendee’s carbon footprint by 25.6%, offset the equivalent of 2865 tons of CO2"
“The Frenchman Matthieu Pavon has inscribed his name in the select list of winners of the ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid, the deserved destination for an objectively outstanding performance embodied in an unquestionable dominance from start to finish,” announced the Spanish Golf Federation at the end of the event. In addition to the laurels and the financial prize, the French athlete received an unprecedented award in the world of golf. Thanks to him, it is likely that in 2024, he and his team will be the greenest on the circuit.
Since the first edition, we have complemented the official awards with the ACCIONA Emissions Under Par Award. This initiative compensates up to ten times the estimated emissions the winner and their team generate during a complete sports season. We will do this by planting trees in the Community of Madrid that will benefit future generations.
Now, it is time to continue working and betting on an innovative design focused on decarbonization and, even more, on being a pioneer golf tournament in generating positive environmental, social, and economic impact for Madrid.
ACCIONA has installed a lift for salmon in the Nansa River, allowing them to pass the 20-metre barrier that previously prevented them from continuing upstream to the spawning area.
