Since 2019, the Volvo China Open has demonstrated continuous improvement in the practices of sustainable event development. This year, as the event returns to the DP World Tour, the organizing committee is taking a bold step forward in furthering this commitment to environmental and social responsibility. For the first time, the tournament is coordinating with the European Tour group’s ‘Green Drive’ initiative, underscoring the Volvo China Open’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of sustainability.
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’ “Decade of Action” and aims to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2040. The initiative is supported by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation , an international non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating sustainability in and through golf. The Green Drive’s approach to climate action aligns directly with The Paris Agreement and the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. The initiative focuses on key areas such as fostering nature, conserving resources, social responsibility and value, and climate action.
The European Tour group’s ‘Green Drive’ initiative focuses on several key areas and goals to promote sustainability. These include partnering with GEO Certified golf courses that meet high environmental standards, localizing suppliers to reduce transportation and carbon emissions, using clean and renewable energy sources, promoting recycling and reducing waste sent to landfills, encouraging reusable cups to minimize single-use plastic waste, facilitating eco-friendly transportation options, the implementation of paperless ticketing, and further environmental awareness campaigns. Together these practices demonstrate the Tour’s commitment to sustainable events and activities.
“As the DP World Tour returns to China, we are pleased to work with the Volvo China Open Organizing Committee to jointly strive for the sustainable development of the event,” said Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Head of Sustainability at the European Tour group. “We are very happy to share best practices from our ‘Green Drive’ initiative, give support to the Volvo China Open Organizing Committee, inspire the local community, and to collaboratively work towards the ‘Green Drive’ goals.”
This year marks the first time that the Volvo China Open Organizing Committee has pledged to join the ‘Green Drive’ initiative. However, over the past two years of the tournament, significant progress has already been made in various areas related to sustainability. Notable achievements include the implementation of paperless practices during the event, the elimination of single-use water bottles on site, recycling and waste sorting, water saving practices, and the Hidden Grace Golf Club receiving GEO Certification, demonstrating its commitment to environmentally responsible operations. Moreover, to further reduce operational carbon emissions, this year’s tounament organizing committee will also use Volvo’s Nordic fully electric premium MPV EM90 in commuting services. These proactive initiatives have firmly established the Volvo China Open as a leader for sustainabile golf events in China.
"Volvo Cars, as a pioneering brand in the automotive industry, has always championed sustainable development. Our commitment to environmental protection is deeply ingrained in our core values. In October 2019, we unveiled the 2040 Environmental Plan, which sets an ambitious goal: achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Simultaneously, that same year, the Volvo China Open commemorated its 25th anniversary and actively engaged in discussions surrounding sustainable development initiatives for the event," said said Michel Zhao, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Volvo China Open." This year, we celebrate the return of the Volvo China Open to the DP World Tour for the first time in five years. We're delighted to see that the European Tour Group's 'Green Drive' initiative aligns closely with our commitment to sustainable development. We're eager to leverage the European Tour's wealth of experience to further enhance the Volvo China Open, transforming it into a premier international event that embodies green practices and environmental sustainability."
