Redbourn Golf Club is celebrating national recognition after winning the Sustainability Project of the Year award at the 2026 England Golf Awards, honouring its ambitious, whole‑club commitment to environmental responsibility and community‑driven climate action.
A GEO‑certified venue since 2013, Redbourn has demonstrated more than a decade of independently verified progress in sustainable course management.
The club now operates entirely on certified zero‑emissions electricity, avoiding over 44 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024. Independent carbon auditing confirms that Redbourn’s extensive woodlands, roughs, and naturalised areas sequester significantly more carbon than the club emits from energy and fuel use—placing the site firmly in a net‑positive carbon position.
Redbourn’s circular approach to resource management is equally strong. A zero‑to‑landfill policy ensures all waste is recycled, composted, or recovered for energy, while a newly approved on‑site solar PV system will further cut emissions and strengthen long‑term energy resilience.
At the heart of the club’s sustainability programme is the restoration of the River Ver, a rare chalk stream flowing through the course. Working with environmental partners and supported by dedicated volunteers, the project aims to improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and boost biodiversity. The initiative also raises funds for local charities, demonstrating how environmental stewardship can deliver meaningful social impact.
Richard Stilwell, General Manager at Redbourn Golf Club, said: “It's important to us because it's fantastic recognition that I feel we all deserve as a collective.
“There's been so much hard work. There's been so much collaboration – Redbourn, BGL Golf, and the partners we’ve worked with.
“There's been just an incredible amount of hard work so to see this all come together, is recognition for everyone that has worked collaboratively with Redbourn Golf Club.
“Sustainability in golf, isn’t really thought of enough or is actually almost looked down upon with certain chemicals that go in the ground, but moving forward with best practices and environmental practices can make such a huge difference.”
Through long‑term certification, strong governance, and active community involvement, Redbourn Golf Club is showing what sustainable golf looks like in practice—and how clubs can lead positive change both on and beyond the course.
The club now operates entirely on certified zero‑emissions electricity, avoiding over 44 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024. Independent carbon auditing confirms that Redbourn’s extensive woodlands, roughs, and naturalised areas sequester significantly more carbon than the club emits from energy and fuel use—placing the site firmly in a net‑positive carbon position.
Redbourn’s circular approach to resource management is equally strong. A zero‑to‑landfill policy ensures all waste is recycled, composted, or recovered for energy, while a newly approved on‑site solar PV system will further cut emissions and strengthen long‑term energy resilience.
At the heart of the club’s sustainability programme is the restoration of the River Ver, a rare chalk stream flowing through the course. Working with environmental partners and supported by dedicated volunteers, the project aims to improve water quality, restore natural habitats, and boost biodiversity. The initiative also raises funds for local charities, demonstrating how environmental stewardship can deliver meaningful social impact.
Richard Stilwell, General Manager at Redbourn Golf Club, said: “It's important to us because it's fantastic recognition that I feel we all deserve as a collective.
“There's been so much hard work. There's been so much collaboration – Redbourn, BGL Golf, and the partners we’ve worked with.
“There's been just an incredible amount of hard work so to see this all come together, is recognition for everyone that has worked collaboratively with Redbourn Golf Club.
“Sustainability in golf, isn’t really thought of enough or is actually almost looked down upon with certain chemicals that go in the ground, but moving forward with best practices and environmental practices can make such a huge difference.”
Through long‑term certification, strong governance, and active community involvement, Redbourn Golf Club is showing what sustainable golf looks like in practice—and how clubs can lead positive change both on and beyond the course.
ENDS
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org
Contact details:
Tom Vale, Press & Media Manager
Tel: 07912 240850
Email: tom.vale@englandgolf.org
www.englandgolf.org