This past March, we visited Lumine Golf Club to verify the environmental sustainability certification granted by GEO (Golf Environment Organisation), where we were hosted by Tomás Agulló, the Golf Course Superintendent of the golf course. The GEO foundation awards a comprehensive certification, that certifies that a golf course is managed making sure that certain sustainability standards are met. The criteria to meet is defined by the organisation, and it is supported by the Roya & Ancient St Andrews, the European Tour, the ASGCA, EIGCA, CMAA, CMAE, Ryder Cup Europe, and many other high-profile organisations.
The verification process was focused on the assessment of these aspects that play a big role regarding sustainability. The main areas and details about them are listed as follows:
Habitats and biodiversity: Lumine includes a 17 ha wetland called La Sequia Major. This habitat is considered a Espacio de Interés Común para la Generalitat (a designated regional area of interest), where there are protected species, such as la Tortuga d’estany (Emys orbicularis) and the fartet (Aphanius iberus). The resort counts with a bird watching hub, where migrant birds can be observed. La Sequia is integrated in the Red Natura 2000 European Union program. Also, in the ruins golf course, there are roman ruins, such as a roman road, and a stone quarry, as well as a grain silo. All these come from the great roman city Tarraco.
Resources: The 100% of the water used for irrigation, consists of reclaimed water that comes from the water treatment plant of Vila-Seca. Prior to this, the reclaimed water was discharged in the sea, provoking bad smell and a negative perception on tourists and visitors. During the last few years, there has been a reduction of 40 ha of irrigated area in the 3 courses. These areas mainly consist of rough areas away from the line of play and tee complexes. There are 400 sprinklers less, and many circular sprinklers now irrigate as part-circle. In this non irrigated areas, native and low maintenance plant species have been established.
Besides, and with the aim of making a transition from cool to warm season turf species in tees & fairways, they are making trials in hole number 4 of the ruins course. These trials aim to test the performance of the bermudagrass varieties Tahoma and Celebration, with and without overseeding.
Regarding energy, Lumine is about to install 533 solar panels in the rooftop of their water desalinization plant, so that they can produce up to 175kW during the peak time of the day.
Commitment to sustainability: Lumine has obtained the GEO Certification, ISO 14001 and EMAS, and has been awarded with the “Audubon International” (as Gold Signature Program), being a referent example for a sustainable management.