The DP World Tour’s unwavering commitment to sustainability will take centre stage at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed, held at the picturesque Ullna Golf & Country Club just 30 minutes from the Swedish capital, Stockholm, from June 8-11.
This prestigious tournament, co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), and hosted by ten-time Major Champion Annika Sörenstam, was a first-of-its-kind event when it was staged in 2021 and sees 78 men and 78 women compete on the same course for one prize fund and one trophy.
With a multitude of initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, the tournament has cemented its position as one of the greenest events on the DP World Tour calendar and will showcase a comprehensive range of eco-friendly initiatives setting new standards for sustainability within the world of golf.
Sustainability initiatives at Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed:
- Courtesy cars provided by Volvo will be exclusively electric, aligning with the tournament’s vision of zero-emission transportation.
- Almost all public transport shuttles, as well as all buggies used during the tournament, will also be electric, further minimising carbon emissions.
- Eliminating the need for traditional generators, the event will draw all its energy requirements from the grid, significantly reducing emissions.
- Demonstrating a commitment to a more sustainable diet, 40% of public catering will be vegan, promoting eco-conscious food choices.
- Thanks to partners Generation Waste, food waste will be minimised, with any excess donated to local facilities in need.
- All signage, packaging, and event materials have been carefully selected to be compostable, recyclable, or reusable, reducing waste generation.
- To enhance the fan experience, most grandstands have been replaced with chairs, which fans can purchase, with the proceeds going to charitable causes.
- The event’s suppliers are predominantly local, supporting the community and minimising the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
- By utilising mains water sources, the tournament eliminates the need for water transportation, conserving resources and reducing emissions.
- A zero-waste-to-landfill policy ensures that all waste generated during the event will be effectively managed through recycling and composting.
- In a digital age, all tickets will be electronic, minimising paper usage and the emissions of transporting and distributing physical tickets.
- Digital tickets are transmitted electronically, meaning customers can easily buy tickets online or receive tickets on their smartphones. It eliminates the need to wait in long lines at the box office or travel to the pick-up point and reduces the risk of misplacing or damaging traditional paper tickets.
- The television production will have a remote element, reducing the number of European Tour Productions personal on-site by 30 and further minimising carbon emissions.
This forms part of the wider Green Drive programme, which is seeing the Tour use its global reach to become a respected showcase for sustainability that can deliver net positive impacts on the courses, countries and communities visited each season. In 2022 the DP World Tour became the first professional golf Tour in the world to sign up to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework and its Race to Zero pledge, with a commitment to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and become fully net zero carbon by 2040.
While the LET has its own sustainability initiative Celebrating the Green, Presented by Dow which aims to recognise and celebrate the sustainability activity – environmental, human, social and economic – stemming from players, partners, tournaments and venues.
Andrew Lynch, Head of Sustainability at the DP World Tour, said: “The Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed is setting a remarkable precedent in minimising its environmental footprint and unquestionably stands out as one of the most sustainable events on the DP World Tour. Our substantial reliance on renewable sources for electrification, coupled with the complete absence of temporary generators and the provision of an all-electric courtesy car fleet, demonstrates our commitment to driving significant change. By effectively managing food waste and directing any remaining surplus to local food banks and charities, we ensure that resources are utilised responsibly.
“Moreover, our comprehensive approach to event materials guarantees that they are either reused or recycled, leaving no waste destined for landfills. With carbon emissions at the forefront of our considerations, every aspect of event operations follows a ‘reduce, reduce, reduce’ philosophy.”
Claes Nilsson, CEO of We Do Sports, said: “We are extremely proud of the sustainability initiatives implemented here in Sweden at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed. By combining our commitment to the environment with our dedication to equality, we are setting an example for the entire industry. Sweden has always been at the forefront of sustainable practices, and this innovative event demonstrates our unwavering commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.”
Staffan Jonson, Head of Consumer Activations & Brand Spaces, Volvo Car Sverige, added: “The Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed promises to be an exceptional tournament, not only in terms of world-class golf but also in its unwavering commitment to sustainability and gender equality, a core value of everything we do at Volvo Cars. With its pioneering initiatives, the event serves as a benchmark for other golf tournaments to follow, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and sporting excellence can go hand in hand.”
Tickets to the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed are available here. From just SEK 400 extra (on top of a general admission ticket), fans can get access to a raised spectator platform on the 13th and 18th holes, an exclusive parking space, together with a voucher for a meal and drink. This new ‘Premium Ticket’ option is subject to availability.
