2017 SEA Summit

Following on from a successful inaugural Summit in 2016, hundreds of attendees flocked to the MCG for the second SEA Summit focussing on sport and its impact on the environment.

Attendees included participants from National, State & Community Sporting Associations Federal, State & Local Government, Facility Managers and Sustainable Service Providers.

International speakers included Viviane Fraisse from the French Tennis Federation, Tim Mohr from the Cleveland Browns and Amy Munro from Land Rover BAR to name a few.

The Summit covered a range of important environmental and sustainability themes, and also included the second #SEAChangeSolutions awards.

#SEAChanger_Awards

FIRST AWARD WINNER - Wollongong Golf Club

Wollongong Golf Club has made a strong commitment to the community and the environment, which is shown through their investment in the areas of sustainability and corporate citizenship. They are continually working with other organisations to develop case studies and assist in the wider education and implementation of improved land and environment practices. Through policies, guidelines and frequent staff training, this organisation has seen some impressive results. Some of these include:

77 million litres of recycled water have been used in the irrigation of the golf course along with 33 million litres of collected tank water. This has completely eliminated the use of town water being used for irrigation.
Over 16 tonnes of carbon has been offset by the turf and vegetation on the golf course.
Over 155 cubic metres of cardboard is recycled each year, reducing the need for landfill and tree felling in the creation of virgin cardboard and paper products.
Over 62,000 litres of plastic and glass are recycled each year, reducing the need for landfill and reducing the need for materials in the creation of virgin product.
24 mattresses were recycled during the refurbishment of several Accommodation apartments (8 king, 12 queen and 4 king single mattresses and ensembles were recycled), reducing waste to landfill.

SECOND AWARD WINNER - Penrith Bowling and Recreation Club

Penrith Bowling and Recreation Club wished to reduce their dependence on grid supplied electricity and looked at solar energy. In 2015, this organisation installed a 61kW solar panel system, with 23 panels.

In the first year of operation, electricity usage has significantly dropped, with the organisation saving over $18k. This has continued throughout the 2016/17 calendar year, with savings increasing, as the organisation’s carbon footprint decreases. It is expected the cost of the solar system will be paid back in under 5 years.

Several other Clubs are now looking at purchasing solar after seeing this winner’s great results.