The Royal Burgess Golfing Society Achieves Esteemed Certification for Sustainability, Celebrates During Scotland’s Climate Week

The Royal Burgess Golfing Society Achieves Esteemed Certification for Sustainability, Celebrates During Scotland’s Climate Week. 

The Royal Burgess Golfing Society of Edinburgh has been awarded the prestigious GEO Certified® distinction, recognising its leadership in sustainability within the world of golf. The certification, awarded during Scotland’s Climate Week, highlights the club's dedication to reducing environmental impact, conserving natural resources, and supporting the local community. This recognition aligns with the national focus on climate action and the important role every sector, including sport, can play in driving meaningful change.

GEO Certified® is an internationally acclaimed sustainability credential for golf clubs, developments, and tournaments. The Royal Burgess Golfing Society joins a growing movement of golf facilities across Scotland and globally leading the way in sustainable practices. By embracing responsible management of landscapes and resources, golf courses can deliver exceptional playing experiences and broader environmental and social value.

Chris Yeaman, Golf Course Manager, commented, “We are incredibly proud to receive GEO Certified® status, especially during Scotland’s Climate Week. This recognition reinforces our goal to provide an outstanding golfing experience and actively adding value through our landscape stewardship and social connections, while striving to drive down resource consumption. Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and this certification is a major testament to our ongoing progress.”

Achieving this voluntary certification is not solely a reflection of regulatory compliance but also a commitment to making a lasting, positive impact. Some of the club’s key initiatives driving these efforts include:

•  Biodiversity Enhancement: Increasing habitat areas and wildlife corridors, with over 50 bird species recorded, including protected species, and an ongoing tree planting and woodland management programme.
• Water Management: Implementing advanced irrigation systems which optimise water use, significantly reducing consumption and promoting responsible resource management.
• Community Engagement: Establishing ties with local schools and groups through educational programmes to promote both golf and environmental stewardship.

“Congratulations to the entire Royal Burgess Golfing Society team for their exemplary work in enhancing biodiversity, managing resources wisely, and strengthening community ties,” said Carole Kerrey, Director at GEO Certification Ltd. “Their achievements showcase how golf facilities can deliver both excellent sporting environments and lasting value for nature and local communities. With Scotland’s Climate Week as a backdrop, it’s a perfect time to celebrate these efforts and encourage even more clubs to take steps toward positive change.”

Andrew Baptie, Head of Club Services at Scottish Golf, added: “We are delighted to see Royal Burgess achieve GEO Certified® status, a true reflection of their commitment to sustainability. At Scottish Golf, we are proud to support clubs in their sustainability journey, offering resources, expertise and guidance to help build a sustainable club in a practical way. This achievement highlights the growing movement in Scottish golf to protect our natural landscapes, conserve resources and engage with communities. We encourage more clubs to take advantage of the support available so we can continue to drive positive change together across the country.”

Looking ahead, The Royal Burgess Golfing Society plans to enhance biodiversity monitoring further, optimise energy use, and expand sustainability initiatives, all aligned with Scotland’s broader climate goals and the ongoing drive to protect natural landscapes.