As the rest of the world is becoming more focused on sustainability, members and owners want clubhouses to become more eco-friendly as well. There are various ways that clubhouses can strive to have greener futures. Some of the methods are simpler and less expensive to achieve than others. There are also a lot of benefits that come with clubhouses being more sustainable.
Clubhouses, or country clubs as they’re more commonly referred to, became very popular in the 1800s. These properties are used for various sporting activities and boast facilities like restaurants, locker rooms, bathrooms, pro shops, and sporting courses. The type of clubhouse depends on the sport that is played there. Sports include tennis, golf, cricket, swimming, horse riding, badminton, squash, and many others. Most clubhouses require you to have a membership to use the premises.
7 Ways Clubhouses Can Be More Sustainable
1. Energy Supply and Efficiency
Clubhouses get their energy from the National Network through gas and electricity suppliers. This energy is generated using fossil fuels that emit a lot of harmful gasses into the atmosphere. There are alternative energy sources that are renewable and produce clean and green energy. They include solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectricity generators, ground-source heat pumps, air-source heat pumps, biomass heating, and solar thermals. They can be installed on the clubhouse property in miniature versions. An example is using solar panels installed on the clubhouse roof to provide the energy required to power outdoor lighting for the tennis court. You can also use energy more efficiently at your clubhouse. Turn lights and equipment off when they aren’t needed, switch traditional lights to LED bulbs, and install sensors and timers to control when lights are on and off.
2. Water Supply and Saving
Water is usually received from the main supply network, but there are alternative methods to use. This includes making use of boreholes, rainwater harvesting, water courses, and buying water to transport to the clubhouse. There are ways that water can be used more efficiently, which will lower water bills. Water flow can be restricted, and timers can be installed at taps and showers. Taps can be fitted with sensors so that water will only flow when someone is using it. Aerators will reduce the amount of water that comes out of taps and showers at a time while also increasing the pressure. By installing a variable or dual flush in toilets, less water will be used for flushing.
3. Passive Design
This method includes the use of natural and free resources like sunlight and breezes for light and heat. Before you build your clubhouse, you should consider its location and orientation. Natural airflow can be used for ventilation during the summer by making use of open areas. The same air can be used during winter months by a heat recovery unit to heat the spaces. Ensure that the windows are in the best places to make use of natural light for heating and lighting and are double-glazed. You can use curtains and blinds to make sure the space doesn’t overheat. This will reduce the need for artificial lights and heating which will save money. You have to make sure that the walls, ceilings, and floor are properly insulated against unwanted draughts. If the clubhouse is already built, there are other methods that you can use.
4. Heating Systems
Your clubhouse makes use of central heating to provide heat throughout the building. Boilers heat water that goes into radiators for building heat and also provides hot water for taps and showers. These boilers use gas, oil, or electricity. The good idea is to invest and install hot water containers and insulate them to keep the water hot. Insulate hot water pipes to help keep the water warmer for longer. You can invest in renewable energy heating systems that use biomass as fuel and have a lot less emissions. The biomass includes logs, wood chips, wood pellets, and other items. They can heat water, radiators, and even floors. You can install thermostats to make sure that the water and temperature aren’t too high and smart controls to make sure that the temperature isn’t tampered with.
5. Landscaping
Plant the right type of grass and flowers for the area where the clubhouse is so that the right amount of water is used for landscaping. Tennis courts and golf courses have to be easily maintained throughout the year. Make use of greywater and rainwater harvesting systems to water the garden and sports courses. When mowing the lawn or courses, make sure that the equipment is environmentally friendly and doesn’t emit too many greenhouse gasses. Try to use equipment that can be charged with solar or wind power. Make sure that the grass isn’t mowed too often so that fuel can be saved and less gasses emitted. Any fertiliser that is used should be safe for the environment, organic, and used as little as possible.
6. Waste Management
Waste management at clubhouses has to be done efficiently and in a cost-effective way. You have to reduce the amount of waste that is produced by the club by reusing it as much as possible. Investing in reusable materials and items instead of disposable ones is a step in the right direction. Whatever waste cannot be reduced or reused should be recycled through the clubhouse recycling system. The good idea is to use tennis and golf balls that are recyclable and biodegradable. Waste generated by the clubhouse restaurant, including paper products, plastic containers, and glass bottles, should be disposed of in a proper manner. Leftover food that can’t be eaten by employees, or donated to the community, should go to the compost heap. Make sure that there are enough garbage bins and recycling bins for people to use.
7. Awareness
Make sure that clubhouse members and employees are aware of all sustainability efforts. Educate people about the importance of sustainability and how to go about taking part in being more sustainable and doing their part. Create a ‘Green Team’ that consists of several employees who are in charge of making sure all sustainability projects are on track and being followed. Hold monthly meetings with employees to make sure that everyone still understands the projects and to see if anyone has any new ideas.
Conclusion
The article gave a brief detail about what a clubhouse is and what it’s used for. It also listed and explored seven ways that clubhouses strive for a greener future. They include energy supply and efficiency, water supply and saving, passive design, heating systems, landscaping, waste management, and awareness.
