Finca Cortesin has become the first course to obtain the seal of quality for efficient golf course irrigation using regenerated water.
The course, which in September 2023 will host the Solheim Cup, has met the parameters established for granting this distinctive seal, which other golf courses that receive regenerated water from Acosol for irrigation are also eligible to apply for.
Carlos Cañavate, general manager of Acosol (a public utility company operating under the auspices of the Association of Western Costa del Sol Municipalities), highly values the granting of this first distinction to a course that has always been resolutely committed to sustainability and excellence. "With this distinction,” he says, "we highlight the value of efficient water management, and in this case regenerated water. To obtain this distinctive seal, courses must meet a series of requirements that are included in a protocol developed by the company Xtratega and which comprise very simple methodology.”
Another important aspect highlighted by Cañavate is "the importance of different golf sectors being involved in the development of the criteria for awarding this distinction, including the Royal Spanish and Andalucian Golf Federations, and the Spanish Association of Greenkeepers, in addition to a flagship course – in this case Finca Cortesin – which has served as an evaluation model.”
According to Manuel Cardeña, chief executive officer of the entity, "Acosol has carried out various initiatives in order to value the use of regenerated water for golf course irrigation, and granting the first seal of quality to Finca Cortesin is a good way to start this journey, as they have been part of the pilot experience for this distinction, and they meet the necessary requirements.”
Cardeña also highlights the fact that "this seal of quality will be a reference point for the irrigation of golf courses using regenerated water, as it is specific for the use of such water and completes the wide range of existing certificates".
Vicente Rubio, general manager of Finca Cortesin, notes, “We are very proud to be the first course on the Costa del Sol to receive this environmental certificate. For us, respect for and care of the environment has been and will remain one of our main concerns. Hand in hand with Acosol, we have been irrigating our golf course with 100 per cent regenerated water since the beginning, more than 16 years ago, and it fills us with satisfaction to be an example for other golf courses of how to maintain a high-level course using only regenerated water.
"Now more than ever, as the venue for the Solheim Cup in 2023, our environmental commitment becomes even firmer and more demanding, and we are delighted to work together with Acosol so that Finca Cortesin continues to meet the expectations of all golf lovers in a natural environment of high ecological value.
From now on, the seals will be awarded to other courses that meet the requirements, and they also have the option of requesting these distinctions themselves.
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Carlos Cañavate León – general manager of Acosol
Why has Acosol taken the initiative to create this seal?
This seal of quality will be a reference point for the irrigation of golf courses using regenerated water, as it is specific for the use of such water and completes the wide range of existing certificates such as the “Environmental Management System ISO 14001” certificate, the “GEO Certified Golf Course” certificate and the “Audubon Certified” seal, currently highly valued both nationally and internationally.
The creation of this seal is a demonstration of our firm commitment to the environment and to efficient water management and, in this case, regenerated water. Courses must meet a series of requirements to qualify for the distinction, such as irrigating with regenerated water and having an optimal irrigation system, which serves both to minimise the need for water and to stimulate the need to save it, among other aspects.
The Costa del Sol is the premier golf destination in Europe. What do you think it means for the sector to also aim to be leaders in sustainability?
Our main objective, at the level of environmental management, is to carry out good practices for the irrigation of golf courses, complying with current regulations and favouring protection of the environment, and promoting sustainability and the rational use of water in a real and effective way.
Would Acosol be the entity that provides the largest quantity of regenerated water in Europe for the irrigation of golf courses?
Thanks to the latest initiatives carried out between Acuamed and Acosol, we can now offer regenerated water to all the golf courses that are in our sphere of action.
We do not know if we are the entity that provides the largest amount of regenerated water for this purpose, but we do know that we have become a benchmark at the European level. Acosol has undertaken various initiatives to value the use of regenerated water for golf course irrigation, and to provide a sustainable and optimal service.
In addition, we are aware that the golf segment plays a fundamental and essential role in balancing the seasonal nature of tourism in this destination, and is a key part of the area’s socio-economic engine. Hence the importance that Acosol attaches to supporting the work carried out by golf courses on the western Costa del Sol, so the creation of this seal was of vital importance.
Is the quality of regenerated water provided by Acosol at a sufficiently high level for golf course irrigation?
Regenerated water supplied by Acosol complies with all the quality standards established for this purpose in Royal Decree 1620/2007, and it is used by many golf courses without noteworthy incidents.
However, from the first moment we have been in constant contact with the various golf course managers, responding to their suggestions and providing as many clarifications as might have been necessary.
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Francisco de Lancastre – director of golf and leisure operations at Finca Cortesin
What does it mean for Finca Cortesin to be the first to receive Acosol’s seal of quality?
Finca Cortesin is proud to be the first golf course to receive Acosol’s seal of quality. Since our beginnings we have used 100 per cent recycled water from Acosol for our irrigation, so we have had a relationship with the institution for more than 16 years. I think it is a very positive initiative that Acosol is committed to certification, and we hope that many other golf courses can also achieve it and improve their sustainability policy.
In addition to the use of regenerated water for golf course irrigation, what are Finca Cortesín’s other commitments to sustainability?
Finca Cortesin has always been solidly committed to the sustainability of our golf course and resort. We appreciate that it is a critical issue and that we all have the responsibility to do everything possible to be more sustainable. At Finca Cortesin, in addition to using 100 per cent regenerated water for our irrigation, we also have the ISO 14001 environmental certification and have opted for several other initiatives, such as planting Bermuda Mini Verde greens, which is a much more sustainable grass for our region – and it guarantees excellent playing conditions. We have also changed plastic bottles on the golf course for other types, which enables us to eliminate more than 32,000 plastic bottles a year; we have installed a colony of bees that allows us to produce our own honey, as well as enrich the ecosystem; and we are in the process of concluding our certification with the prestigious international GEO foundation.
