Copt Heath Golf Club is driving forward with ambitious green initiatives as it aims to reduce its carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2030.

The first stage of environmental work has seen more than £50,000 invested in solar energy panels on the clubhouse roof in Knowle, in Warwickshire. Since the installation was completed, the club has saved nearly £5000 in electricity costs and is on target to cut bills by £12000 per annum.

Importantly, it has also resulted in the reduction of CO2 emissions by more than 3100 kg to date - equivalent to planting 190 trees. Copt Heath is now in discussions with Solihull Council with a view to submitting a planning application for a solar farm on land beside the 16th fairway.

The potential £300,000 investment in a solar farm is expected to generate 220,000 kw hours per annum, significantly boosting the 30,000 kw hours per annum from the existing roof panels. Copt Heath’s Neil Ridding, who chairs the club’s environmental and facilities committee, said: “We brought in energy consultants who were able to demonstrate how much energy we were consuming and where it was coming from.

“As well as reducing costs, we strongly believe that we should do all we can to protect the environment by using natural resources, as this will only benefit the course and our members in the long-term.” Future plans include creating a water storage reservoir alongside the course practice area by extending an existing Environmental Agency license to draw water from a bore hole – an initiative which will help maximise natural resources and reduce waste, whilst protecting the course during summer drought conditions.

Elsewhere, the club is committed to investing in more environmentally friendly grounds equipment for the greenkeeping team and installing electric car charging points for members. Sir Terry Morgan, Chairman of Copt Heath, concluded: “As one of the region’s leading golf clubs we have a responsibility to do all we can to protect the environment and our course for future generations.

“By setting an emissions target of Net Zero by 2030 we are demonstrating a real commitment to getting things done.”