As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – announces that it is seeing strong growth in first-time membership and recertification applications across its six flagship programs, including Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for Golf, Green Lodging, Green Hospitality and Signature Sanctuary.
Land stewardship, alternative energy development and global climate change are at top of mind for decision makers in many business sectors. A partnership with Audubon International makes more sense with every passing year, and 2023 is no exception.
“We continue to celebrate our 35th anniversary as a leader in implementing, teaching and championing sustainability practices for outdoor spaces ranging from golf courses to parks to cemeteries, and indoor spaces such as hotels and corporate buildings,” says Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International. “We are seeing a solid increase in certification and recertification applications, and Earth Day is the perfect time for golf course and resort operators in particular to join us in planning and implementing a more sustainable future for their businesses, and the planet.”
Related: Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses: More Relevant than Ever
Led by Frank LaVardera, Director of Environmental Programs for Golf, and Kat Welch, Director of Signature Sanctuary Certification, Audubon International’s team of environmental specialists have dozens of site visits across the United States on their spring dockets, mostly for recertifications. The recent addition of an all-encompassing Signature Sanctuary Platinum level for new and redesigned golf courses, as well as their clubhouses and lodging components, has also increased interest in achieving and maintaining the independent, third-party certification that Audubon International offers.
Related: Ken Nice, Senior Director of Agronomy, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Chief Operating Officer Fred Realbuto, who directs Green Lodging and Green Hospitality certification programs, adds that with planned enrollment and recertification rate increases for those programs coming this summer, now is a great time to get started on the path to environmental stewardship success.
“By partnering with Audubon International and leading their properties through the certification journey, owner-operators are finding that being green can actually help, rather than hurt, the bottom line. That’s a huge paradigm shift.”
For more on Audubon International’s certification programs for golf, lodging and more, visit www.auduboninternational.org.
