This conversation takes a look at how golf can honor its connection to nature while adapting to the challenges of a changing world. Whether you’re deeply involved in the sport or just passionate about sustainability, there are lessons here for everyone.
Golf is at a pivotal moment, where the traditions of the game intersect with the pressing need to care for the environment in which we play. Today, I’m speaking with Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability at Southworth Development, whose work is charting a new course for the industry. Her role is not just groundbreaking—it’s essential. As one of the first leaders of sustainability in golf, she’s shaping practices that balance environmental stewardship with the high standards of luxury golf communities.
Eleanor’s journey is inspiring, beginning with her background in environmental law and evolving into a role where she applies those principles in a practical, business-focused way. Her work spans everything from introducing renewable energy solutions to eliminating single-use plastics, all while considering the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Southworth’s properties, which range from Cape Cod to the Bahamas.
This conversation is about what it takes to turn ideals into action. It’s a look at how golf can honor its connection to nature while adapting to the challenges of a changing world. Whether you’re deeply involved in the sport or just passionate about sustainability, there are lessons here for everyone. Let’s hear how Eleanor is leading by example.
Topics covered:
- Start (0:00)
- Eleanor explains the unique challenges of integrating solar and battery storage in land-constrained environments like Willow Bend.
- Discussion of new revenue streams and tax credits available through the Inflation Reduction Act.
- The episode begins with an overview of the podcast's mission to advance sustainability in golf.
- Eleanor’s Background and Journey to Southworth (1:00)
- Eleanor shares how her passion for environmental studies and climate change shaped her career.
- Her transition from environmental law to sustainability in golf reflects her desire to bring environmental science into business practices.
- Eleanor explains how personal connections led her to Southworth at a key leadership transition point.
- Southworth’s Philosophy on Sustainability (6:26)
- Southworth’s “five pillars” reflect a focus on creating meaningful, environmentally conscious communities.
- "Life at Ease" emphasizes reducing members’ mental and environmental stress, tying luxury to sustainable practices.
- "Inspired Environments" connects local ecosystems and cultural elements to Southworth’s developments, such as coral reef nurseries at the Abaco Club.
- Implementing Sustainability Across Diverse Properties (10:51)
- Eleanor describes how her role involves collaboration with nearly 900 employees across properties in Cape Cod, the Bahamas, Virginia, and beyond.
- Conducting materiality assessments helped define sustainability priorities, from energy management to waste reduction.
- Her greatest challenge is managing projects across locations while ensuring tailored solutions for each property.
- Eliminating Single-Use Plastics and Rethinking Waste (13:19)
- At the Abaco Club, limited recycling infrastructure required creative solutions, including working with Swedish water filtration company Nordak.
- Reusable glass and BPA-free plastic bottles are being implemented, replacing single-use plastic bottles in phases.
- Aluminum bottles have been introduced at Willow Bend, showing how solutions vary depending on the region.
- Renewable Energy Initiatives at Southworth (18:16)
- Collaboration with Greenbridge Energy aims to bring renewable energy to Southworth properties.
- In the Bahamas, a solar farm proposal could meet 25% of energy needs and protect against power outages from hurricanes.
- At Willow Bend, pairing solar with battery storage could reduce operating costs, create revenue, and enhance resiliency.
- Linking Environmental and Social Sustainability (24:25)
- Southworth emphasizes local sourcing, such as buying produce and livestock from farmers near the Abaco Club.
- For new development at Creighton Farms in Virginia, Eleanor prioritizes sustainable materials and local vendors.
- Social sustainability ensures Southworth properties contribute positively to their surrounding communities.
- Personal Reflections on Sustainability and Leadership (30:00)
- Eleanor shares how her childhood experiences with Hurricane Katrina and her daughter’s love of nature inspire her work.
- Her extroverted personality helps her build connections across teams, but managing geographically dispersed properties remains a challenge.
- She reflects on her long-term goal: ensuring golf communities remain places of natural beauty for future generations.
Resources & People Mentioned
- Greenbridge Energy – Renewable energy solutions provider.
- Nordaq – Swedish water filtration company specializing in eliminating microplastics and pharmaceuticals.
- Pela Cases – Biodegradable phone covers (mentioned as a personal sustainability inspiration).
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Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
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