Maria leads the Green Drive initiative, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainability.
Golf is a game deeply connected to nature, and its future depends on how well we care for the environment. Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, is at the forefront of this mission, setting a remarkable example for the sports world. Her work spans global events, innovative environmental practices, and efforts to make golf more inclusive and community-focused.
Maria leads the Green Drive initiative, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainability. From using hydrogen-powered broadcasts to developing programs that help fans and players track and offset their carbon footprints, her efforts show what leadership looks like in a complex global sport. Recognized with the prestigious Transformation Award, her work demonstrates the impact of commitment and creativity.
With 44 tournaments across 24 countries, the DP World Tour presents unique challenges—and opportunities. Under Maria’s guidance, sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions but also about creating lasting positive impacts for communities and the natural world. Her story is a powerful example of how sports can inspire meaningful change.
Topics covered:
- Setting the Stage for Sustainability [00:00]
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- Maria introduces the scope of the DP World Tour, spanning over 100 tournaments across various tours.
- Discussion of the organization’s owned and controlled assets, including events, headquarters, and operations.
- Focus on sustainability as a core business principle from the ground up.
- Maria’s Career Journey and Role [2:00]
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- Maria shares her career path, transitioning from communications to partnerships and eventually to sustainability in 2021.
- Her belief in sport as a unifying force for global change.
- How her role aligns her passion for making an impact with the DP World Tour's global operations.
- Golf for Good: A Holistic Sustainability Approach [7:00]
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- Introduction to Golf for Good, launched during the pandemic to address both environmental and social challenges.
- Overview of the program’s three pillars: Green Drive (environmental efforts), G4D Tour (inclusivity), and Golf Futures (community engagement).
- Insights into the importance of combining environmental responsibility with social inclusivity.
- Green Drive and the Transformation Award [11:50]
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- Green Drive’s focus areas: emissions reduction, circular economy, social impact, and nature conservation.
- Recognition of Green Drive with the Sports Positive Transformation Award.
- Discussion on how data and collaboration drive the program's success.
- Tackling Fan and Player Emissions [26:00]
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- Insights into tracking and reducing emissions from fan and player travel, which account for 80% of event emissions.
- Launch of tools for fans to calculate and offset their carbon footprints.
- Upcoming initiatives for players to monitor and offset their emissions through the DP World Tour portal.
- Suppliers and Partnerships in Sustainability [33:00]
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- Maria highlights the critical role of suppliers in achieving sustainability goals.
- Introduction of a supplier award program to recognize sustainable practices and inspire innovation.
- Discussion of the DP World Tour’s partnerships with organizations like GEO Foundation, Gold Standard, and innovative local suppliers.
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Note: Timestamps provided are approximate.
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