Constellation Improves Sustainability in the Sport of Golf
As the official energy provider of the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America from 2016-2020, Constellation helps homes, businesses and golf facilities maximize every energy dollar. Our mix of clean energy solutions, such as wind and solar resources, helps the PGA of America meet its sustainability goals. We minimize the environmental impact of signature events including the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black by providing Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to match the electricity used during each event. These RECs certify that 100% of the energy used during PGA of America events will be matched with wind generation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
The PGA of America and its members are committed to sustainability in golf by being good stewards of the environment, golf courses and facilities. In 2018, with the launch of PGA Impact, the PGA of America’s first ever social responsibility report, the organization outlined efforts currently underway with Constellation to reduce golf’s environmental footprint along with goals for continual improvement. Through this purpose-driven partnership, Constellation conducts energy-efficiency analyses at golf courses to identify areas where clubs can reduce energy consumption.
Constellation works with golf facilities and country clubs to improve energy efficiency with projects like upgrades to LED lighting, building controls and air handlers. PGA professionals work with local Constellation representatives to identify efficiency measures that can be funded with Efficiency Made Easy (EME).
Through EME, clubs install energy solutions with no upfront capital required so planned renovations, building upgrades and new technologies can be implemented with payments toward efficiency measures showing up as a line item on the monthly Constellation power or natural gas bill. Clubs such as Liberty National in New Jersey and the Pecan Grove Country Club in Texas have already taken advantage of this program to reduce energy consumption and realize cost savings.
Constellation also offers clubs access to innovative energy products and services through Constellation Technology Venture’s portfolio of offerings such as ChargePoint, commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. As electric vehicles are becoming more popular, more clubs are considering installing EV charging stations in their parking lots so that members can recharge their vehicles while out on the course. This extra benefit offers members an enhanced guest experience that allows them to be more efficient on the road and with their time.
The PGA’s commitment to innovation is showcased by naming Arjun Chowdri to the newly-created role of chief innovation officer, who is responsible for fostering a culture of innovation and idea generation within the PGA and the broader golf industry. Chowdri’s near-term goals include enabling employees and partners to think creatively and try new ideas – an exciting feat for a sport steeped in tradition. The PGA also has what Chowdri describes as “moon shots,” which are long-term bigger picture ideas around leveraging advances in tangential industries like agriculture, robotics and professional learning development and applying them to the golf space.
Constellation is proud to take action to improve energy efficiency in the sport of golf. Constellation evaluates and invests in new technologies and leverages strategic partnerships to deliver the most cutting-edge and sustainable solutions to our customers.
