The new equipment was provided by Wind & Solar Specialists, and will reduce total electricity usage at the Dakota City, Neb., property by 39%, with the energy savings offsetting the costs of installation. In other environmental news, May River GC in Bluffton, S.C., has been named a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary after two years of work toward the designation.
Old Dane Golf Club in Dakota City, Neb., unveiled its new solar panels and wind turbine during a recent open house, the Dakota Dunes (S.D.)-based Siouxland News reported.
“We fired up a solar trailer for making smoothies and juice at the farmer’s market. That’s where we came into contact with wind and solar specialists,” said Peter Andersen, whose father owns the property, the News reported.
The new equipment was provided by Wind & Solar Specialists, and they believe this is just the start of small business’ investment in renewable energy in the area, the News reported.
“We have talked to several businesses, farms, residential, in the area that are looking to do the same thing. Each project is a little different so they may not use the same size but we’ve talked to several,” said Steve Devos with Wind and Solar Specialists.
This idea was something the owners always dreamed of, the News reported.
“My dad, Brice, had always been interested in wind energy and they had grants available. So, eventually we had enough for the system,” said Andersen.
Old Dane’s investment in renewable energy will pay for itself, offsetting the cost of installation by using significantly less electricity, in hopes that the fairways remain green for years to come. The newly installed wind turbine and solar array offsets 39% of total electricity usage at Old Dane, the News reported.
In other environmental news, the May River Golf Club at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C., has been named a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The official designation from Audubon International ushers the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature into an education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment.
Over the course of two years, the club’s Golf Course Superintendent Chris Johnson was tasked with submitting volumes of information and reports about the May River Golf Club’s environment stewardship for review. After careful consideration, Audubon International awarded the May River Golf Club certification in all seven categories, including case study, environmental planning, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, and water quality management.
Lined with century-old oaks and serene native landscapes, the May River Golf Club runs 7,171 yards with several holes perched on the banks of the May River, offering a cool breeze and views of the marsh and dramatic tidal shifts.
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