• Sustainability Embedded: The tournament integrates net-zero targets, renewable energy use, and zero-waste practices under the European Tour’s ‘Green Drive’ Initiative.
• Strategic Shift: Moving to Enhance Anting Golf Club in Shanghai allows deeper alignment with ESG principles, with the venue undergoing first-time compliance with global green event standards.
• Corporate-Community Synergy: Volvo Cars launches safety and environmental education programs, combining road safety training with sustainable product showcases.

The Volvo China Open is accelerating its sustainability strategy by relocating to Shanghai’s Enhance Anting Golf Club — a move that represents more than a change in scenery. Backed by the European Tour Group’s ‘Green Drive’ Initiative, the tournament is deploying an expanded slate of environmental and social measures as it continues its ESG evolution.

“The shift from Shenzhen Hidden Grace Golf Club to Shanghai Enhance Anting Golf Club is not merely a change in location but a relay of sustainability principles,” said Michel Zhao, Chairperson of the Volvo China Open.

Net-Zero Goals in Motion

The ‘Green Drive’ strategy—established in 2021 and updated in 2022—commits the European Tour to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040. Its focus: carbon reduction, local sourcing, waste minimization, clean energy, and ethical procurement. Select events, including the Volvo China Open, now offset remaining emissions through Gold Standard-certified projects.

“We are committed to meeting the high standards of the ‘Green Drive’ Initiative, striving for perfection in every detail, from energy and water conservation to sustainable catering and waste sorting,” said Ozzie Ling, Executive Director of Enhance Anting Golf Club.

First-Time Compliance for a Historic Venue

As the club hosts a DP World Tour event for the first time in its 20-year history, it faces the dual challenge of upholding international sporting standards while aligning with the event’s rigorous environmental benchmarks. Enhance Anting is also among the world’s top 60 Platinum Golf & Country Clubs—a foundation the tournament is leveraging to build operational excellence and ESG compliance.

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ESG in Action: 2025 Roadmap Highlights

• Paperless Operations: All printed materials replaced by digital communications through QR code scanning.
• Plastic Reduction: Free water stations replace bottled water for all stakeholders; spectators encouraged to bring reusable bottles.
• Low-Carbon Transport: Use of Volvo’s all-electric EM90, clean-energy buses, and promotion of public transit.
• Reuse & Recycling: Materials from signage to uniforms will be cleaned, refurbished, and reused in future tournaments.
• Sustainable Catering: Menus will use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients with low-carbon and plant-based options.
• Waste Sorting: Dual-bin stations placed across the venue to divert landfill waste into energy and compost streams.
• Equity & Inclusion: Student-led study tours and green education initiatives incorporated into tournament programming.
• Local Prosperity: Regional promotion via media content, local hiring, and “Try Golf” activities to grow the game and create jobs.

Social Sustainability via Strategic Partnerships

Volvo Cars will bolster the tournament’s impact with two flagship community initiatives:

• Volvo Cars AED Road Messenger Alliance: First-aid training and emergency services integration.
• Volvo Cars Xiao Hong Ma Safety Education: Interactive road safety education with an environmental focus.

The Public Village will showcase Volvo’s sustainable lifestyle products, including the Norico collection (pine resin and recycled PET) and the Kaka travel mug (crafted using coffee grounds). Both lines reflect Volvo’s brand values—“safety, environmental protection, and quality”—and were recognized at the 2024 London Design Awards.

As the Volvo China Open approaches its 30th anniversary, stakeholders are using the milestone to set a new benchmark for ESG-driven sports events.

“These challenges also create valuable opportunities to impact new communities and inspire more people,” Zhao noted. “We believe Enhance Anting will join us in writing a new chapter.”

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