Sustainability is a pressing issue the world is facing today. Progressive organizations are integrating sustainability into their vision, strategic planning and business operations.
Vic West Lawn Bowls and Croquet recognizes that for our community organization to prosper over time we must mitigate our environmental footprint while working towards financial performance and the social well being of our members and visitors. Our philosophy is for a culture of sustainability principles and actions to be interwoven into the fabric of our everyday business decision making – not as a separate goal or intention.
Our Sustainability Action Plan (pdf), the first comprehensive plan of its kind for a Lawn Bowling Club in British Columbia – is based on three broad pillars: a fundamental commitment to social and cultural equity (our members and community); environmental stewardship (our impact on the environment); and economic health (our financial prosperity). Collectively, we believe these pillars are the foundation for a strong, vibrant and healthy progressive non-profit organization.
Our Plan is aligned with the City of Victoria’s Sustainability Framework and Climate Leadership Action Plan, as well as Federal and Provincial sustainability strategies. It is a dynamic document – reviewed and updated on a regular basis as ‘action items’ are completed, revised or added. We also have an Environmental Monitor – a dedicated volunteer position to help support the Action Plan and its implementation.
We aspire to have Vic West Lawn Bowls and Croquet known as a leader in promoting the well being, equity and empowerment for all its members and visitors and for the operation of a safe, green and prosperous community recreational and social facility.
We are doing our part and now have a process for identifying and implementing sustainability actions that will contribute to the long term vitality and resilience of our organization and the South Vancouver Island community.
Sustainability Initiatives completed:
2022/23- Coming soon. Replacement of clubhouse and equipment shed roofs followed by installation of solar panels.
2022- Installed absorbent spill kit for contaminated residue spills to protect the outdoor environment; and converted to: use of eco-friendly cleaning products, composting bags rather than plastic bags and, chlorine free recycled toilet paper and towels and other 100% recycled paper products.
2021 – Territory acknowledgement of the traditional lands of the Lkwungen Peoples (Songhees and Esquimalt) where we gratefully conduct our activities on this beautiful land.
2020 – Re-paved the four asphalt sidewalks (4000 sq. ft.) surrounding the bowling and croquet green with a non-slip, impact absorbing rubber surface made from environmentally friendly 100% recycled tires.
2019 – Constructed compost box for grass clippings and turf cores (from bowling and croquet green maintenance), general garden waste and select food waste for re-use as compost on facility gardens; and, installed solar powered exterior safety lighting.
2018 – Retrofitted Club House facility with energy efficient and effective windows, doors, heat pump (with back-up baseboard heaters) and LED overhead lighting – reduced annual energy consumption by up to 40%.