Impressive Scottish Golf Facility Adopts Renewable Energy

Since it opened last year, Golf It!, which is The R&A's community-based golf and entertainment facility in Glasgow, has driven its mission to make the game more accessible and inclusive, with that philosophy now being taken to another level as it joins ScottishPower’s tourist trail of electric vehicle charge points.

Golf It! has partnered with ScottishPower to install six electric vehicle (EV) chargers on site, allowing 12 vehicles to charge simultaneously. In just six months, the EV chargers have powered up nearly 40,000 electric miles - the equivalent to driving from Land’s End to John O’Groats over 47 times.

The electric charge points are also powered by 100% renewable energy. Conveniently located near the shore of Hogganfield Loch and a stone’s throw away from the M8, the attraction supports its visitors, local residents and motorists who need somewhere to stop off and charge up.

Golf It! joins ScottishPower’s electric vehicle tourist trail alongside other local attractions including the green energy firm’s Whitelee Windfarm and Glasgow Science Centre. With the help of ScottishPower, they are all supporting Glasgow’s aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2030.

Golf It! has already saved 5.5 tonnes of carbon emissions from the earth’s atmosphere as it strives to reduce its carbon footprint. With a full-length 9-hole golf course, a built-in par-3 course, putting greens, and a 52-bay driving range it has become popular with visitors and locals alike.

Russell Smith, General Manager at Golf It!, said: "Partnering with ScottishPower, we’ve reduced our carbon emissions and attracted new visitors who want to relax while charging their electric cars.

"We’re committed to reducing air pollution and carbon emissions so working with ScottishPower to instal electric vehicle chargers was the natural next step.

"Since opening, the electric chargers have been popular with people popping in to enjoy all of the facilities within our golf & family entertainment venue. Plus, there have been lots of benefits for our community including residents who don’t have an EV charger at home, are able to charge their vehicles overnight in the car park."

Bob Murphy, Technical Executive at ScottishPower, said: "Golf It! is a prime example of how green tech benefits both a business and its community. We worked with the Golf It! team to understand the opportunities for electric vehicle charging then designed the best chargers for their and their customer’s needs.

"ScottishPower manages the planning, installation and servicing so Golf It! can concentrate on delivering its unique golfing experience to the community. Electric vehicle charging is a new revenue stream for the community hub and we’ve seen the chargers attract new visitors already.

"This partnership has definitely been a hole in one! We’re always open to exploring how electric vehicle chargers can create new revenue and attract new customers for businesses - joining our electric tourist trail and going green makes good business sense."

As the first major UK energy company to generate 100% renewable electricity, ScottishPower is supporting business leaders considering low carbon solutions with new advice on how using green technology can help improve their finances.