Staples Golf Resource Group Release Energy & Water-Savings Calculator


January 25, 2013. Leading sustainable golf experts Staples Golf Resource Group (SGRG) has released the golf industry's first tablet-based energy and water savings calculator designed specifically for golf course development.

Created for use on the iPad, the Energy Snapshot™ for Golf allows any superintendent, general manager or architect to quickly analyze a golf course's energy and water use and associated costs. The tool then calculates the potential dollar savings in real time that can be achieved through following clearly defined best-management practices for energy and water use.

Andy Staples, ASGCA Associate and President of SGRG, developed the tool after years of real-world research and investigation into sustainable solutions for a hard-hit industry still reeling from the recent economic turmoil.

"I've spent the better part of the last 15 years spreading the message of energy and water efficiency in golf," said Staples. "However, communicating the value of these services to our customers has been tricky. I think we've finally broken through with a tool that's accurate, easy to use and current with the latest technology available. If nothing else, we can finally say 'There's an app for that!' "

Taking advantage of the simple interface and developer-friendly app process, Staples was able to distill his years of experience into an easy-to-understand survey, with questions designed to show exactly how a golf course uses energy and water. The Energy Snapshot™ tool is only available through Staples' company, but is designed to be used by anyone that has an interest in saving money.

Staples and his team are currently working throughout the U.S., but have focused on the Southwest due to the increases of costs to energy and water. A current client in Las Vegas, Par-4 Golf Management, was recently engaged in an effort to reduce costs at two of its facilities and have seen dramatic results by utilizing Staples' philosophies.

"This snapshot tool is incredible," says David Ellis, senior Accountant/Finance for Par-4. "The feedback it provided allowed us to reduce our operating costs by tens of thousands of dollars in only a few months!"

As each question is answered, the Energy Snapshot™ for Golf keeps a running tally of the information entered, and uses a series of algorithms to calculate the golf course's efficiency of resource use. Matching those calculations with the course's energy and water costs, the tool is then able to provide an estimate of annual dollar savings and carbon emissions reductions. A series of savings tips and a 90-day action plan are also provided.

"My hope is this tool continues to evolve and bring a message to the industry that we need to be smarter with the way we handle our resources in the future," Staples adds.

About Staples Golf Resource Group, LLC

Staples Golf Resource Group, established in 2002, is a golf course design and management consultancy with contracts for implementing and sustaining efficient design and management practices throughout the United States. Andrew Staples, ASGCA Associate and President of SGRG, has designed, built, managed or consulted on over 125 golf course projects worldwide. He has served on the Environmental Institute for Golf's Energy Conservation BMP Committee and is considered a leading expert in sustainable golf course architecture, including all areas related to energy management. For more information, visit www.staplesgolfdesign.com.