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Sun Peaks’ Lyall wins CGSA/Rain Bird environmental achievement award for 2021

Keith Lyall, superintendent at the Sun Peaks Resort Golf Course in Sun Peaks, B.C., has been named CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement-of-the-Year Award winner for 2021. The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association made the announcement today.

Keith Lyall

The award recognizes a golf course superintendent member of the CGSA who has distinguished him or herself through dedication and contribution to the profession as well to community. To qualify, the recipient must complete an environmental project, program or practice on his or her course and then document the environmental impact this initiative has had at the facility.

As part of the ISO 140012 certification, continual improvement is required. As chair of the EMS, Lyall has consistently added to the Sun Peaks program, including such initiatives at Sun Peaks Resort as greenhouse gas sustainability, restaurant green waste composting, LED lighting and community-treated wastewater used for golf irrigation and snowmaking.

“Keith’s passion for environmental sustainability is apparent in the work he has achieved at Sun Peaks Resort, as well as his provincial roles with the Western Canada Turfgrass Association and the Allied Golf Association of B.C.,” John Scott, CGSA president, said. “He is very aware of current issues that the industry faces and has helped in providing legislation to the industry regulations in simplified terms.”

Serge Gauthier, golf senior area manager for Rain Bird Canada, said Lyall’s dedication to environmental stewardship and environmental standards sets an example to follow in the industry.

“Not many courses have achieved the ISO 14001 certification in environmental management, and kudos to Keith for achieving and maintaining this high-level certification,” he said.

As the CGSA/Rain Bird Environmental Achievement-of-the-Year winner, Lyall and two of his team members will receive an “all-access” registration to the Canadian 2022 Golf Course Management Conference March 1-3 and a Rain Bird prize package in lieu of travel this year.