Colonial Country Club Recognized As A U.S. Sustainability Leader By Vivid Leaf | Press Release

Fort Myers, Fla. (October 1, 2024) – Vivid Leaf, a sustainability planning, measurement, and management software for private clubs, has recognized Colonial Country Club in Fort Myers, Fla. as a U.S. Sustainability Leader following the club’s first Vivid Leaf assessment. Colonial Country Club is one of only four clubs in the United States to achieve Jade Level recognition by Vivid Leaf for their sustainability efforts.

Vivid Leaf’s sustainability assessment covers 290 criteria over all areas of club operations, including water, energy, natural gas, gasoline and diesel consumption, carbon footprint, trash and recycling, integrated pest management and fertilizer application. Colonial Country Club, a Troon Privé-managed club, also qualifies as one of the “Top 5 Greenest Clubs in the U.S.” on the Vivid Leaf dashboard, providing exceptional membership experiences while being a good steward of the environment.

Colonial Country Club sustainability initiatives include:

Colonial’s geothermal heat and cooling system for its large pool is state-of-the-art temperature management. Current generation of geothermal heating and cooling systems generate 4-5 watts of heat with only 2-3 watts of energy invested.
UV light has been added to A/C ducts for hi-tech air purification and elimination of bacteria and viruses.
Colonial has embraced multiple concepts of the “Blue Zones” research by National Geographic. Not only does the club offer healthy ‘meatless’ protein-rich alternatives on its menu, but it also encourages members to walk, bike and exercise on the property partially through the use of an extensive path system, including nature trails onsite. The Club’s programs also include healthy cooking classes in tandem with its chefs and mindfulness practices such as baby goat yoga.
Colonial Country Club has planted milkweed and other native plants and is providing habitats for the monarch butterfly and other pollinators.
Colonial is utilizing astronomical clock controlled exterior lighting, motion sensor lights in locker rooms and bathrooms, and touchless faucets/soap dispensers throughout the property reducing electricity and water usage along with the associated costs.
Colonial associates have been given insulated cups with their names engraved on them, effectively eliminating plastic cup and water bottle waste.

“At Colonial Country Club, we believe that sustainability is not just an initiative but a responsibility. Achieving Top 5 in the U.S. status from Vivid Leaf reflects our dedication to innovative practices that protect our environment while reducing costs and enhancing the member experience,” said Colonial Country Club General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Robert Podley, CCM, CAM. “We’re proud to lead the way among private clubs in the U.S. and look forward to continuing our journey towards even greater sustainability.”

Vivid Leaf is the leading real-time sustainability solution serving exclusively the private club and resort community. Vivid Leaf’s all-encompassing certification is comprised of four levels: Beryl (community sustainability leadership recognition), Turquoise (state leadership), Jade (national leadership) and Sapphire (worldwide sustainability leader). Driven by a cloud-based mindshare platform, in which clubs from all over the world share what worked well in terms of money-saving initiatives, energy reduction, water conservation, cleaning supplies, fertilizers, and pesticide usage.

Moving forward, the Vivid Leaf real-time dashboard will provide Colonial Country Club management with a continuous progress report on the club’s sustainability journey, prioritizing new sustainability initiatives by environmental and financial impact, while alerting the club of increasing resource usage (e.g. a defective pump or A/C unit). The dashboard also allows automatic achievement postings to the club’s social media accounts and website to share innovative and successful sustainability initiatives with members and the community.

“Colonial’s commitment to preserving our ecosystem while providing a world-class membership experience demonstrates innovation, vision, and leadership. We are excited to continue to work with the Colonial leadership on further advancing their sustainability practices, reducing their grid dependency and becoming one of the greenest clubs in the U.S.,” said Till von Ruexleben, COO at Vivid Leaf.

Earlier this year, Colonial approved a nearly $20 million master plan improvement project that includes a full golf course renovation as well as enhancements and expansion of Club amenities. The course renovation will focus on improving playability, aesthetics, and sustainability, including a new irrigation system and upgraded drainage. In addition, the Club’s golf shop and cart barn will be renovated and expanded, while the pool area and community center will also receive makeovers. The golf course renovation project will begin on April 1, 2025, while work on the golf shop, pool and community center will begin during the summer of 2025. Both improvement projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

For more information on Colonial Country Club, visit www.colonialgolfclub.com or call (239) 768-9421.

About Colonial Country Club
Established in 2002, Colonial Country Club has been a premier destination for golf enthusiasts in Florida for over two decades. With its rich history, championship-caliber course, and commitment to unparalleled service, Colonial Country Club continues to set the standard for excellence in the golfing community. The club’s 18-hole golf course was designed by Gordon Lewis and is supported by an award-winning Golf Shop while the tennis program features eight Har-Tru tennis courts, eight pickle ball courts, two bocce courts and a full-service Tennis Shop. Colonial Country Club members also enjoy two resort-quality swimming pool and Jacuzzis, large deck areas for sunning and lounging, a poolside snack bar, and an indoor fitness and community center with state-of-the-art equipment, aerobics room, private massage rooms, a meeting room, book exchange library and a business center. In 2021, the club completed a $6.5 million dollar clubhouse project focused on expanding the functionality of the clubhouse, creating more flexible open space and elevating the member dining experience.

About Troon
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world’s largest golf and golf-related hospitality management company providing services at 900-plus locations in 45-plus states and 35-plus countries, including operational responsibility for 575-plus 18-hole equivalent golf courses. In addition to golf, Troon specializes in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. Troon’s award-winning food and beverage division operates and manages 600-plus food and beverage operations located at golf resorts, private clubs, daily fee golf courses and recreational facilities. Troon’s family of brands includes Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design, Casa Verde Golf, ICON Management and Eventive Sports. For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com, TroonMagazine.com or connect with Troon on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Troon Chronicles, Press Room, and via The Turn Podcast.

Media Contact:
Rob Myers
Troon
480.477.0506
rmyers@troon.com