Southern Company Achieves 100% Renewable Energy at TOUR Championship for Third Year

Southern Company has announced that for the third consecutive year, its system is delivering 100% renewable energy for the TOUR Championship, a prominent event in professional golf. This initiative was made possible through collaboration between Southern Company, its subsidiaries Georgia Power and Southern Company Gas, the PGA TOUR, and the tournament organizers to enhance sustainability measures both on and off the golf course.

The 2024 TOUR Championship is set to take place in Atlanta at the East Lake Golf Club from August 29 to September 1. This tournament marks the conclusion of the PGA TOUR season and features the top 30 golfers competing for the prestigious FedExCup title. The event has become a key outdoor sporting occasion in Atlanta, attracting numerous fans each year.

During the 2023 edition, the TOUR Championship received the GEO Certified® status for the first time, highlighting the tournament’s commitment to sustainability practices. According to Brazos Barber, director of sustainability at the PGA TOUR, the support from Southern Company was crucial in achieving this certification.

Barber remarked, “They are honestly the kind of partner that you dream of, especially on the sustainability front. They really believe in sustainability and in reducing their energy footprint.” The tournament’s GEO Certification was overseen by the GEO Sustainable Golf Foundation, based in Scotland, and recognizes sustainability measures that encompass various aspects of the event.

The 2023 event successfully met specific criteria outlined in the sustainable golf tournament standards, covering vital areas such as energy management, waste reduction, resource management, and social impacts. Barber emphasized the importance of the certification, stating, “For us to be certified, it’s proving that we’re not just talking the talk. We’re walking the walk and actually accomplishing the sustainability outcomes that we’re setting out to achieve.”

Verification of the initiative was conducted by the independent Council for Responsible Sport, in conjunction with GEO Certification Ltd. They have agreed on Continual Improvement Points for future events, ensuring ongoing progress in sustainability practices.

For the upcoming 2024 event, Southern Company will continue to support these initiatives, aligning with its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company achieved a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 49% in 2023 relative to 2007 levels, which includes emissions from both electric and natural gas operations.

As the Official Energy Company of the PGA TOUR since 1999, Southern Company stands as a Proud Partner of the TOUR Championship for the ninth consecutive year, alongside The Coca-Cola Company and Accenture. The company is dedicated to providing clean and resilient energy solutions that foster community, business, and generational growth.