Use low wattage light bulbs in halls and other places where no close-up tasks occur, and turn off incandescent lights when you're not using them.

 


 
Audubon Lifestyles Sustainable Equestrian Facility Program


The basic objective of the Audubon Lifestyles Sustainable Equestrian Facility Program is to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, minimize waste, Audubon Certifiedcreate healthy, productive environments, and inform the public, residents, guests, clients and employees about the benefits of sustainably managed equestrian facilities.

Through participation in the program, Audubon Lifestyles assists equestrian facility managers, staff, and planners who desire to manage and operate their equestrian facilities sustainably. The program is geared toward assisting those seeking to become local, regional, national and international models of sustainability by incorporating sustainable principles, concepts, and management strategies.

Once a facility meets all of the requirements of the program which include adopting a Sustainability Charter, and completion of the Sustainability Audit, Audubon Lifestyles will brand the facility as an Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility. In addition, based upon the  score earned in the Sustainability Audit the facility will be awarded between one and five stars, and earn the right to use the International Sustainability Council’s Seal of Sustainability.

  • The program is available to any existing or planned equestrian facility.
  • Our approach is an integrated, holistic approach that positively impacts all aspects of an Equestrian Facility.
  • As equestrian amenities become more popular at communities and resorts worldwide, real estate developers are discovering that a truly sustainable equestrian amenity involves a comprehensive approach from beginning to end.
Program Requirements

Sustainability Charter
The facility must adopt and publicly display their Sustainability Charter. The Sustainability Charter (provided by Audubon Lifestyles) sets out the specific actions that are above and beyond the scope of normal operation that encourage sustainable living and lifestyles, and serves as a public declaration of those actions. The Sustainable Charter is an affirmation of the International Sustainability Council’s Principles of Sustainability.

Nutrient Management Plan
The facility must have or develop a nutrient management plan (NMP) that addresses the nutrient, sediment, or pathogen discharges produced at their equestrian facility. A nutrient management plan helps to manage commercial fertilizer and animal manure input costs. It also helps facilities to do their part to improve surface water quality. A nutrient management plan for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium should consider all potential sources of nutrients.

Completion of the Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Audit
The Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Audit allows for the rating of the level of sustainability an equestrian facility is striving to achieve. The sustainability audit includes five sections: Economics & Business, Horse Care & Safety, Facility & Operations, Environmental, and Outreach & Education, and provides multiple opportunities to receive credit for specific sustainable actions taken, or management strategies implemented. Upon meeting the minimum points required in each section the total score is calculated and the facility will be awarded either a one to five star rating.

Additional requirements
  • The  facility must require that all persons under the age of 18 wear ASTM/SEI- approved helmets while mounted
  • Horses at the facility must have access to clean, fresh water at all times.
  • There is no barbed wire anywhere horses are contained on the facility.
  • The facility policies include a requirement for proof of negative Coggins test for all horses visiting or living in the facility.

NewRead the store about The Oaks Equestrian Center becoming the first Five Star Audubon Lifestyles Sustainable Equestrian Facility featured in the Fall 2009 Issue of Florida Green Building Magazine.

Read the March 2009 Press Release | "Audubon Lifestyles Partners with Equestrian Services LLC and the International Sustainability Council to develop a Sustainable Equestrian Facility Program"

Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program - Overview

Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program - Registration Form

Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program - Overview of a Nutrient Management Plan

The Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program Audit Version 2.0   |   Excel Format / PDF Format



JOIN THE PROGRAM

The Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program was created through a collaborative process that involved experts in the fields of equestrian facility management, wildlife management, and sustainability.  This includesd but not limited to individuals representing Audubon Lifestyles, Equestrian Services LLC, and the International Sustainability Council. 

To learn more about Equestrian Services LLC visit: www.eqsv.com

To learn more about Audubon Lifestyles Contact us: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | Phone: 727-733-0762 | Fax: 727-683-9153