Renewable Energy
Stormwater Management
LOCATION
Washington, DC
CLIENTS
National Links Trust (NLT)
TIMELINE
2021-2024
STATUS
Concluded
7
rain barrels installed at Langston Golf Course
$133k
in electricity savings over 5 years
400 gal
of stormwater retained
Increased affordability and education tools
Project Overview
Green Mechanics partnered with National Links Trust (NLT) to support sustainability improvements at the three historic municipal golf courses under their 50-year management agreement in Washington, D.C.: Langston, Rock Creek, and East Potomac Golf Courses. Through this partnership we addressed two priorities: 1) Reducing rising energy costs by securing lower fixed-rate, 100% green electricity contracts with Electric Advisors, Inc., and 2) Improving stormwater management by installing rain barrels at the Langston Golf Course clubhouse.
Problem Statement
Washington, D.C.’s three historic municipal golf courses—Langston, Rock Creek, and East Potomac—face mounting challenges from rising energy costs and stormwater runoff into the Anacostia River watershed. Without intervention, these pressures risk both environmental degradation and reduced affordability of community golf access.
Solution
Green Mechanics partnered with National Links Trust (NLT) to deliver dual-impact sustainability measures:
100% Green Electricity: Secured lower fixed-rate contracts through Electric Advisors, Inc., cutting greenhouse gas emissions while stabilizing utility expenses
Rain Barrel Systems: Installed 7 rain barrels at Langston Golf Course, retaining ~385 gallons per rainfall event and preventing ~48,125 gallons of runoff over five years
Innovation
This project demonstrates an integrated approach to sustainability in recreational spaces, combining renewable energy commitments with visible, nature-based stormwater management. By pairing financial savings (~$133,000 in five years) with educational tools like rain barrels, the initiative turns golf courses into living classrooms for youth and community members while reinforcing their role as affordable, accessible public assets.
Impact
Environmental Outcomes
Stormwater Retention at Langston Golf Course
Installed 7 rain barrels, each ~55 gallons capacity
Total stormwater retained per rainfall event: ~385 gallons
Assuming 25 rain events/year → ~9,625 gallons retained annually
5-year cumulative retention: ~48,125 gallons of runoff prevented from entering the Anacostia River watershed
Renewable Energy Commitment
NLT is now supplied with 100% green electricity, cutting indirect greenhouse gas emissions and supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Community Outcomes
Affordability & Access: Reduced utility expenses help keep course operations stable and
community golf affordable
Education & Visibility: The rain barrels serve as hands-on learning tools for visitors and youth about simple water conservation practices
Youth Engagement: Green Mechanics will support opportunities for student involvement in monitoring and stormwater education
Economic Outcomes
Conservative 5-Year Electricity Savings: ~$133,000 total avoided costs
Stormwater Value: ~48,125 gallons retained over 5 years, equivalent to $1,500–$2,500 in avoided drainage costs.
Conclusion
The NLT partnership shows how green infrastructure and renewable energy can strengthen historic community institutions. By reducing emissions, cutting costs, and retaining tens of thousands of gallons of stormwater, the project delivers measurable environmental and economic outcomes while also engaging residents and youth in conservation. This integrated model ensures that the city’s municipal golf courses remain both financially sustainable and environmentally resilient, setting a precedent for recreational facilities nationwide.
