ULSTER GAA: GAA Green Club Programme: phase three – advancing sustainability in Gaelic games

THE Gaelic Athletic Association has long been a cornerstone of Irish community life, promoting not only sport and cultural heritage but also a strong sense of civic pride and responsibility. Now in phase three of its Green Club Programme, the GAA is continuing its commitment to environmental sustainability by supporting clubs across the country in taking meaningful, local climate action.

Phase three overview

Phase three of the Green Club Programme commenced in March 2025 and is scheduled to run through November 2026. This phase builds upon the successes of previous phases, aiming to further integrate sustainability into the operations of GAA, LGFA, and Camogie clubs nationwide.

Clubs participating in this phase are required to implement a minimum of two sustainability actions and follow a series of milestones, including establishing a Green Team, conducting audits and engaging in community mapping and reporting processes.

Key areas of focus

The programme is structured around five thematic areas:

– Energy: Implementing energy-efficient practices and technologies to reduce consumption and costs.

– Water: Managing water resources effectively to promote conservation and reduce waste.

– Waste: Minimising waste generation and promoting recycling and reuse within club activities.

– Biodiversity: Enhancing local ecosystems through initiatives like planting native species and creating wildlife habitats.

– Travel and transport: Encouraging sustainable travel options to reduce the carbon footprint associated with club activities.

Toolkit and resources

To support clubs in their sustainability efforts, the GAA provides a comprehensive Green Club Toolkit, available through the GAA Learning Portal.

This toolkit offers practical guidance, case studies, and resources to assist clubs in implementing effective sustainability actions.

Community engagement and recognition

Participation in the Green Club Programme not only aids in environmental conservation but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Clubs are encouraged to engage with local schools, tidy towns groups and environmental organisations, creating a collaborative approach to sustainability.

Successful clubs that meet the programme’s milestones will be recognised for their efforts in November 2026.

Further information

For more details and to access the toolkit, visit the official website: greenclubs.gaa.ie.

Clubs interested in participating in future phases or seeking additional information can contact the programme coordinators via email at greenclubs@gaa.ie.