Ulster GAA: Building a greener future for our clubs and communities

GAELIC games have always been about more than sport. GAA clubs are at the heart of communities across Ireland, bringing people together and creating places where future generations can thrive. Through the GAA Green Club Programme, clubs are also playing a leading role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability at a local level.

The Green Club Programme supports GAA, LGFA and Camogie clubs to reduce their environmental impact through practical, achievable actions. By embedding sustainability into everyday club life, clubs can lower costs, enhance their facilities and make a lasting positive difference for their members and surrounding communities.

Participating clubs establish a Green Team to lead environmental initiatives and identify opportunities to improve club operations. The programme encourages clubs to assess their current practices, set achievable goals and celebrate the progress they make along the way.

The programme is centred around five key themes:

Energy – Improve energy efficiency by upgrading lighting, improving insulation or exploring renewable energy options, helping to reduce both emissions and operating costs.

Water – Conserve water by identifying leaks, improving efficiency and adopting sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting where possible.

Waste – Reduce waste through better recycling, minimising single-use plastics and encouraging reusable products at club events.

Biodiversity – Protect and enhance local wildlife by planting native trees and wildflowers, creating pollinator-friendly habitats and installing bird or bat boxes around club grounds.

Travel and Transport – Encourage walking, cycling, car sharing and public transport to reduce emissions while promoting healthier lifestyles.

The Green Club Programme provides a comprehensive toolkit through the GAA Learning Portal, giving clubs access to practical guidance, templates, case studies and resources to support every stage of their sustainability journey. Whether a club is just getting started or already has environmental initiatives in place, the programme offers practical ideas that can be tailored to local needs.

Collaboration is another key element of the programme. Clubs are encouraged to work with schools, community organisations, environmental groups and local authorities to deliver projects that benefit both the club and the wider community. These partnerships help strengthen community relationships while creating greener, healthier places for everyone.

Importantly, the Green Club Programme demonstrates that sustainability doesn’t require large-scale projects to make a difference. Small actions, when taken consistently, can have a significant impact. From reducing energy use and improving recycling to creating habitats for wildlife and encouraging sustainable travel, every step contributes towards a more resilient and environmentally responsible club.

The GAA Green Club Programme reflects the Association’s commitment to supporting clubs as leaders in sustainability and community action. By embracing greener practices today, clubs are helping to safeguard the environment while ensuring Gaelic games continue to thrive for generations to come.

For more information on the GAA Green Club Programme, available resources and how your club can get involved, visit the GAA Green Club website or contact the Green Club team at greenclubs@gaa.ie