Cork GAA and PepsiCo have confirmed the renewal of their Positive Action partnership, following a first year that delivered tangible sustainability achievements at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and across the wider Cork GAA community.
The partnership focuses on raising awareness of positive climate action initiatives within the community, identifying and implementing cutting-edge sustainable technologies, and driving positive change through active participation in initiatives that align with shared values and goals.
In 2024, the collaboration drove significant positive transformations, pioneering Cork’s first hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuelled event during PepsiCo’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh also implemented a comprehensive waste management system, the transition to certified green electricity at the stadium, and successfully established Cork GAA’s dedicated sustainability committee.
The partnership’s 2025 objectives include implementing actions from the completed Net Zero audit, achieving ISO20121 certification for sustainable event management, and expanding successful initiatives to clubs across Cork.
The partnership will continue to focus on fossil fuel reduction, waste management improvements, and community engagement through volunteer programs.
“The first year of our partnership demonstrated how combining PepsiCo’s sustainability expertise with Cork GAA’s community reach can accelerate positive change,” said Brian Colgan, PepsiCo Little Island Site Director.
“Our employees in Cork have embraced this collaboration, from supporting match-day initiatives to sharing technical knowledge.”
“Through our pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) framework, which is the North Star that guides all our sustainability efforts, and building on these successes, we’re aiming to achieve even more ambitious sustainability targets for 2025.”
“This partnership renewal marks a significant milestone in our sustainability journey,” added Kevin O’Donovan, Cork GAA CEO.
“Our work in 2024 has provided us with clear, actionable insights. Working with PepsiCo, we’ve already transformed our approach to waste management and energy use.”
“For 2025, we’re excited to expand our green initiatives across Cork through the Green Club scheme, continue to reduce our waste by helping match-goers make sustainable choices, and increase our use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
This is a partnership which puts a global brand over the door at Cork GAA in a way that is less expected but pretty impactful.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Sustainability is a long term issue which will continue to exercise minds. We will be re-convening the Sport for Business leadership Group on Sustainability and Sport, in partnership with SSE Airtricity, in the coming months.
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