Pyeongchang 2018 have announced two sustainability partners ©Pyeongchang 2018

Pyeongchang 2018 have announced Cola-Cola and the KT Corporation as their first sustainability partners as the build-up to next year's Winter Olympics continues.

Cola-Cola, the longest continuous sponsor of the Olympic Games, are currently working on a water quality project in the Pyeongchang region in South Korea.

The company, who are a member of The Olympic Partner programme, are supporting the improvement of water quality in two ways.

Their initiative will see water detention systems installed to ensure a consistent level of water reserve to prevent dry soil in the warmer months, while they also aim to provide a habitat for wildlife and aid biodiversity improvement in the area.

The KT Corporation, a local telecommunications partner, will provide IT services beyond the Games boundaries.

It is hoped their work will improve the "tourism readiness" of the province.

They will introduce IT services to Uiyaji Wind Village, which will connect a rural area with the rest of the world for the first time.

The corporation were announced as Pyeongchang 2018’s first local marketing partner in 2014, to provide telecommunications services for the Games.

This includes wireless communications, broadcasting facilities and other technology-based infrastructure, while they will help create the first-ever 5G Games.

The KT Corporation are working to provide IT services both at and away from Games venues ©Pyeongchang 2018
The KT Corporation are working to provide IT services both at and away from Games venues ©Pyeongchang 2018

Yeo Hyung-koo, Pyeonchang 2018's secretary general, claims the initiatives will benefit the local area in the years after the Games, which will run from February 9 to 25. 

"The environment and sustainability have been two key issues at the heart of our plans and proposals for the Winter Games," he said.

"We are delighted to announce our first sustainability partners today who are working closely with us on these environmental projects to support and benefit not only those coming to the Games, but also those in the local area that will see the benefits for years to come."

Pyeongchang 2018 became the first Winter Olympics to receive the ISO 20121 certification, which recognises sustainable events.

Their goal is to host a Games which produces zero carbon emissions.

A sustainability website was launched earlier this month to showcase the Games' social responsibility throughout all stages of preparation and operations.