Achieving a Carbon Neutral World Cup

Success continues in Qatar towards the goal of delivering the first-ever carbon neutral World Cup. With two of the stadiums completed this year achieving top sustainability ratings for design, construction and legacy, and a new 800MW solar energy plant to power the tournament under development, the Supreme Committee (SC) believes they are on track to achieve their aim.

The SC’s Sustainability & Environment Senior Manager, Bodour Al-Meer, is quoted as saying, “Our efforts in achieving carbon neutrality for Qatar 2022 remain on course. While there is plenty more to achieve, we are pleased that our carbon neutral planning has started producing results.”

The carbon-neutral plan incorporates the mitigation or reduction of carbon emissions during stadium construction (using recycled and locally sourced materials, minimising waste production, recycling waste and wastewater, etc.). And, during stadium operation (utilising energy-efficient and water-saving devices, highly efficient cooling systems and renewable energy, as well as reusing and recycling water and materials). The plan also includes initiatives that fit around the staging of a compact FIFA World Cup - no internal air travel and low emission public transportation (i.e. Doha Metro). And, any excess carbon emissions are to be offset by projects in both the public and private sector. 

Al-Meer's comments come on the back of the publication of the FIFA World Cup 2022 Sustainable Stadiums Report, which outlines the sustainability features of each of the tournament venues in relation to design, construction and legacy. And, news that Qatar intends to have 25% of its public buses powered by electricity by the 2022 World Cup.

It’s no wonder FIFA President Gianni Infantino is smiling....read our Congratulations from FIFA’s President article to discover more.