Qatar Lusail Stadium, the venue for the FIFA World Cup final on 18 December has achieved a five-star rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS).
The rating was administered by the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD).
The stadium has 80,000 capacities with other sustainability features, including a state-of-the-art roof and water efficiency systems. The design is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow, based on the ‘fanar’ lantern, which illustrates the golden age of art and craftsmanship in the Arab and Islamic world.
Lusail achieved a five-star rating for GSAS Design & Build and a Class A* rating for GSAS Construction Management. Executives from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy received the certificates during a special event on Monday.
The SC delegation includes Eng. Ghanim Al Kuwari, Deputy Director General, Technical Services, Eng. Bodour Al Meer, Sustainability Executive Director, and Jassim Al Jaidah, Sustainability Communications Manager.
According to AI Kuwari, “This recognition from GORD is an important part of our FIFA World Cup journey,”
“Sustainability has been central to our plans from the start as we are determined to develop venues that boost local communities here in Qatar long after the tournament. We are very proud to receive these awards and pay tribute to everyone involved in the construction of Lusail Stadium which is an incredible venue that will host the biggest international football match on the planet; the FIFA World Cup final this year.”
One of Lusail Stadium’s most notable sustainability features is the roof, which is made from PTFE – a material that protects the stadium from warm wind keeps out dust, and allows in enough light for the pitch to grow while providing shade to reduce the burden on the stadium’s air conditioning.
Al Jaidah added: “We thank all our contractors and stakeholders for helping us to achieve this valuable award, which is yet another proud moment in our FIFA World Cup sustainability journey.”
Lusail Stadium is set to host a number of civic facilities for the local community after Qatar 2022. Any seats removed from the venue could be donated to countries that lack sporting infrastructure.
Eight stadiums will host matches during Qatar 2022, which will take place from 20 November to 18 December. Each venue has achieved a minimum four-star rating under GSAS, which was adopted as a sustainability rating system by FIFA and will ensure all tournament-related infrastructures meet stringent environmental standards.
In his remarks, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman, GORD, said: “By meeting the exacting GSAS standards, Lusail Stadium has set a new precedent in environmental excellence, guided by the SC’s sustainability strategy. We congratulate the SC for advancing climate action by successfully translating green building principles into impactful practices. This is testament to the strong commitment to sustainability which has been apparent from before ground was broken at Lusail and other venues.”
