Big sustainability push as Qatar targets first net-zero emissions World Cup

DOHA: The ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar is making history as the first edition of the tournament with a net-zero emissions target.

The sustainability goal in this year’s competition will set a precedent for future editions, which will also have to feature some of the sustainability objectives. They include, for example, requiring products and services supplied to the World Cup to meet minimum green standards.

Qatar’s green push has been the topic of criticism from some corners in the lead-up to the tournament, but it has pushed ahead with its plans.

The host nation is using this event to develop and improve sustainability in the country for the longer term.

Among its efforts is to donate 170,000 stadium seats to countries in need of sporting infrastructure after the World Cup, and having irrigation systems that use only recycled water.

There are also stadiums built from recycled materials.

For instance, the Stadium 974 is the first temporary venue in World Cup history. Located 10km east of central Doha, the 44,089-seater stadium pays tribute to the area’s industrial history and Qatar's country code, 974.

The stadium incorporates 974 recycled shipping containers and will be fully dismantled after the tournament.

There are plans to have it rebuilt in Uruguay if the South American nation's bid for the 2030 World Cup is successful.

Uruguay is part of a joint bid, along with Argentina, Chile and Paraguay, to host the 2030 edition.

Ms Bodour Al-Meer, sustainability executive director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said Qatar aims to use the tournament as a catalyst for positive change and to accelerate its national development goals through its sustainability programme.

“Our sustainability programme is the first ever