974 Stadium wins GSAS 5-Star certification

The best sustainability and green practices of Stadium 974 yesterday won another international recognition as it secured the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) 5-Star certification. The achievement came in praise for the unique sustainable features in stadium design, building and operation. The certificate was handed over to the Supreme Committee of Delivery and Legacy (SC) representatives at a function that was held at the stadium. The function was attended by Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (Gord) founder Dr Yousef al-Horr, SC Sustainability and Environment director Engineer Bodour al-Meer, Eng. Ghanim al-Kuwari, Deputy Director General, Technical Services, Mohamed al-Atwaan, Facilities Management Director, Stadium 974 and Jassim al-Jaidah, Sustainability Communications Manager.Al-Horr told Gulf Times that many features ranging from the sustainable practices in construction to the less power consumption while operating the stadium helped Stadium 974 win the prestigious certification. “The stadium has a unique cooling technology and it’s constructed by shipping containers, modular steel frame and removable seats while setting a model of sustainability,” al-Horr said. With its clever modular design,the stadium needed fewer building materials while keeping costs down and reducing the construction duration. “The seaside location offers a natural cool breeze while providing an electric atmosphere. Unlike other stadiums, Stadium 974 didn’t need a cooling system,” he noted. Al-Meer, while talking to Gulf Times, said that Stadium 974 is a symbol of innovation and sustainability and is one of the pioneering projects in tournament legacy planning. “The stadium features several sustainability models and stands as a benchmark that will set new standards in stadium development. It’s made of colourful shipping containers and it’s the first fully dismountable stadium,” al-Meer said. The SC official noted that sustainability is at the core of Qatar’s values and one of the mottos of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. “We will keep the momentum going. The green practices and sustainable initiatives will be continued,” al-Meer said.“Sustainability has been the primary focal point with Stadium 974. To receive top GSAS certification marks from GORD is further confirmation of our efforts to establish new, sustainable concepts of stadium design and construction that we hope will be adopted worldwide,” said al-Kuwari adding that Stadium 974 is also a proud example of the legacy we intend to leave from Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup.Al-Jaidah thanked the contractors and stakeholders, including the stadium management team for helping make Stadium 974 become a proud symbol of SC’s sustainability objectives. “This award is an important recognition of our goals to stage a carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup,” he said.“This is a great achievement for everyone that has worked on this project and made it a reality,” said al-Atwaan. The 40,000-capacity venue is a landmark in sustainable stadium design and construction, having been built with prefabricated and modular steel elements such as standard certified shipping containers. This reduced the waste generated during the production of stadium components and the waste created on site during construction. The use of modular elements also reduced the venue's construction duration. Water efficiency methods ensured that 974 reduced water use by 40% compared to a conventional stadium development.Stadium 974 will host seven matches up to the round of 16 stage during Qatar 2022, starting with Mexico versus Poland on November 22.