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Score for climate: Sustainable stadiums become global goal

Score for climate: Sustainable stadiums become global goal
28 Nov 2023 09:05

MOATAZ AL SHAMI (DUBAI)

The UAE Pro League signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) last month to enhance sustainability practices and reduce electricity consumption emissions by relying on clean energy in UAE Pro League tournaments.

The UAE Pro League is developing an environmental sustainability strategy, setting out plans to deliver on climate action and manage resources sustainably, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders. It is continuing to explore initiatives to minimise its competitions’ impact on the environment and is evaluating committing to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Race to Zero campaign, which aims to achieve a healthy, resilient zero-carbon recovery that unlocks inclusive and sustainable growth.

The MoU is considered an unprecedented step towards sustainability, as the UAE Pro League preceded most Asian and regional football associations in its interest in raising the sustainability awareness and the transition towards clean energy. Therefore, the UAE Pro League signed several partnership agreements with relevant entities to benefit football clubs, raise their awareness regarding climate change impacts, and promote the use of clean energy. 

The MoU also included the inclusion of a third party, ADNOC’s Low Carbon Solutions & International Growth directorate. Under the agreement, EWEC will become a clean energy partner, as it will work to provide the Clean Energy Certificates to reduce electricity supply emissions to the headquarters of the Emirates Pro League in Abu Dhabi. The two parties will also cooperate to enhance the concepts of sustainability and promote the Clean Energy Certificates scheme among football clubs taking part in competitions organised by the UAE Football Association.

The Clean Energy Certificates are an innovative programme that allows Abu Dhabi consumers to certify the source of their clean energy usage and empowers them in achieving their sustainability goals.
The UAE Pro League’s move towards enhancing sustainability comes in line with the country’s policies in combating climate change impacts, as it will be hosting the 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). 

The UAE was one of the first countries that paid serious attention to sustainability in sports facilities, and six years ago, the General Authority of Sport organised the “Emirates Forum for the Sustainability of Sports Facilities” in cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development. The forum saw the participation of more than 300 sports facilities specialists from around the globe, as well as the launch of the “National Programme for the Sustainability of Sports Facilities”. 

Also during the forum, a work team was formed, led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, to develop engineering codes, guidelines and technical specifications related to urban sustainability, part of which was allocated to sports facilities, and coupled with municipal approval related to licensing sports facilities and approving their implementation contingent upon the adherence of engineering plans, technical specifications, and construction systems compatible with sustainability requirements.

Abdulla Naser Al Jneibi, Chairman of UAE Pro League, stressed the importance of the environmental dimension in Emirati football stadiums. 

“The UAE Pro League is keenly aware of the key role this partnership will have in promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness amongst clubs and fans regarding the critical need to address climate change. This is a key part of our broader commitment to support UAE initiatives that help to create a better future for us all. With 2023 being championed as the UAE Year of Sustainability, it is only natural that we take substantial action to ensure that we operate responsibly to the environment and future generations,” he said.

Hamad Al Hammadi, Chairman of EWEC, said: “This partnership provides EWEC with a unique opportunity to further accelerate the country’s energy transition and to decarbonise professional football activities, in line with the UAE’s sustainability agenda. With a shared commitment to efficiency and sustainability, we’re setting a new standard for excellence, both on and off the field. Having signed this agreement, the first of its kind in the Middle East, we look forward to collaborating with the UAE Pro League, while continuing to advance partnerships with like-minded stakeholders.”

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