Colorado Firm Helps the World Cup Go Green

BOULDER, Colo. — Two World Cup host stadiums have partnered with Boulder-based green energy firm Renewable Choice Energy in an attempt to achieve LEED green building certification. The stadiums, Arena Pernambuco and Estiod Beire Rio will purchase a combined total of 10,145,850 kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits (RECs) in order to offset energy use associated with their operations, earning the stadiums EAc6 Green Power Credit.

According to a statement by Renewable Choice Energy, RECs are the way that green power is tracked and traded in North America, and are used by thousands of U.S. and Canadian organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to decrease environmental impact. Green-e Energy, the leading certification program for renewable energy in the U.S., certified the RECs purchased by the Brazilian stadiums.

“We are thrilled to partner with these stadiums that play a significant role in the World Cup,” said Aran Rice, VP of Sales for Renewable Choice. “Becoming involved with such an internationally recognized event is a vital way to raise awareness for both LEED green building practices and the importance of renewable energy around the world.”

FIFA has also committed to offsetting more than 2.7 million metric tons of CO2e through the purchase of verified emissions reductions (VERs) sourced from local Brazilian carbon offset projects, equivalent to 100 percent of the tournament’s emissions under its direct control. Additionally, the organization will offset the travel of at least 50,000 attendees, and has organized sustainable management courses for stadium managers.

According to FIFA, other sustainability measures include improved recycling and waste management practices, green facility construction, the installation of solar panels at host locations, community partnerships, capacity development and the production of a comprehensive sustainability report.

In a statement on the FIFA’s World Cup sustainability plan, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said the event offers a unique platform to raise awareness and highlight social and environmental concerns on a global scale. “Considering the interest and expectations that such an occasion arouses among
a whole host of stakeholders, we want to make the most of these opportunities and maximize the positive impact of the FIFA World Cup,” Valcke said.

Organizing committee board member Ronaldo Nazario added that, as the result of these green efforts, sustainability will become an integral part of the World Cup, and help established a new paradigm for future tournaments. “This is our chance to building a lasting legacy for the people of Brazil and for the planet,” Nazario said.