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Lusail Stadium, the main venue for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has achieved a five-star rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), an initiative administered by the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD).

The 80,000-person capacity stadium is the latest Qatar World Cup venue to achieve the rating, joining Al Thumama Stadium and Education City Stadium.

All of Qatar’s eight World Cup stadiums have achieved a minimum four-star rating under GSAS, which was adopted as a sustainability rating system by world football governing body FIFA and is designed to ensure all tournament-related infrastructure meets stringent environmental standards.

Set to host both the World Cup final on 18th December, the tournament’s organising committee said has highlighted Lusail Stadium’s sustainability features.

These include water efficiency systems and a roof made from PTFE, which protects the venue from warm wind, keeps dust out and allows in enough light for the pitch to grow while providing shade, reducing the stadium’s reliance on air conditioning.

Ghanim Al Kuwari, Deputy Director General of Technical Services at Qatar’s Supreme Committee (SC) for Delivery & Legacy, commented “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.”

GORD founding Chairman, Yousef Alhorr added “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.”

In May, Carbon Market Watch, a non-profit association with expertise in carbon pricing, released a report which questioned claims made by organisers of the Qatar World Cup that the tournament will be the first carbon-neutral event of its kind.

Lusail Stadium will host 10 matches during the World Cup, beginning with Argentina against Saudi Arabia on 22nd November and concluding with the final on 18th December, which is also Qatar National Day.

It will house several civic facilities for the local community after the tournament.

With less than 100 days to go until the start of the tournament FIFA have advised that 2.45 million tickets have been sold for its games.

Image: Lusail Stadium. Credit: Shutterstock.

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