Austria is fit for a green Euro 2008
Austria and Switzerland, hosts of EURO2008, have developed a joint sustainability concept to minimise the environmental impact of this major sporting event. Austria has invested millions in green infrastructure for the event - and the rewards are already obvious. The brand new stadium in Klagenfurt, for example, has just been awarded the 'Green Ball' for cutting-edge sustainability.“The environment and climate measures introduced by Klagenfurt’s Wörthersee stadium operators have made a significant contribution to implementation of the sustainability concept”, said Austrian Environment Minister Josef Pröll during presentation of a Green Ball award to Mayor Harald Scheucher and Sports Park Director Manfred Pock. Also recognised was Austrian national team defender Martin Hiden, who through his support of climate projection projects has become Austria’s first climate-neutral footballer.
The European Football Championships are significant for Austria and Switzerland not only from a sporting perspective. This major sporting event is also a challenge for the environment and climate protection. The Environment Ministry calculates as a first estimate that CO2 emissions in Austria will increase by approx 40,000 tonnes as a result of EURO 2008.
To achieve the goal of going climate neutral, the Ministry has introduced a system of grants, which supports consultation and investment costs of environmental and climate protection projects run by communities, sports associations and tourist offices in connection with EURO 2008.
“I invite all sports associations, communities and hotel business to take advantage of this offer of support and consultation. Use EURO 2008 as a catalyst for investment in climate protection, send a clear message about the environment and benefit long term from investment in climate-friendly technologies”, challenged Pröll.
Green Ball awarded to Wörthersee Stadium
Partners of the grant scheme, sponsors of a climate-neutral EURO2008 and institutions which take up the sustainability concept developed by Austria and Switzerland, will be awarded a Green Ball by Environment Minister Josef Pröll.
Wörthersee Stadium has received a Green Ball for its planned introduction of the EMAS Environmental Management System before kick-off of the European Football Championships in June 2008. This should bring about a permanent improvement in the stadium’s environmental performance. Changes include the introduction of environmentally friendly energy sources – in addition to connect to the district heating supply, a solar hot water system has been installed – and planned energy saving measures through optimal control of lighting, ventilation and heating.
Furthermore, waste management will be reorganised, with optimised prevention of waste and separation of refuse. The whole environmental package in Wörthersee Stadium will be complemented by environmentally friendly procurement and the consequent avoidance of hazardous materials and waste products. These combined measures will be in force not just during EURO 2008 but long term and ensure a positive environmental outcome for the stadium in the future.
The Green Ball
Austrian individuals and companies undertaking environmental protection measures and climate protection projects in association with EURO 2008 are being awarded a Green Ball by Josef Pröll, Environment Minister. Institutions willing to be more deeply involved in the initiative are invited to become partners of the Environment Ministry's eco-grant scheme. The Green Ball is green both outside and in. It was commissioned through Jugend eine Welt (a global youth charity), is fair-trade certified, guaranteed PVC free and has a natural latex inner tube.
For further information visit Austria.info.
