Green design on green pitches: Where sustainability meets stadiums
While industrial football has long been driven by profit, the stadiums that captivate fans are now seamlessly blending with urban landscapes and nature. In recent years, new-generation stadiums in Turkey and around the globe have embraced sustainable innovations, redefining the legacy of the game
30.03.2025
Football is undeniably the world’s most popular and widely viewed sport. Over the years, its ever-growing appeal has led to its institutionalization and industrialization, transforming stadiums from mere sporting venues into significant commercial hubs. This evolution has not only spurred the expansion of the stadium economy but also accelerated the construction of larger, state-of-the-art arenas in urban centers.
However, the rapid proliferation of new stadiums raises pressing sustainability concerns. The football industry, for instance, generates an exceptionally high carbon footprint. A 2023 study by Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) reveals that the industry’s energy consumption is equivalent to 64–66 million tons of carbon emissions annually—a figure that includes sponsorship deals with high carbon-emitting companies and is comparable to Austria’s yearly emissions. Furthermore, the substantial water and electricity required for lighting these venues further exacerbate their environmental impact. In the UK, a single match consumes energy equivalent to about 1,700 tons of carbon emissions, roughly matching the annual output of 397 cars.
“Comprehensive analysis of climate data and careful land selection are vital.”
Against this backdrop, critical questions emerge: What sustainability criteria should guide stadium design? Are eco-friendly practices being effectively implemented in these venues, and why is environmental responsibility so essential? I explored these issues with Alper Aksoy, an architect with extensive experience designing stadiums both in Turkey and abroad, and Tuğba Cebeci, an architect renowned for her environment-centric approach.
Three key factors: Legal framework, cost, and project timelines
The Association of International Football Associations (FIFA), the premier governing body of football worldwide, underscores the importance of sustainable stadiums on its official website. FIFA seeks to elevate global awareness of sustainability issues and to encourage best practices within the sport.
Defining clear sustainability goals during the design process of a stadium is paramount. Critical elements include energy and water efficiency, effective waste management, optimized transportation options, and the need to balance construction-related emissions with the diverse and frequent use of the facility.
“Elevating the quality of work necessitates both regulatory support and sufficient financial resources.”
In the past decade, numerous stadiums have been constructed across Turkey, and many more continue to rise . This prompts the question: What sustainability considerations are incorporated throughout the design, construction, and operational phases of these venues? “First and foremost, the business model must be clearly defined,” said Alper Aksoy, a senior architect. “Comprehensive analysis of climate data and careful land selection are vital. Implementing measures to minimize energy consumption can yield substantial benefits. Moreover, it is essential to operate in a manner that preserves our natural resources.”
Alper Aksoy’s portfolio includes the 30,000-seat Sakarya Stadium. Photo courtesy of Alper Aksoy Architecture.
Alper Aksoy has lent his expertise to stadium projects in several Turkish cities, including Izmir, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Elazığ, Hatay, Ordu, and Kütahya, as well as in Libya and Kyrgyzstan. He elaborated on the environmentally friendly and sustainable features integrated into these projects: “We have instituted measures to mitigate noise, environmental, and light pollution. We ensure that pedestrian and vehicular traffic does not negatively impact the surroundings. By promoting public transportation and designing access points accordingly, paying close attention to water conservation during construction, maximizing green spaces, and reducing carbon emissions, we not only lower local consumption but also foster a positive environmental impact, all while safeguarding human well-being.”
Alper Aksoy
The factors Aksoy highlighted are fundamental to shaping stadium design. Yet, the complex dynamics of construction in Turkey often prevent architects and firms from enjoying optimal working conditions. “Everyone strives to do their best, but challenges remain,” he acknowledged. “Elevating the quality of work necessitates both regulatory support and sufficient financial resources. With these in place and adequate project timelines, sustainability measures can be significantly enhanced.”
Alsancak Stadium, situated in the heart of Izmir with a storied football legacy, is among the stadiums recently renovated. Its redesign prioritizes environmental harmony, advanced technology, and seamless integration with public transportation. Photo courtesy of Alper Aksoy Architecture.
Globally, many stadiums are now harnessing solar energy. As the football community’s commitment to sustainability deepens, this trend is also emerging in Turkey. In addition to Galatasaray’s Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park, venues in Antalya, Konya, Eskişehir, and Sivas are among those embracing solar energy in various forms.
The critical role of climate-aware architecture and site selection
As sustainable cities and net-zero emission buildings become increasingly prevalent, sports venues are being conceived with these principles at their core. Tuğba Cebeci cited the Japan National Stadium, which hosted the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, as a stellar example of ecological design.
This stadium boasts several innovative features. “The structural system is composed of cross-laminated wood panels, offering an environmentally friendly alternative,” Cebeci explained. Owing to wood’s remarkable carbon sequestration properties, the stadium has substantially reduced its carbon emissions. Furthermore, the incorporation of green plants on the roof and façade creates natural carbon sinks while maintaining an optimal balance of heat and humidity. The design also carefully considers heat, electricity, and water consumption. “Thermal insulation in enclosed areas is prioritized, and energy is generated via solar panels on the roof. The use of low-water-consumption products and rainwater harvesting systems further enhances water efficiency,” she said. “I hope this building serves as a model for both the world and our country.”
Architect Tuğba Cebeci highlights Tokyo National Stadium, built for the 2020 Olympic Games, as a model of sustainability. Image: Taka Soyama, Pexels
Cebeci also showed Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Stadium, completed in 2008, as another good example of effective sustainability practices. “The stadium’s roof is entirely covered with solar panels, enabling it to generate its own energy,” she explained. However, she noted that the batteries associated with these solar panels also pose a significant waste challenge. “Photovoltaic panels are crucial for harnessing renewable energy, yet the waste produced by batteries and the panels at the end of their lifespan must be addressed,” she said.
“In ecological architecture, energy and water conservation, the selection of environmentally friendly materials, and material preservation are fundamental.”
Accordingly, Cebeci advocates for designs tailored to specific needs. “With grid-supported systems, urban construction can be achieved without relying on batteries, thereby reducing the environmental impact of waste-producing products,” she explained. This underscores the importance of a needs-based design approach.
Tuğba Cebeci
Cebeci further noted that the sustainability features of stadiums vary with audience capacity and whether they are open or enclosed: “Enclosed stadiums require extensive air conditioning, resulting in higher energy consumption and greater material use. In contrast, open stadiums typically have lower cooling needs, as the field is exposed to the elements, which reduces material requirements. In hot climates, open stadiums can capitalize on natural ventilation by incorporating areas aligned with prevailing winds.” She also highlighted that local wind characteristics and earthquake risks must be integral to the design process.
The stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, is fully covered with solar panels. Photo: WikiCommons
What, then, are the principal criteria of ecological architecture, which strives to minimize environmental harm? “In ecological architecture, energy and water conservation, the selection of environmentally friendly materials, and material preservation are fundamental,” said Cebeci. “The goal is to devise solutions that benefit both nature and humanity, those of us who seek to live harmoniously with the natural world. Decisions made throughout the production and usage phases must aim to reduce resource consumption, and even the demolition phase is crucial, requiring the selection of materials that minimize waste.”
“An ecological building is not defined solely by the presence of green plants on its façade or the use of solar energy systems. A true ecological approach demands a holistic perspective.”
Architects embracing this holistic approach strive to optimize the use of materials, natural resources, and energy. “In terms of energy efficiency, climate-responsive design emphasizes choosing an optimal location, positioning the building appropriately, designing an efficient building envelope, and selecting the right materials,” she explained. “Such a design strategy can markedly reduce the carbon footprint by incorporating natural lighting and ventilation in accordance with the building’s function and scale.” These principles are equally applicable to the design and construction of stadiums.
When it comes to energy conservation in water-intensive structures like stadiums, Cebeci said, “It is vital to choose materials and products that minimize water consumption during production and operation. An effective measure is to reduce freshwater usage through the implementation of rainwater harvesting and graywater treatment systems.”
Cebeci concluded by stressing that every decision in the design phase has ecological implications. “An ecological building is not defined solely by the presence of green plants on its façade or the use of solar energy systems. A true ecological approach demands a holistic perspective,” she said. “Ecological architecture today encompasses sustainable design, green architecture, and energy-efficient design. Implementing such an inclusive approach is challenging, as building physics, environmental conditions, climate-responsive design, and material choices all play critical roles.”
Ultimately, the adage “football is not just football” also applies to sustainable practices. Thoughtfully designed, modern stadiums that prioritize energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management remind us that football transcends mere transfers and trophies. Eco-friendly stadiums, integrated with their urban and social environments, demonstrate that supporting a team is not only about consumption but also about upholding shared values and enhancing social consciousness. By moving beyond the commercial aspects of the sport and fostering a more harmonious relationship with nature, these venues can help forge a deeper connection with society.
This article was published as part of a program supported by the UK Ankara Embassy’s Bilateral Cooperation Programme. The content of this article is solely the responsibility of P24. The UK Embassy cannot be held liable for the information provided in this article.
