Environmental Sustainability in Stadium Design and Construction: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Large stadiums are highly visible assets for large-scale ‘mega-events’, inspiring built environment professionals to innovate in structure and aesthetics. In recent years environmental performance—or environmental sustainability—has been increasing in focus, with events such as the Olympics calling for ‘green games’ and countries committing to reducing built environment carbon emissions. This paper presents a systematic literature review of large stadiums’ environmental sustainability discourse over the last five years related to design and construction. Using the PRISMA methodology, 18 relevant conceptual and empirical research papers were distilled from 159 extracted papers. Energy consumption and material composition were the most discussed topics. Emergent technologies and processes were also extensively discussed regarding significant embodied energy and indoor air-quality improvements, and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. There was a lack of best practices, or whole life cycle considerations, and minimal demonstration of other attributes of environmental sustainability. This paper provides a baseline to assess progress on environmental sustainability for the built environment sector. A practical definition is presented for Environmentally Sustainable Stadiums (ESS) and a checklist is provided to support leading practices in design and construction. This paper is relevant for built environment professionals and asset owners and managers considering new-build and refurbishments.

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“…Life cycle assessment should be used more frequently as a decision-making tool for designing a sustainable transformation [12]. Francis, et al (2023) claim this systematic literature review synthesis state-of-the-art stadium design and construction methods and initiatives that can be applied for improved environmental sustainability outcomes. Energy and materials are the most widely focused environmental sustainability categories in stadium design and construction [13].…”

“…Francis, et al (2023) claim this systematic literature review synthesis state-of-the-art stadium design and construction methods and initiatives that can be applied for improved environmental sustainability outcomes. Energy and materials are the most widely focused environmental sustainability categories in stadium design and construction [13]. Russell-Smith and Lepech (2015) cliam building stakeholders cannot easily quantify the environmental impacts of buildings as they accrue during construction.…”