Forest Green Rovers FC, recognized as the most eco-friendly football club in the world, has been given approval to build the UK’s first wooden stadium.
This ambitious project will be the world’s first “climate-positive” venue, capable of offsetting more carbon emissions than it generates.
Sustainable Innovations in Football
Based in Gloucestershire and competing in the fifth tier of English football, Forest Green Rovers has spearheaded ecological initiatives worldwide. These include uniforms made from recycled plastic and coffee fibers, and a fully vegan menu during matches. This commitment earned them the title of the first carbon-neutral sports club awarded by the UN.
The new stadium, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, will have 5,000 seats in its first phase and can be expanded to 10,000 in the future. It will be constructed almost entirely with laminated wood from sustainable sources, aiming to reduce emissions associated with traditional materials such as steel and concrete.
Impact Beyond Sports
The stadium will be part of the ambitious Eco Park project, which will revitalize the area, promote biodiversity, and generate 4,000 jobs in green technologies. It is estimated that the ecological park will increase local biodiversity by 20% compared to current levels.
Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity and club owner, emphasized that the stadium will demonstrate that construction can coexist with nature conservation.
The Importance of Wood
Laminated wood is a durable, safe, and sustainable material. Using wood instead of steel or concrete minimizes embodied carbon, i.e., the emissions generated during the production and transportation of materials. The stadium’s structure will include load-bearing walls, exterior cladding, stands, and slabs made of certified wood.
A Model for the Future of Football
The project will enhance the fan experience with a strategic location near major roads like the A419 and M5, facilitating access and solving parking and infrastructure issues. This new venue will drive the club’s growth and bring it closer to its goal of reaching the English Football League Championship.
The wooden stadium of Forest Green Rovers is a manifesto of how sports can lead the way to a more sustainable future.
With its focus on renewable materials, increased biodiversity, and commitment to the community, this project promises to inspire other clubs and sectors to follow a more ecological path. Football can be a powerful tool in combating climate change and promoting sustainability.
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