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Known as the most sustainable football team in the world, Forest Green Rovers FC has announced the construction of the first stadium made entirely from wood.
Forest Green Rovers FC, recognised as the world's greenest football club, has been given the green light for a project revolutionary. Based in Gloucestershire, the English fifth-tier side will build the UK's first stadium made almost entirely from certified laminated timber.
This will be the world’s first “climate positive” stadium, offsetting more carbon emissions than it generates.
Green innovations in football
Forest Green Rovers are no strangers to sustainable initiatives. From kits made from recycled plastic and coffee fibres to a 100% vegan menu at matches, the club has been recognised by the UN as the first carbon neutral sports club.
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Now, the construction of the new stadium, with an initial capacity of 5 people, reinforces the team's commitment to the environment. Designed by renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, the structure could be expanded to 10 seats in the future.
Using certified laminated timber dramatically reduces emissions associated with traditional materials such as steel and concrete, and creates a model for future green buildings.
Impact beyond the field
The stadium will be the centrepiece of a larger project called Eco Park, which is set to transform the region. Aiming to create 4 jobs in green technologies, the park will also increase local biodiversity by 20%.
Dale Vince, owner of the club and founder of renewable energy company Ecotricity, highlighted the importance of the project. “People think that construction always harms the environment, but that doesn’t have to be true,” he said. The project combines nature conservation with technological advances, demonstrating that it is possible to build sustainably without compromising the future.
In addition to the stadium, Eco Park will include leisure areas, commercial spaces and new infrastructure to serve both fans and the local community.
Wood as a sustainable solution
Choosing laminated wood goes beyond aesthetics. This material, known for its durability and safety, is widely recognized as a sustainable alternative in civil construction.
By opting for wood, the project reduces embodied carbon, or emissions generated during the production and transportation of materials. The stadium’s structural walls, cladding, steps and slabs will be made entirely from certified wood, marking a significant advance in sustainable architecture.
Zaha Hadid Architects says this project redefines how large sports facilities can be built in an environmentally friendly and efficient way.
A sustainable future for football
The stadium’s strategic location close to the A419 and M5 motorways provides easy access for fans and solves long-standing logistical issues such as limited parking. This is expected to boost the club’s growth and attract new fans, as well as bringing Forest Green Rovers closer to their dream of promotion to the Premier League.
With the new stadium, the club also aims to inspire other organizations to rethink their practices. The project combines architectural innovation, sustainability and social benefits.
This wooden stadium will not only be an iconic piece of football. It will also represent a milestone in the fight against climate change and the promotion of sustainability. Forest Green Rovers is showing that sport can be a powerful tool to make a positive impact on the planet.
Imagine how many trees 🌳 will be cut down, this idea is silly, we are in a generation where right is wrong and wrong is right.
The wood used to build the stadium is eucalyptus wood. In other words, it will not harm the environment in any way!
Let's study, before criticizing a project, it seems ****
True. It's absurdity after absurdity and people are clapping, looking like **** on their way to the slaughterhouse.
I sincerely hope that thousands of clubs and their wealthy owners think less about money and start doing work for our planet and our well-being.
There is a reason why mega constructions use a lot of concrete and steel and not just wood in their fundamental structures... But that's a conversation for another day, today we're going to think it's cool to build a stadium that will last much less, will be less resistant (and yes, it will have to fit a lot fewer fans to be as "safe as possible") and will have a much higher maintenance cost over time.
What a **** idea in today's times _ Wood comes from Trees 🌳 _ Terrible, terrible idea