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

Annes Elsa Francis (), Matthew Webb, Cheryl Desha, Sharyn Rundle-Thiele and Savindi Caldera
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Annes Elsa Francis: Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
Matthew Webb: Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
Cheryl Desha: Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
Sharyn Rundle-Thiele: Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
Savindi Caldera: Cities Research Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-25

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.

Keywords: Environmentally Sustainable Stadium (ESS); mega-events; stadiums; environmental sustainability; design; construction; systematic literature review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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