Carbon Neutrality: Challenges Facing Large-Scale Construction Projects

- Learnings from the 2022 FIFA World Cup can inform the planning and delivery of future large-scale construction projects that aspire to achieve “carbon neutrality”
- Delivering on sustainability goals requires the use of robust reporting methodologies alongside effective methods of reducing emissions
- Construction planning should consider the full life-cycle of buildings with repurposing in mind

“The topic of carbon neutrality somewhat flew under the radar given the on-field excitement of the 2022 World Cup. Now that the football is over, it is important to reflect upon the challenges facing projects of this nature.”

— Luke (writer)

As with many large-scale construction projects, the hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup sought to construct carbon neutral infrastructure. Carbon neutrality remains a challenge for all construction projects, regardless of scale.

This article considers the challenges facing large-scale construction contractors who aspire to achieve net zero emissions, highlighting the key learnings from such an event.

Event organisers should deploy robust environmental reporting methodologies, accompanied by effective measures to reduce carbon emissions. Previous World Cups in Brazil and Russia highlighted the importance of long-term utilisation to prevent facilities becoming ‘white elephants’ – stadiums in disuse or disrepair due to lack of domestic demand.

Challenges Facing Large-Scale Construction Projects

In 2021, the event organisers estimated that overall CO2 emissions would reach 3.6m tonnes. However, carbon specialists Carbon Market Watch (CMW) suggest that the final figure is approximately 2-3 times this [1].

As with previous large-scale sporting events, the organisers faced significant challenges in achieving carbon neutrality.

Sources: Reported figure from SouthPole & ASTAD (2021): “Greenhouse gas accounting report - Fifa World Cup 2022”. Actual estimate figure from Mike Berners-Lee of Lancaster University in interview with the BBC

Let’s consider three key net zero challenges.

Environmental Reporting

Comprehensive reporting is required to calculate emissions associated with large-scale infrastructure projects.

The hosts’ analysis had limited inclusions of key carbon-intensive activities in emission calculations. Reporting excluded grass seed imports from the US, disassembling the demountable ‘Stadium 974’, and desalination to remove mineral salts from water for human and agricultural consumption [2]. Complete analysis is required to accurately evaluate environmental performance.

Identifying the volume of CO2 emissions attributable to construction is key. During the 2022 World Cup, a use-share methodology calculated emissions generated during the construction of 6 new stadiums. This was based on a ratio of total days of World Cup utility against projected stadium lifespan (approximately 60 years) [3]. As local demand for the stadiums remains scarce, this approach likely inflates utility projections.

The 2023 Asian Cup will help to maintain demand for these stadiums. The demountable Stadium 974, which was constructed using recycled shipping containers, will also make way for a waterfront business development. Whilst some plans exist to increase stadium utility, sustained long-term demand is required to prevent facilities from becoming ‘white elephants’ [4].

Offsetting Carbon Emissions

Large-scale construction projects are frequently accompanied by carbon offsetting plans to reduce net emissions. This refers to the purchase of carbon credits, which provide the ‘right’ to emit 1 tonne of CO2 in exchange for investment in a certified climate action project. Typically, an independent, third-party regulator will assess project validity and measure emission reductions [5].

Before the 2022 World Cup, the Doha-based Global Carbon Council (GCC) was established to regulate carbon offsetting activities. The GCC approved and financed 11 projects categorised as renewable energy initiatives [6]. However, these initiatives lacked ‘additionality’ [7]. This means that the projects are likely to have proceeded regardless of carbon credit investment.
Event organisers should deposit carbon credits on projects which are dependent on receiving this funding. As carbon offsetting activities can take years, or even decades, to achieve equilibrium, effective carbon-reduction activities should be the main catalyst to achieve net zero [8].

Reducing Carbon Emissions

In addition to carbon offsetting plans, the event organisers implemented measures to reduce construction and transportation emissions.

For example, stadium turf was cultivated by a tree nursery which used treated sewage water to irrigate plants. Whilst this reduced emissions from turf imports, public water networks became displaced. This created an unfavourable trade-off between landscaping and infrastructure provision [3]. Reducing emissions should not be a zero-sum game.

The event organisers succeeded in constructing an extensive public transport network to facilitate short distance travel between stadiums. However, these climate-related benefits were counteracted by flights carrying matchgoers who resided in nearby states. This was a by-product of limited available domestic accommodation, which requires local demand to generate utility. A positive example is athlete accommodation constructed for the 2012 London Olympic Games, which is now inhabited by local residents. This was enabled by high demand for residential properties in the UK capital.

What are the Key Lessons?

Learnings from the 2022 World Cup can support the planning of future events, helping to achieve more environmentally sustainable outcomes.

Large-scale construction projects require comprehensive analysis of carbon-intensive activities using best practice methodologies. External auditors can provide value when engaged to validate calculations and empirical evidence.

Carbon reduction initiatives require careful planning and monitoring to minimise negative trade-offs. Carbon credits should be allocated to projects with ‘additionality’ to support the deployment of new and high-quality initiatives. This should be accompanied by long-term demand planning to ensure that facilities attain sufficient utility and do not become ‘white elephants’.

Contact us to find out how Deecon’s research, strategy and transformation services can help your organisation to achieve environmentally sustainable outcomes.