Although we, as people, generate quite a lot of carbon emissions every day, but it is nothing if you compare it to the carbon emissions of our buildings. Huge buildings like stadiums give rise to immense environmental degradation. Although at present, it is impossible to eliminate these emissions fully, by following certain fundamentals of green architecture, we can somewhat reduce them. Since pressing issues like global warming and plastic pollution are already at the forefront of our worldwide problems, some designers have come up with solutions. They have come with some environmentally friendly stadiums.
10 Environmentally friendly stadiums for greener sports
Alarming rise in global warming has forced engineers to design eco-friendly stadiums that offer an opportunity for greener sports. Just take the tour and see the architectural marvels entwined with modern technology. Here is an insight into 10 such eco-friendly stadiums:
1. Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
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The stadium has a triangular penalized bubble like facade combining state-of-the-art engineering with sustainability. With a seating capacity for 30,000 spectators, the stadium features a unique cantilever design. It uses 50% less steel compared to any other triangular cantilever stadium. The design also features a rainwater harvesting system with natural ventilation and natural lighting for lower reliability on grid electricity.
2. Meadowlands Stadium
Image Source : energy.gov
Being one of the greenest stadiums in the United States, it has utilized 40,000 tons of recycled steel, environment-friendly concrete, recycled plastic for a seating arrangement and scrap iron. The stadium authority prioritizes water consumption and energy efficiency and utilizes eco-friendly material for concession cups, plates and trays. The authorities have pledged to control air pollution, conserve water and energy, improve waste management, et al.
3. The Shanghai Stadium
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Constructed in 1997, the stadium stretches over an area of 380,000sqm with a seating capacity of 80,000 odd spectators. As a part of a three-year plan for restructuring, the two chimneys and three boilers have been rebuilt. The Xuhui District government awarded 2 million yuan (US $2,73,972) to the stadium for achievement in environmental protection.
4. Cowboys’ Stadium
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Implementing green initiatives as per the guidelines of the EPA, the stadium aims at reducing solid waste by 25%, energy use by 20%, and up to 1 gallon on water consumption annually. The stadium is the first of a kind that shows much promise to be an environmentally friendly sports arena. The translucent material of the retractable roof and glass reduces energy consumption during the day – and even when the roof is closed.
5. London 2012 Olympic Stadium
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Amazingly constructed with recycled polymer based fabric and hemp, the stadium is basically a one-time showpiece. It has considerably cut-down on the cost by redesigning a lean, compact and lightweight stadium which minimally used recycled material – re-usable after the event.
6. Tokyo Olympic Stadium
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Playing host for the 2016 Olympics, the stadium will be entirely powered by solar energy. In a bid to reduce new material usage, the existing sports facilities are being renovated. Centrally located in Tokyo, the stadium offers the most compact games plan with 97 percent of venues within an 8km radius.
7. Franco Sensi
Image Source : stadiumdb.com
The Roman sports arena equipped with basic modern facilities like restaurants, lounges, and bars is complementary to the regular seating. The highly-efficient solar photovoltaic panels hinge on a zinc-titanium membrane shell peripheral. A water-resistant layer allows 80 percent passage of light through it. An LED screen blasts messages as you watch the game.
8. Incheon Stadium
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The venue for the main event of Asian Games, 2014 can hold about 70,000 people and will be reduced to a People’s Park once the games are over. It will have a grandstand for 30,000 for the city of Incheon.
9. The World Games Stadium
Image Source : theworldgames.org
The snake-shaped roof design invokes the image of a dragon. It lies under a complete cover of solar panels that generates power to cater to the stadium. The stadium also sells the excess power generated. You can look up to it as an example to build structures that are environmentally inclined.
10. Garden Stadium
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China’s Dalian Shide Stadium emulates a garden with green walls that filter air, reduce greenhouse gases and provide adequate insulation levels. Offering a spectacular view across the ocean, the roof is a flexible system of cables and fabric. The plant-clad walls change appearance with the season. It has solar and wind turbine dependent LED panels on the inner walls, roof, and the site.
Some Fundamentals of Green Architecture
Ranging from the environmental impact of construction materials to the improvement of elements like water preservation and indoor air quality maintenance, green architecture now considers all these factors. Check out some of the most wonderful elements, parts of modern green architecture.
1. Green roofs:
Green roofs are generally designed to control internal temperature and improve inside air quality of a building. However, these roofs now also act as modern green spaces in an urban environment. Experts can help in designing green roofs using waterproof and eco-friendly materials. Usually designed like rooftop gardens, green roofs can also help with the addition of your favorite plants to it. They can help in choosing low-maintenance plants that also keep the environment cleaner by filtering rainwater. Additionally, these plants help in insulation.
2. Reclaimed shipping container units:
Using reclaimed shipping containers can save the use many high-impact building materials that can harm the environment. Many companies are now offering to build prefabricated shipping crate homes that not only run on green energy saving systems, but also give a bright and colorful look.
3. Solar shingles:
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Another common feature of modern green architecture is solar panels that have now changed their form to solar shingles. Traditional solar panels affected the great looks of buildings. That is the reason architects have started making use of solar shingles. These not only contribute to save energy in your building, but also fit into the look of the building itself. This happens because solar shingles are installed right into a roof and these are actual roof shingles. Professionals can install thin-film or silicon-based solar shingles in your green building and wire these into its electrical system.
4. Cob houses:
Made using straw and wet earth and then rolled to form pieces, cob is an environmentally friendly material used for construction purposes. These pieces are manually stacked and used to mold walls in the form of curved structures that look unique. You can also mold the cob to form other household items like shelves and chairs. This natural green material is simple to use and give amazing shapes to building features.
5. Rainwater harvesting system:
This is another amazing element of green architecture. While this system captures water for irrigation purposes in a building, it does not always come in the form of boring barrel. Modern systems are being shaped and styled in varied ways, so they do not look ugly at all. You can even see some systems in the form of fountains that you can install in the backyard of your house. While these systems perform their task, they also add beauty to your building.
Summary:
Green architecture is no more boring. It has come up with several amazing elements that give buildings a beautiful look. Some of these options include merged solar shingles and garden-style green roofs.
