This research paper explores how one of the world’s most resource-intensive building types can transition toward a sustainable future. It reviews recent academic work and found that research on stadium sustainability is dominated by two areas: energy use and materials management. While important, this narrow focus overlooks other critical issues such as water, biodiversity, indoor air quality, and end-of-life planning. The study reveals a gap in whole-of-life approaches and a lack of clear best practices, especially for community-scale venues.

To move the conversation forward, the paper offers a practical definition of an Environmentally Sustainable Stadium and proposes a checklist of strategies to guide decision-makers, architects, engineers, stadium owners, and event organisers. Read more

This research paper dives into the drivers behind environmental action in stadiums and the priorities that shape outcomes. Energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable materials lead the way, with strong pushes from legislation, cost savings, fan expectations, and the race for competitive advantage. However, budget limits, complex infrastructure, and balancing diverse stakeholder interests often slow down the progress. The paper argues that operations and legacy phases are weak spots in current stadium sustainability practices, especially in mega-events, and need stronger systems for accountability, transparency and community-focused outcomes.

What stands out is the opportunity for stadiums to become leaders in environmental innovation, resilient community spaces, and powerful symbols of what sustainable infrastructure can achieve when owners show real commitment, when partnerships are built early, and when sustainability is embedded in the design from day one. Read more

This research paper examines the issue of marine plastic pollution through the DPSIR framework and argues for a combined source-to-sea and circular economy approach.

The source-to-sea lens highlights how plastics leak at every stage from production and consumption, through waste systems, rivers, and ultimately into the ocean. The circular economy offers solutions to close these leaks by redesigning products, reducing single-use plastics, promoting reuse, recycling, and recovery. By linking these two frameworks, the paper shows how interventions can target both upstream drivers and downstream impacts. Read more