The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has signed an agreement with the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (Gord) to support the delivery of a carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Under the agreement, the Global Carbon Trust (GCT), part of Gord, will develop assessment standards to measure carbon reduction, work with organisations across Qatar and the region to implement carbon reduction projects and issue carbon credits, which offset emissions related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, sc.qa reports.
The SC's objective is to reach carbon neutrality before the tournament kicks off and leverage the event to leave a climate legacy for Qatar and the region, the report states.
The agreement was signed by Hilal al-Kuwari, chairman of the SC's Technical Delivery Office, and Dr Yousef Mohamed AlHorr, chairman of Gord, during the Qatar Sustainability Summit.
Al-Kuwari said, "We are pleased to once again be partnering with Gord as we aim to deliver the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup.
"Gord has become a trusted partner of the SC, with the two organisations developing a strong working relationship in recent years. Gord developed the Global Sustainability Assessment System – which we use to ensure all our stadiums meet stringent sustainability benchmarks, in line with the expectations of FIFA.
"We look forward to collaborating with Gord again as we finalise our plans to deliver a carbon-neutral tournament in 2022."
The GCT will develop sustainability projects with organisations and businesses in Qatar and across the region, which reduce carbon emissions and issue carbon credits. These carbon credits will help offset tournament-related emissions.
Dr AlHorr said Gord was proud to be playing a key role in supporting the delivery of a carbon-neutral World Cup.
"We are proud to continue our association with the SC as Qatar aims to deliver on its promise of hosting a carbon-neutral tournament in 2022.
"In line with the SC's objectives and Qatar National Vision 2030, we are aiming to support the delivery of a tournament which boosts awareness of the environment and sustainability across the country and region."
Qatar has long committed to hosting a carbon-neutral World Cup. This commitment includes awareness raising, inventory, mitigation and offset of unavoidable emissions, the report adds.
This agreement will help Qatar offset unavoidable emissions associated with the tournament, including air travel by fans, players and officials.
Bodour al-Meer, the SC's Sustainability & Environment senior manager, explained how Qatar will deliver on its promise.
"Since winning the right to host the World Cup, we have undertaken a strategic approach to delivering a carbon-neutral tournament," said al-Meer. "Firstly, we raised awareness of sustainability with our stakeholders, businesses and the wider public."
"The next step is to measure our carbon inventory, in collaboration with FIFA, including all the work we've done so far in reducing emissions, such as energy and water-efficient stadiums, using recycled materials and implementing waste management strategies. The final step is to offset whatever inventory remains through projects involving the GCT."