World Cup carbon concerns

2009-09-18 09:44

Theuns van der Westhuizen

Cape Town - The carbon footprint of the World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa will be eight times that of Germany's in 2006.

South Africa's location as a long-distance destination contributes largely to the situation.

An appeal had thus been made to FIFA and its partners to make a contribution to reducing the spectacle's carbon footprint as it did in Germany, reported Western Cape premier Helen Zille on Thursday.

At the announcement of a progress report on Cape Town's Green Goal Action Plan for the tournament she pointed out that the carbon emissions would moreover affect the entire globe.

Steps need to be taken to involve everybody who has a stake in 2010 in the Green Goal Action Plan and its objectives.

The tourism and hospitality sector has already accepted the principles of environmental sustainability, but there are still deficiencies in implementing the objectives.

The provincial government, in partnership with Sustainable Energy Africa and the British High Commission, have now instituted a green rating system to encourage engagement.

Certification in terms of the system, known as GreenStaySA, would serve as official attestation for enterprises in the tourism and hospitality industry, explained Zille.

Eco-Centre

Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato added that Cape Town was serious about reducing the 2010 carbon footprint and protecting environmental resources.

The new Green Point Stadium includes various aspects of the best available green technology, and the city's Green Goal Action Plan sets an example for many other cities.

One of the 41 projects in the action plan is the development of an Eco-Centre in the new city park being created on the Green Point Common.

It will be a dynamic, interactive centre that will inform people how to contribute to reducing their carbon footprint. Among other things, it will impart information about the latest green technology for water and energy consumption, as well as for the management of solid waste.

The Eco-Centre will be linked to a garden displaying the region's biodiversity and floral riches, which will harmonise well with next year's International Year of Biodiversity.

Construction of the garden has already begun, but R30m is still required to develop the Eco-Centre. An international partner would be a great help, declared Plato.

- Sake