Green World Cup for SA

SOUTH Africa intends to hold the greenest ever  World Cup in 2010  and in so doing, set a
precedent for future events in terms of low  environmental impact and a positive social and economic legacy.

This is the aim of Green Goal 2010, a joint  business plan of the Western Cape Government and
the City of Cape Town, which is to culminate in  the adoption of a Green Goal 2010 action plan in
March 2008. 

The plan will be the result of five  workshops attended by relevant stakeholders and  coordinated by Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA)  on behalf of the province, the city and funders,  the Konrad Adenhauer Foundation (KAS).

The action plan identifies six core Green Goal  2010 projects for Cape Town and the Western  Cape, each with measurable targets, key  milestones, primary activities, budgets, private  sector opportunities, roles and responsibilities.

They are:
* Green building & sustainable  procurement:  identifying innovative  interventions to minimise the carbon footprint of the world cup precinct

* Landscaping & biodiversity: bringing a unique  Cape flavour to the landscaping and beautification of the soccer precinct.

* Integrated waste management: promoting  behaviour changes through waste reduction, separation and recycling.

* A green rating system for the hospitality  sector (GreenStaySA): saving resources through  minimising energy, water use and waste in hotels.

* Carbon offset initiative: seeking to offset  local and international travel emissions.

* Sustainable tourism: promoting an  environmentally and socially responsible approach to tourism.

When Germany hosted the 2006 World Cup, it  introduced greening under the Green Goal  branding with the aim of a carbon neutral event.

Insiders say it will be difficult for South  Africa to match Germany's environmental
achievements, but it could show the way forward  with respect to social and economic justice.

 From an environmental angle, Green Goal 2010   will involve making sure the impact of the   event is minimised, that the longer-term impact  of the permanent infrastructure leaves a  positive legacy and that offsetting takes place   through suitable carbon saving projects around the country.

The following have been identified as the biggest environmental polluters:

* Transport ­ the biggest culprit ­effective  public transport being critical in reducing pollution from private cars.

* Resource use by hotels and B&Bs during the  event is the second biggest area of concern.

* Stadium design and construction needs to be  resource efficient and materials need to be chosen carefully.

* Procurement of goods associated with the event  need to be environmentally and socially sound.

* Waste reduction through fewer or no packaging and recycling.