Stad ium unites sports, eco-goals

LESOTHO is poised to welcome a groundbreaking 1 280-seater football stadium constructed primarily from sustainably sourced timber.

Dubbed the “Stadium of Life” and located in the country's capital of Maseru, this innovative project, which harnesses timber's renewability and carbon storage properties, stems from a collaboration between local charity and football club Kick4Life (K4L), non-profit organisation Relationships Inspiring Social Enterprise (rise International), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and international certification body DNV.

The Stadium of Life represents a pioneering venture in several respects. Not only will it be Africa's first FSC-certified timber stadium, but it also marks the first FSC-certified project (FSCP001979) in southern Africa and the third on the African continent. A €75 000 (R1.5 million) sponsorship by FSC International has secured the naming rights for the next five years.

FSC Southern Africa marketing and communications manager Gerard Busse said the structure sets new standards for sustainable construction.

“Project certification is vital in that it verifies that the forest materials for a project come from FSC-certified forests, recycled, or controlled sources. Project certification also ensures the responsible sourcing of timber, supply chain and the promotion of environmental stewardship and community development. Aligned to the shared aim for long-term positive impact on the environment and local communities, DNV inspectors rigorously examined the sustainable methods used, providing useful insights on how to improve the project's environmental and social impact,” said Busse.

The wooden poles chosen for construction are being sourced from MTO Forestry's FSC-certified plantations in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Choosing FSC-certified products directly enshrines conservation into the project's legacy, ensuring supply chain integrity and responsible forestry for future generations.

Steve Fleming, co-founder of K4L, explained the stadium's significance as a platform for social change.

“The new facility will extend the impact of K4L's existing centre, providing space for daily football-based and social impact programmes and serving as a home ground for football teams.”

Motlatsi Nkhahle, country director of K4L, added: “The stadium is designed as a multipurpose facility that extends beyond sport, and acts as a hub for activities including climate change education, gender empowerment, academic tutoring, health testing, and entrepreneurship training.”

The existing centre's social enterprises, including a restaurant and conference centre, generate income to support community programmes and create employment opportunities for youth. The Stadium of Life aims to foster a connection between football and nature, encouraging visitors to consider the sport's impact on our natural environment. The concept was developed in collaboration with construction industry graduates from rise's flagship design and build training programme, in loco, as part of a 10-month fellowship in 2023.

After various design options, timber won, with 8 584 treated eucalyptus poles forming the west and south stands and a 160m perimeter fence.

“As the construction sector increasingly seeks materials with a lighter environmental footprint, lower greenhouse gas emissions and better energy efficiency, eyes are turning towards forest products sector to meet these goals,” said Pedro Clarke, in loco programme director and lead architect.

One cubic metre of eucalyptus wood captures 880kg of atmospheric carbon dioxide, thanks to photosynthesis that takes place while a tree is growing. Some 640kg of oxygen is released back into the atmosphere.

Construction began in August 2023, and the stadium is set to open in December this year.