WASHINGTON — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced several stadiums being used for the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, including South America’s largest stadium, Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, have achieved LEED certification.

Originally built and used for the 1950 FIFA World Cup, the LEED-Silver Maracanã stadium is once again reprising its role by playing host for the final game of the 2014 World Cup. Maracanã will also serve as a major sporting venue for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies as well as major sporting events.

The other LEED-certified stadiums for the 2014 FIFA World Cup include Castelao Arena in Fortaleza (LEED Certified), Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador (LEED Silver), Arena da Amazônia in Manaus (LEED Silver), and Arena Multiuso in Recife (LEED Silver).

“Even as the world’s top teams take the field, the venues themselves are also in the spotlight, demonstrating not only the worldwide applicability and adaptability of the LEED-green building rating system, but also Brazil’s leadership position at the forefront of the movement to high-performing green buildings,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO, and founding chair, USGBC. “FIFA and the government of Brazil have shown great leadership and commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of these World Cup facilities and for making them a showcase of sustainable construction for the international community.”

Publication date: 6/30/2014 

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