IN a groundbreaking development for sustainable construction and sports infrastructure, Maseru, Lesotho’s capital, is witnessing the rise of the ‘Stadium of Life.’ This visionary project, spearheaded by local charity and football club Kick4Life (K4L) in collaboration with non-profit organisation Relationships Inspiring Social Enterprise (rise International), the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and certification body DNV, promises to set new benchmarks in environmental stewardship and community impact.
Dubbed the ‘Stadium of Life,’ this 1,280-seater arena is not only a testament to the potential of sustainable construction but also a symbol of collective effort towards responsible development. By harnessing sustainably sourced timber, the project is reshaping the landscape of sports infrastructure in Africa.
‘The Stadium of Life exemplifies our commitment to sustainability and community development,’ remarks Steve Fleming, co-founder of Kick4Life. ‘It’s not just a football stadium; it’s a platform for social change, extending our impact beyond the pitch.’
This iconic stadium marks several milestones in sustainable construction. ‘Project certification verifies that the forest materials come from responsibly managed forests, ensuring the promotion of environmental stewardship and community development,’ says Gerard Busse, FSC Southern Africa marketing and communications manager.
Constructed primarily from wooden poles sourced from FSC-certified plantations in Mpumalanga, South Africa, the Stadium of Life directly supports responsible forestry practices. ‘By choosing FSC-certified timber, we are promoting sustainable forestry and contributing to the well-being of local communities,’ adds Motlatsi Nkhahle, country director of Kick4Life.
The stadium’s design, crafted in collaboration with rise’s in loco design and build training programme, showcases 8,584 treated Eucalyptus poles, reducing concrete use and highlighting the potential of sustainable building materials. ‘As the construction sector seeks materials with a lower carbon footprint, eyes are turning towards forest products,’ explains Pedro Clarke, in loco programme director and project lead architect.
Moreover, the project integrates environmental education through a ‘Biodiversity Stand,’ featuring indigenous plants, and incorporates sustainable elements such as repurposed shipping containers, solar-powered lighting, and indigenous landscaping.
‘This stadium exemplifies a paradigm shift in sports infrastructure, combining sustainability, social impact, and cultural representation,’ says Daniela Gusman, founder and executive director of rise International.
With construction commencing in August 2023 and the grand opening scheduled for December 2024, the Stadium of Life stands poised to inspire communities across Africa and beyond, showcasing the transformative power of sustainable choices in sports development.