BVB and RWE: Leading Sustainable Construction in Sport – Construction Digital

Borussia Dortmund’s Energy Initiative and Sustainable Development Goals

Project Scope and Alignment with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

A battery storage system is being implemented at Signal Iduna Park to advance the club’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. This initiative directly supports the objectives of SDG 7.

1. System Functionality: The primary function is to store solar-generated electricity, ensuring a consistent power supply.
2. Operational Timeline: The system is scheduled to become operational by early 2026.
3. Contribution to SDG 7: By enabling the storage and use of renewable energy during periods of low generation, such as overcast weather, the project increases the share of clean energy in the facility’s power mix and enhances energy reliability.

Strategic Vision and Impact on Climate and Community Goals

The project is a central component of Borussia Dortmund’s long-term sustainability strategy, reflecting a commitment to multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

• SDG 13: Climate Action: The club’s leadership, including CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke, has designated the installation as a “flagship project for climate protection,” highlighting its role in mitigating climate change.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: By integrating renewable energy infrastructure, Signal Iduna Park contributes to the environmental sustainability of the urban community, aligning with the goals of SDG 11.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The integrated solar and battery system promotes responsible energy consumption patterns by reducing reliance on non-renewable power sources.

1. SDGs Addressed in the Article

The article highlights issues and initiatives that are directly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals. The analysis below identifies the primary and related SDGs based on the project’s focus on renewable energy, climate action, and sustainable infrastructure.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  This is the most prominent SDG addressed. The article focuses on the installation of a battery system to store and use “solar-generated electricity.” This initiative directly promotes the use of clean and renewable energy sources, which is the core objective of SDG 7.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The project is explicitly framed as a “flagship project for climate protection.” By investing in renewable energy and storage solutions, Borussia Dortmund is taking concrete action to mitigate climate change by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and lowering its carbon footprint.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The article discusses a significant upgrade to the infrastructure of Signal Iduna Park. The installation of an advanced battery system represents an investment in resilient, sustainable, and innovative infrastructure, aligning with the goals of SDG 9.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  As a major venue within a city, Signal Iduna Park’s move towards sustainability contributes to the overall environmental performance of its community. By adopting clean energy, the stadium helps reduce the city’s environmental impact, which is a key aspect of SDG 11.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article mentions a “strategic partnership” and describes the installation as a “project.” This implies a collaboration between Borussia Dortmund and other entities (e.g., technology providers, energy companies) to achieve these sustainability goals, reflecting the spirit of SDG 17.

2. Specific Targets Identified

Based on the article’s content, several specific SDG targets can be identified as being directly relevant to the initiative.

1. Target 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy

   The article states that the battery system will “enable the club to store and use solar-generated electricity.” This directly contributes to Target 7.2, which aims to “increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix” by 2030. The project increases the proportion of clean energy used to power the stadium.

2. Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure for sustainability

   This target calls for upgrading infrastructure to make it more sustainable through the “greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.” The installation of a solar-powered battery system at Signal Iduna Park is a clear example of retrofitting existing infrastructure with clean technology to improve its environmental performance.

3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning

   The club’s CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, describes the project as part of a “wider strategic vision” and a central element of the club’s “future sustainability goals.” This demonstrates the integration of climate action measures into the organization’s strategic planning, which mirrors the objective of Target 13.2 at an institutional level.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it provides information that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.

• Indicator for Target 7.2: Share of renewable energy

  An implied indicator is the amount of “solar-generated electricity” that will be stored and used by the stadium. Progress can be measured by tracking the percentage of the stadium’s total energy consumption that is met by this renewable source once the system is operational.

• Indicator for Target 9.4 & 13.2: Investment in and adoption of clean technology

  The article describes the project as a “record-breaking flagship project.” While no specific figures are given, the scale of the investment and the capacity of the battery system serve as indicators of the club’s commitment to adopting clean technologies and integrating sustainability into its operations. The operational start date of “early 2026” is a concrete milestone for this indicator.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: constructiondigital.com