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SPORTS FACILITY OF THE FUTURE BUILDING SUSTAINABLE SPORTS FACILITIES WITH POLYTAN Author Photos
Polytan GmbH, DE – 86666 Burgheim, www.polytan.com Sandra Schnuck
On the outskirts of Berlin, Germany, a European pilot project featuring one of the most advanced sports grounds in Brandenburg has come into being: the “sports facility of the future.” Located on the grounds of the SV 1908 GRÜN-WEISS Ahrensfelde (GWA) sports club, the facility combines environmental, social and economic benefits with functional properties and high usage frequency. The flagship project proves that a sports facility can be built and operated in manner that is environmentally friendly, resource-conserving and cost- effective. Polytan had a large hand in the project’s success with its sustainable product innovations. What does this sports field of the future look like? To develop this exemplary sports facility, a group of experts was formed, including representatives from the North-East German Football Association (NOFV), Ahner Landschaftsarchitektur, the Institute for Municipal Sports Development Planning (INSPO), members of the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS), and various manufacturers. Just as importantly, the project received the support of the Ahrensfelde municipality. Polytan contributed its expertise regarding the sustainability of sports surfaces and artificial turf systems, and professional performance diagnostics. Sustainable, resource-conserving construction materials The futuristic strategy for the sports facility in Ahrensfelde was based on a holistic view of the facility’s entire life-cycle. Thus, the building materials themselves were considered first, which contain a high proportion (over 50 %) of recycled material and minimise carbon emissions. In addition, 62
care was taken to ensure that the products are sustainable throughout their entire life-cycle. An artificial turf pitch in particular significantly reduces the need for maintenance and associated costs, and can be used intensively all year round. Artificial turf with an exemplary environmental footprint LigaTurf Cross GTzero from Polytan is the world’s first carbon-neutral artificial turf for football to reach the marketplace. Its production is 100 % climate-neutral without compromising on playing characteristics. This is made possible by a new production process and the use of a sustainably farmed, organically based synthetic material. The turf is also water-permeable. A drainage mechanism combined with mineral filter systems helps to protect the groundwater from pollutants. No artificial irrigation is necessary – saving Ahrensfelde around 390,000 litres of water every year. There is also no need for fertiliser or weed sb 4/2021
