Toward an integrated sustainability framework for large sports venues: a multidimensional green model

Abstract

In line with paragraph 37 of the United Nations Agenda 2030, sport plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development. Despite growing attention to environmental concerns in sports infrastructure, integrated and empirically validated models for sustainable stadium design remain limited. This study develops and validates a comprehensive green model for large sports venues in a context marked by rapid growth of sports infrastructure. Employing a mixed-methods approach, 19 expert interviews were analyzed through the Glaserian grounded theory, yielding 465 initial codes, 72 sub-categories, and 10 core concepts. Subsequently, 380 valid survey responses were examined using second-order structural equation modeling (SEM) with AMOS. The validated framework integrates cultural factors, structural sustainability, green management, recycling practices, transportation systems, and national identity. By illustrating the interrelation of these components, the model offers a strategic tool for environmentally responsible stadium design and provides actionable insights for planners, policymakers, and sports facility designers committed to sustainability in large-scale venue development. © 2026 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.