EM future turf: Only half for Berlin-damage caused by chewing gum!

EM future turf: Only half for Berlin-damage caused by chewing gum!

in Berlin, after the European Football Championship in 2024, a sobering balance with regard to the reusable artificial turf of the fan mile was drawn. Instead of the originally promised complete reusability, less than half of the approximately 24,000 square meters are now suitable for further use. The damage caused by chewing gum, dirt and even pyrotechnic effects has significantly impaired the plans.

to concretize the exact figures: Of the total of 24,000 square meters, only 11,000 square meters could be used for other places in Berlin, as the responsible Senate Department for Interior and Sport said at the request of the Greens in the House of Representatives. This is a clear step backwards from the goal of sustainable the entire material. The artificial turf had cost the state of Berlin about 1.2 million euros and was to be used in various football sites after the European Championship.

chewing gum and fire spots

The current situation also shows that the EM organizers had expected a higher recycling rate. "The 11,000 square meters are 1,000 square meters more than originally assumed," explains the interior administration. However, this also means that the idea that more than half of the lawn would be saved was unrealistic from the start. In July it was said by those responsible that there was a long list of interested parties for the artificial turf. However, some of these interested parties, such as the Tegel correctional facility, have now withdrawn their participation without specific reasons. Currently, eleven buyers such as the Erwin-von-Witzleben School and the Hoppetosse day care center in Lichtenberg can take over the lawn cut.

A reason for the low reusability are the considerable dirt and damaged areas. The artificial turf on the Square March 18 has been so affected that it cannot be reutilized at all - cracks due to the heavy stage installations are responsible for this. The sports administration now plans to organize a new raffle process for the remaining lawn so that the remaining remains can also be used sensibly.

The hopes of comprehensive recycling are thus severely steamed, and the disappointment about the actual use of the artificial turf grows both among the organizers and those originally interested. This development shows once again how important careful planning and less optimistic forecasts in relation to sustainability projects are. according to information from www.tagesschau.de .