Environmental award for the sports venue in Klagenfurt: the European Championship Stadium was awarded the “Green Ball”. 

A prize for institutions participating in environmental conservation measures and climate protection projects in connection with the EURO, since UEFA EURO 2008 ™ will also be an environmentally sound major event.
The Wörthersee Stadium was awarded the “Green Ball” for the plan to introduce the EMAS Environmental Management System.
The most important measures include: district heating supply, solar system for hot water supply, optimum control of lighting, ventilation and heating, waste management, eco-friendly purchasing, consistent avoidance of hazardous substances and waste.
Federal Minister for the Environment, Josef Pröll, presented the award to the Mayor of Klagenfurt, Harald Scheucher, and the Managing Director of Sportparkgesellschaft (operating company of the new stadium) and Chairman of the EURO 2008 Organising Committee, Manfred Pock. Mayor Scheucher expressed his sincere thanks and stressed the necessity of sustainability concepts for EURO 2008.
Martin Hiden, Austrian national football team player and new addition to SK Austria Kärnten, also received a “Green Ball”. He is the first well-known footballer to actively participate in climate protection. From now on, he will compensate for all CO2 emissions caused by his travelling by car, train or plane by investments in Austrian climate protection projects.
The EURO 2008 is also a challenge for environmental and climate protection. At a first rough estimate, the Federal Environmental Agency expects an additional CO2 burden in Austria of approximately 40,000 tons because of the EURO 2008. The goal is, of course, climate neutrality and this is to be achieved by the “Environment on the ball” funding framework. This programme supports environmental and climate protection measures taken by municipal institutions, sports associations and tourist establishments on the occasion of the EURO 2008. For information, see the web site www.umweltamball.at.