Shenzhen, a vibrant metropolis in south China's Guangdong Province, is redefining the future of large-scale sporting events by integrating cutting-edge low-carbon technologies and sustainable materials into the infrastructure of its competition venues for the 15th National Games.
For the first time, China's premier multi-sport event, the National Games, is co-hosted by Guangdong Province and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao. Shenzhen serves as a primary host city, staging major competitions in swimming, boxing, and equestrian events across 20 venues, 14 of which have been meticulously renovated to prioritize sustainability.
At the Longhua Cultural and Sports Center in Shenzhen, innovation and sustainability converge through seamlessly integrated solar panels on the roof and glass facade, enhancing energy efficiency.
"Our glass facade's sloped design was deliberately crafted to enhance efficiency, minimizing solar heat gain and reducing air conditioning usage," said Chen Guanzhou, deputy director of the Longhua Cultural and Sports Center.
The badminton arena at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center features 6,500 square meters of photovoltaic panels, producing enough electricity annually to reduce approximately 792 tons of carbon emissions.
Inside the swimming venue, energy-efficient LED lighting cuts power consumption by 40 percent while offering programmable dynamic light shows to elevate the spectator experience.
All competition venues in Shenzhen for the National Games are powered 100 percent by green electricity, an initiative expected to prevent 50,000 tons of carbon emissions during the event, equivalent to planting 2.7 million trees. The green electricity, sourced from seven other provincial regions in the country, including Qinghai, Guangxi, and Yunnan, is transmitted through China's first zero-carbon, smart power substation. Engineered for carbon neutrality, this substation reduces annual carbon emissions by 60 tons, equivalent to planting 3,333 trees.
Beyond the 15th National Games, Shenzhen envisions a lasting legacy. All competition venues will be transformed into multi-functional community hubs that host concerts, sports training, and public events, ensuring they remain enduring assets that enrich urban life.
"We seek to transform the competition venues into 'living rooms' of our city, demonstrating the innovative technologies from local enterprises," said Zhang Xingzheng, deputy director of the Shenzhen City Ecology and Environment Bureau.
Shenzhen applies green tech to competition venues for sustainable National Games
