Applying the facility location problem model for selection of more climate benign mega sporting event hosts: A case of the FIFA World Cups. (15th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pereira, Rodrigo Pinheiro Tóffano; Camara, Marcus Vinicius Oliveira; Ribeiro, Glaydston Mattos; Filimonau, Viachaslau
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 159(2017)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 157
• Publication Date: 2017-08-15
• Subjects: Facility location problem -- Carbon footprint -- Mega-sporting event -- FIFA world cup -- Transportation -- Event participants; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.05.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Sporting mega-events generate substantial carbon footprint where return transportation of event participants and visitors between the source and host countries makes the largest contribution. To enhance environmental sustainability of sporting mega-events, it is paramount to select a host country with the lowest carbon footprint from international transportation without compromising the magnitude of major visitor flows. The Facility Location Problem (FLP) model represents an established tool employed in the business environment to determine the best location for the installation of facilities to provide for existing or envisaged consumer demand. The model has proven its feasibility in a number of economic sectors, but rarely been applied in tourism, and never with sustainability management and planning purposes. This study contributes to knowledge by demonstrating the applicability of the FLP model when planning for sporting mega-events. The model enables selection of a host country with better climate credentials by quantifying the magnitude of international transportation of the event participants alongside the associated carbon footprint. Application of the FLP model to the FIFA World Cups shows that, to facilitate the progress of these mega-events towards sustainability, a decision on a host country should be made after the team qualification round, rather than before, as it currently stands. The model can then identify prospective hosts with the lowest carbon footprint from international transportation. Highlights: Facility Location Problem model is used to estimate the carbon footprint from transportation's clubs in the FIFA World Cup. The Football Manager 2016 gaming platform is utilized to predict the participants in the future FIFA World Cups. Analysis shows that selection of the FIFA World Cup hosts should be made after the participating nations are known.