Large-scale sporting events have never historically been particularly environmentally friendly.

The combination of transportation, increased population, large-scale construction and the pressure of strict deadlines typically means massive energy use, with tons of carbon being released into the air.

Or in the case of the 2014 FIFA World Cup – 2.72 million tons.

For perspective, the month-long event will produce an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide to 560,000 cars in a year.  The event is expected to produce almost twice as much carbon emissions as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Eighty percent of the total emissions will come from transportation alone, as fans and players fly between the twelve stadiums spread across the sprawling South American country.

While this may seem like bad news, this World Cup will, in fact, be one of the most environmentally-conscious events ever staged.

All stadiums are intended to achieve a base-line standard of sustainability, with 10 of the 12 total stadiums having applied for LEED status, which indicates a highlevel of sustainability. The Garrincha stadium in the capital is seeking LEED Platinum status; it would be the first soccer stadium to be granted this accreditation.