Morocco has launched a public tender estimated at 2.816 billion dirhams ($281 million) to upgrade the Fez Sports Complex as part of the country's preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
The international open tender was launched by Morocco's National Agency for Public Facilities (ANEP), with the project placing strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental performance.
According to the tender's special conditions, the design of the Fez Sports Complex must comply with FIFA's sustainability standards, ensuring that the upgraded venue meets the requirements of a major international sporting event while limiting its environmental impact and delivering benefits for local communities.
The project aims to obtain the "High Environmental Quality (HQE) Sustainable Infrastructure" certification, with environmental requirements applying throughout the design, construction and operation phases.
The sustainability framework includes measures covering eco-design, biodiversity protection, resource efficiency and the improvement of comfort and overall user experience.
Contractors will be required to appoint an environmental certification coordinator and provide the necessary human and technical resources to monitor compliance with environmental requirements and support the certification process.
Energy and water efficiency
The project targets a reduction of at least 30% in energy consumption compared with a standard design. Measures will include LED lighting, high-performance heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, as well as an enhanced thermal envelope.
Between 5% and 10% of the complex's energy is also expected to come from renewable sources, while a Building Management System will be installed to monitor and optimise energy consumption.
Water consumption is targeted to fall by at least 40%, through water-efficient fixtures and systems to collect and reuse rainwater and greywater for irrigation and other non-potable purposes.
The project also includes measures to improve the resilience of stormwater drainage systems in response to climate change.
Low-carbon construction
The tender prioritises materials with a lower carbon footprint, including low-carbon concrete, recycled steel reinforcement and bio-based materials.
The use of locally sourced materials will also be encouraged to reduce transport-related emissions. A Life Cycle Assessment will be carried out to measure and help reduce the embodied carbon associated with construction materials and processes.
Environmental requirements extend to the construction phase, with contractors required to follow a Low-Nuisance Construction Site Charter. This includes plans for erosion and sediment control, construction waste management and air-quality monitoring.
Biodiversity, accessibility and resilience
The project also seeks to limit soil sealing and preserve the site's natural characteristics while ensuring that the sports complex is properly integrated into its surrounding urban environment.
Accessibility is another key component, with improvements planned for public transport connections, pedestrian routes and cycling infrastructure.
Waste management will follow circular-economy principles, including the sorting, reuse, recycling and recovery of materials. Contractors will also be required to maintain traceability of waste generated, reused, repurposed, recycled or recovered during the project.
The upgraded complex will incorporate requirements for thermal and acoustic comfort, indoor air quality and the quality of facilities for spectators, players and staff.
The design will also take into account natural and climate-related risks, including structural requirements for extreme winds and compliance with Morocco's seismic construction standards.
The Fez Sports Complex upgrade is part of Morocco's broader programme to modernise its sports infrastructure ahead of major international competitions, with the 2030 World Cup representing the centrepiece of the country's preparations. Morocco will co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal.
