With the 2014 World Cup soccer tournament under way in Brazil, the U.S. Green Building Council points out that it has LEED-certified six Brazilian stadiums where competitions have taken place.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified stadiums are:

?Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro (Silver)

?Castelao Arena in Fortaleza (Certified)

?Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador (Silver)

?Mineirão in Belo Horizonte (Silver)

?Arena da Amazônia in Manaus (Silver)

?Arena Multiuso in Salvador (Silver)

 Felipe Faria, managing director of Brazil’s green building council, said Odebrecht, the construction firm responsible for Maracanã’s certification, installed photovoltaic panels on the roof, rainwater reservoirs and selective collection sites for waste.

“Just over 60 years from its completion for the 1950 World Cup, Maracanã is once again making history,” Faria said. “Indeed, the entire country of Brazil is making history with these LEED stadiums. We are grateful for the leadership demonstrated by the professionals in the marketplace and applaud their achievements. The many green elements incorporated into these stadiums will reduce the environmental impact of the games on Brazil, from improved transit access to lower water and energy consumption.”

USGBC founder, Chairman and CEO Rick Fedrizzi said the World Cup is a great showcase for green building.

“Even as the world's top teams take the field, the venues themselves are also in the spotlight, demonstrating not only the worldwide applicability and adaptability of the LEED green building rating system, but also Brazil’s leadership position at the forefront of the movement to high-performing green buildings,” Fedrizzi said. “FIFA (the International Association of Federation Football) and the government of Brazil have shown great leadership and commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of these World Cup facilities and for making them a showcase of sustainable construction for the international community.”