“The First European Zero Waste Football Stadium: PreZero Arena in Sinsheim”

The PreZero Arena in Sinsheim was the first European stadium to be certified as a Zero Waste Arena by TÜV. TSG Managing Director Denni Strich: “That was a great vision for us, we are very proud and happy about it.”

The PreZero Arena was the first European football stadium to be recognized as a Zero Waste Arena by TÜV Süd. A milestone for German football and also for TSG Hoffenheim, which underpins its claim to be a pioneer in the fight against climate change. TSG Managing Director Denni Strich: “The TÜV certification is a milestone for us. It was a great vision of ours to get to where we are now together with our partner PreZero. It is therefore an important day for us and all partners involved. We look forward to the future and further steps.”

Representatives of TSG, PreZero and TÜV Süd came to Sinsheim for two days to carry out the certification. TÜV inspector Thorsten Gog then confirmed the award: “We took a close look at whether the standard and legal requirements for recyclable materials were being implemented. How is it separated? How are valuable materials returned to the cycle? How is it recycled? How is it disposed of? The PreZero Arena met these requirements and was recognized by us.”

Denni Strich adds: “The cooperation is going very well at all levels, we have made every adjustment. This was the only way to achieve this goal. It has developed so well mainly because PreZero and we at TSG had the same vision, both have the same way of thinking. That was positive, both wanted to achieve the same goal. We have succeeded. It took a lot of work, but I think we can now say it was worth it.”

“That was just the beginning. It now continues in the club, in the office and in the Dietmar Hopp Stadium. Sustainability never stops. We look forward to taking the next steps together with PreZero.”

Marcus Sagitz, Head of Marketing at PreZero: “This is a lighthouse project that is unique in Germany. We wanted to achieve something content-driven together with TSG – and that was only possible because we thought big. The project went fantastically and is the result of an impressive teamwork between PreZero, TSG and all partners such as caterers, cleaning companies and security companies. They are all part of the successful certification, which makes this project so special. The big things can only be achieved if you tackle them together.”

The TÜV certification now confirms the joint commitment to the environment – for Sagitz an award of great value: “It is extremely important for us that there is an independent test with fixed standards. We deliberately do not want to slip into the greenwashing corner, but rather create transparency and comparability. The numerous discussions and the public interest in this project show us that we are on the right track.”

Marcus Sagitz adds: “You’re never done. There is always the next project, we are always learning, we receive new information and technologies. That is why we will continue to work, improve and expand our actions. Expanding the concept to the entire club is now the focus. Environmental and climate protection only works if you are 100 percent committed to it. Letting this topic slide again at some point is not an option. It works if you approach it collectively and with the right attitude, with full commitment and full conviction.”