The FC Porto Museum and Estádio do Dragão have been awarded EarthCheck Silver Certification, making them the first football-related tourist attractions in the world to reach this level of international sustainability certification. This achievement marks a significant milestone not only for FC Porto but also for the city of Porto, the Northern Region of Portugal, and global sustainable tourism.

The certification followed a rigorous evaluation process lasting approximately one year, carried out in close collaboration with IPDT – Institute for Tourism Planning and Development, which provided specialised technical support throughout all phases of the process.

The official certification ceremony was held at Estádio do Dragão and attended by Melissa Hamilton, Principal Consultant at EarthCheck, who presented the certificate on behalf of the organisation to João Borges, Vice-President and Board Member of FC Porto. Melissa Hamilton’s visit to Porto coincided with the ICCA Congress, also hosted at Estádio do Dragão, further reinforcing the international profile of these iconic sports infrastructures, now formally recognised for their sustainability.

A Commitment to Sustainability

The attainment of the Silver Certification resulted from a demanding and transparent process involving the collection and analysis of quantitative data and qualitative criteria, culminating in an independent external audit. This validation confirms the alignment of the FC Porto Museum and Estádio do Dragão with the highest ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and international best practices.

This achievement was reached thanks to the dedication of the FC Porto Group’s Sustainability Team and the joint efforts of multiple operational units. Key factors included the implementation of a robust Sustainability Policy, social responsibility actions, investments in energy and water efficiency, and the development of innovative accessibility and inclusion projects.

“FC Porto has reached another historic milestone: the certification, a first in the sector, of the FC Porto Museum and Estádio do Dragão as sustainable tourist attractions. It reflects our commitment to a more responsible future, both on and off the pitch. We believe it is possible to combine sporting excellence with leadership in sustainability, and this recognition proves we are on the right path. We are deeply proud of this achievement, which formally acknowledges a long-standing characteristic of ours: the relentless pursuit of excellence with responsibility and a forward-looking vision,” stated João Borges.

International Recognition

The FC Porto Museum and Estádio do Dragão stand out as world-class tourist attractions, blending sport, culture, heritage, and innovation. In 2025, they were named Portugal’s Best Football Stadium Experience by the World Travel Awards and represent the country as affiliate members of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Additionally, they hold a position on the Board of the Porto and Northern Portugal Tourism Association (ATPNP), reinforcing their leadership role in regional tourism.

“This is another moment of great celebration. I believe we can truly recognise the discipline, the effort, and the forward-looking mindset that transformed the FC Porto Museum and Estádio do Dragão into EarthCheck-certified sustainable tourist attractions. As a museum, our mission is to collect, study, and share history, but we’ve always viewed the FC Porto Museum as a source of inspiration for the future. To those who visit us, we hope to convey one message: it is possible to be competitive, innovative, and exemplary without losing the essence that defines us. This is, therefore, a moment of true Portista pride,” stated Mafalda Magalhães, Director of the FC Porto Museum.

Leading in Sport and Sustainable Tourism

The EarthCheck certification strengthens the already well-established sustainability path of the FC Porto Group, a commitment that began in 2007 with the implementation of an integrated quality and environmental management system (ISO 9001 and ISO 14001). This was further consolidated through the Club’s Sustainability Strategy and the distinction of becoming the first sports organisation in Portugal and Europe to achieve EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) certification.

Teresa Santos, FC Porto’s Director of Sustainability, emphasised the impact of reaching a new level in the Club’s sustainability journey: “When we started this process, we knew the challenge would be demanding. EarthCheck certification is internationally recognised as one of the most rigorous in the field of sustainability applied to tourism and organisations. We approached it with method, commitment, and conviction, knowing that sustainability is an integral part of our winning identity.”

EarthCheck is an Australian organisation and a global leader in scientific benchmarking and certification for sustainability in the tourism sector. Since 1987, it has worked with destinations and businesses worldwide, supporting the transition towards sustainable management models based on credible and verified metrics. The EarthCheck Certified programme for Businesses is globally recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and implemented in over 70 countries, making it one of the most demanding sustainability standards internationally.