Chinese solar firm Yingli Green Energy claims it is on course to be the FIFA World Cup’s first ever carbon neutral sponsor.

It plans to offset all carbon emissions from its promotional activities in Brazil including commercial displays, customer hospitality, media activities and employee travel and accommodation.

Yingli has supplied more than 5,000 solar panels and nearly 30 off-grid solar energy systems to power matches at several World Cup stadiums.

It is working with environmental agency ClimatePartner to calculate and verify emissions data for its sponsorship work in Brazil.

Liansheng Miao, Chairman CEO of Yingli Green Energy said: “By becoming history’s first carbon neutral sponsor of the FIFA World Cup, Yingli is honouring its commitment to our environment and to our planet.”

FIFA’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Federico Addiechi added: “Sustainability is one of the key tenants in our vision for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Environmental initiatives such as the one presented by our sponsor Yingli today are contributing to increasing the positive impact of the FIFA World Cup on society and the environment.”

Yingli plans to host a press conference on 27 June in Rio de Janeiro to give an update on its progress.

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