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London plans the greenest Olympics ever

As host of the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, London (UK) is implementing a strategy that will ensure that these games are both built and remembered as the ‘greenest Games in modern times’.

Some of the strategies are that the Games be low carbon, low waste, rely on green transportation and there be a high-reuse of materials during construction. Specific goals include:

• Minimizing carbon emissions associated with the Olympic Park and venues through a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2013. This will be achieved through a combination of on-site energy generation and renewable energy sources;
• reducing waste through design, with 90% of demolition material to be reused and at least 20 % of materials used in permanent venues and associated works to be recycled;
• reducing the demand for potable water in permanent venues by 40%, and a 20% reduction target for residential development; and
• prioritizing walking, cycling and the use of public transport to and within the Olympic Park and venues, including building over 80 kilometres of walking and cycling routes. Furthermore, there is a goal for 50% of construction materials to be transported to the Park by water and rail.

Ms Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister said, “The Olympics will create one of the largest city parks in Europe for 150 years, reinvigorate the waterways and enhance biodiversity. I am determined to ensure that the Games we deliver are not only sensational, but also socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.”

London is one of 159 local governments in Europe that are currently Members of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. For more information on ICLEI and its activities in Europe, please visit the European Secretariat at www.iclei.org/europe.

Source: “London makes plans for greenest Olympics ever”, Planet 2025 News, 28 January 2007.