The Olympic Games have long been a symbol of global unity and athletic excellence, but their environmental impact, particularly in terms of CO2 emissions, often goes unnoticed. Host cities face the challenge of balancing the grandeur of the Games with the need for sustainability.
The article Olympics 2024: Going Green Instead of Gold published by BOMA BEST early this month gathers historic data from previous Games.
“The London 2012 Olympics generated an estimated 3.3 million tonnes of CO2, nearly equivalent to the annual emissions of a coal plant, with construction accounting for 50% and energy use for 25% (Gold and Gold, 2015). The Rio 2016 Olympics had a carbon footprint of about 3.6 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of roughly 800,000 people (Rowberg and Rincker, 2019). Of Rio’s emissions, 30-40% came from energy consumption at venues, and 25-30% was from transporting athletes, officials, and spectators (Trendafilova et al., 2017).”
The Paris 2024 Olympics organizing committee has established a new model for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, aimed at delivering a more responsible, sustainable, and inclusive event.
The Legacy and Sustainability Plan for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games initiatives include:
Climate Action and Carbon Reduction: Paris 2024 aimed to be the first Olympic Games aligned with the Paris Agreement on climate change by using existing or temporary venues to minimize construction emissions, implementing renewable energy solutions, and offsetting unavoidable emissions through certified carbon offset projects to achieve carbon neutrality.
Circular Economy and Waste Management: Paris 2024 focused on reducing waste and promoting a circular economy by minimizing single-use plastics, designing a comprehensive waste management plan, and repurposing materials from temporary facilities to create a more sustainable event.
Biodiversity Preservation: The Games prioritized protecting and enhancing biodiversity through the restoration of green spaces, planting trees, creating urban forests, and ensuring all construction projects meet stringent environmental standards to safeguard local ecosystems.
Sustainable Mobility: To reduce transportation-related emissions, Paris 2024 emphasizes sustainable transport options such as public transport, cycling, and walking.
Legacy of Sustainable Innovation: Paris 2024 seeks to leave a lasting impact by showcasing sustainable innovations, supporting long-term urban development, and encouraging practices that will benefit host communities and set new standards for future events.
We hope this positive trend extends across industries. The significance of making meaningful changes is clear, and as the Paris 2024 Olympics have shown, achieving a substantial impact is entirely possible.
