Go Green Team

Sustainability & the Olympics

By Katrina McDowell on Aug 5, 2024 in News

Sustainability has become a vital focus for the modern Olympic Games, aiming to reduce environmental impacts and promote long-term benefits for host cities and the planet. Let’s delve into some of the essential areas of focus.

Green infrastructure. The future host cities for the Olympics are not just accelerating sustainable strategies but also making a significant positive impact on the environment. They are advancing sustainable sourcing, building energy-efficient and eco-friendly sports venues, using renewable energy sources, and implementing waste reduction practices. This is a guiding light for a greener future.

For example, in 2020, Tokyo is notable for using recycled materials for medals and sustainable sourcing of wood for venues. They had sustainable construction out of the 43 venues, either renovated or retrofitted with advanced technology to reduce energy consumption. Twenty-five of the venues were reused buildings from the 1964 Games, including the jewel Yoyogi National Stadium, designed by Japan’s most famous architect, Kenzo Tange, recognized as a prominent modernist architect.  

Transportation and waste management. Sustainability involves transportation and promoting public transit, cycling and walking to help these larger host cities reduce carbon emissions, especially with the increased population. Host cities should consider investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure, such as enhancing electric vehicle use by expanding charging infrastructure and adopting uniform charging connectors that can significantly reduce carbon emissions—or adding more pedestrian bridges, allowing individuals to cross busy intersections or waterways in an environmentally friendly way. Cities should also implement comprehensive recycling and waste reduction programs to eliminate waste in landfills.

Biodiversity and green spaces. At a mega event like the Olympics, host cities must learn how to protect and enhance local biodiversity, create green spaces and ensure minimal ecological disruption.

This year, the Summer Olympics in Paris aims to be the most sustainable games ever, with plans for carbon-neutral events and extensive use of existing venues. The Seine River that flows in the city of lights has been getting a significant cleanup for athlete swimmers, which they have been planning since 2015 with billions invested. The mayor tested and swam in the river just days before the opening ceremonies.

“The Seine is exquisite,” said Mayor Anne Hidalgo from the water. After emerging, she continued, “The water is very, very good. A little cool, but not so bad.’’ She also said it was “a dream” and a “testimony that we have achieved a lot of work,” referencing the city’s “swimming plan” that was launched in 2015.

So long as there won’t be heavy rains, the World Triathlon Federation has given the green light and determined the river safe for competitions.

Are there sustainability challenges?

Independent sustainability standards are necessary to overcome the challenges Olympic host cities face. These standards ensure that the Games balance economic pressures with environmental goals, maintain long-term sustainability beyond the games, and overcome logistical and financial hurdles to implement green technologies and practices.

Sustainable legacy. Everyone wants a legacy built after hosting such a prestigious event. Ensuring venues and infrastructure are utilized post-games is vital. Long-term environmental monitoring and maintenance plans need to be in place. Future Games will commit to tackling climate change. Paris 2024 aims to halve its carbon footprint compared to previous summer games with The Paris Agreement—a legally binding treaty on climate change.

Community engagement is not just a buzzword in sustainability efforts. It’s a crucial part of the process that increases with a sense of national pride, new and enhanced workforce skills, a “feel good” spirit among the population, and even the rediscovery of national culture and heritage. Engagement matters, and it is what drives increased environmental awareness and consciousness.