The 2024 Paris Olympics are fast approaching their final days with thousands of people visiting the city, but just how sustainable have these games truly been? According to the Olympic committee, Paris is setting a new benchmark in environmental responsibility, pioneering advancements from state-of-the-art waste management systems to eco-friendly infrastructure.
Paris 2024 aims to cut carbon emissions by 50% compared with the average for London 2012 and Rio 2016. This is for both direct and indirect emissions, such as spectator travel.
Here’s a closer look at some of the things the organizers have implemented:
Buildings
It is great that many venues were designed to be temporary or adaptable for future use, preventing them from becoming abandoned post-games, but surely this should be the norm by now? There are very few cities that can afford to host the games and build structures that are used for just 2 weeks….
The permanent structures have been constructed using sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs, incorporating features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural ventilation. The Olympic Village will be repurposed into eco-friendly housing after the event, this is all good news for the planet, but again not that revolutionary.
100% Renewable Energy
I think a key highlight of the 2024 Paris sustainable games is their commitment to utilizing renewable energy sources. The event’s organizers have collaborated with local energy providers to ensure all venues are powered by 100% renewable energy. This includes the extensive use of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. For instance, solar panels have been integrated into the design of many temporary and permanent structures to harness energy directly on-site. Wind turbines have been set up around the city, adding to the green energy mix.
Water Conservation Efforts
The Paris Games committee has said that water conservation is another crucial focus area, in reality what they have implemented to reduce waste is surely a financial decision?
I like that they have rainwater harvesting systems, which collect and store rainwater for various uses, such as irrigation and flushing toilets. As well as, smart irrigation systems to ensure the landscaping around the venues is watered efficiently. But this is all saving them money, and when an event such as the games costs so much to put on of course they are looking for cost savings, but what I find frustrating is that it is framed as eco, as if saving money doesn’t matter…
Carbon Offsetting
We all know that carbon offsetting is not worth the paper it is written on and yet the Games organizers have launched a carbon offsetting program and are encouraging fans to also offset their emissions. Why? This is greenwashing at its best (or worst depending on your viewpoint). We should be reducing, reusing, recycling; basically anything else before we offset! Ok, I will jump off my soapbox now….
Eco-Friendly Transportation
Re transport it does look like the Games committee has done some worthwhile things such as over 400km of bicycle lanes being established to encourage visitors to walk and cycle. A new fleet of electric buses and shuttles was added for easy and eco-friendly movement between venues. Plus, the city has experimented with innovative solutions like shared electric scooters and carpooling services to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Sustainable Games?
Overall, I think yes Paris you have done a good job, but it could have been more… I know it is a BIG task organising an Olympic Games, I hope that in 2028 Los Angeles will step it up another level on the eco front. What do you think?
