Preparations for the Olympic Games in Paris are in full swing, and the organizers proudly state that they will be the most sustainable so far; in order to reduce the impact on biodiversity, 75% of the two million pieces of sports equipment will be rented or borrowed from sports federations; three quarters of the screens, computers and printers to be used at the Games will also be rented; most of the competition facilities, 95% of the 35, are already existing or temporary.
Paris 2024 will be powered entirely by renewable energy, and all facilities will be connected to the national electricity grid. The new network connections will remain after the Games, helping to reduce the footprint of future events held at the venues, organizers announced. Where needed, generators will be powered by biofuel, hydrogen or batteries.
Back in the bid stage, the organizers pledged to halve carbon dioxide emissions compared to the London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games and comply with the Paris Agreement on climate change.
About 95% of the Games’ 35 competition facilities are already existing or temporary, designed to reduce their impact on biodiversity. The Aquatics Center, one of only two new facilities, was built using low-carbon construction methods. Largely energy self-sustainable thanks to 4,680 m² of solar panels on the roof, the facility boasts seating made from recycled local plastic waste, while wood was used extensively in its construction to reduce emissions.
The Aquatics Center will serve local residents long after the Games, according to the organizers. It is strategically located in an area that has no sports infrastructure and where half of eleven-year-olds do not know how to swim.
Also, the number of pieces of furniture needed at the Games was reduced from 800,000 to 600,000, and their second life was ensured after the athletes and spectators went home.
The Games also serve as a motivation to clean up the River Seine, with significant investment allocated to remediate pollution – with the aim that all Parisians can enjoy the river from 2025.
Single-use plastics will be reduced
Sustainability is also present in the field of gastronomy. Thirteen million meals to be served at the Olympic and Paralympic Games will produce less than half the carbon emissions of the average French meal: 1 kg compared to 2.3 kg.
The plant-based ingredients in these meals will be doubled, while 80% of the ingredients will be sourced from local agriculture, a quarter of them within 250 km of the respective facilities. Unused food will be redistributed or composted.
Single-use plastics will be reduced by half at the 2024 Olympics. World Olympic partner Coca-Cola will install 700 fountains for water and soft drinks throughout Paris 2024, and the organizers will set up free drinking water points.
Spectators will be able to enter all venues with their reusable bottles, a notable exception to existing French regulations.
Sustainable transport
More than 80% of Olympic venues are located within 10 km of the Olympic Village, and all venues will be connected by public transport, while operators in the Paris region will expand standard bus, metro and train services by 15%. Cycling enthusiasts will find more than 400 km of new cycle paths.
The fleet for the Games itself has been reduced by 40% compared to previous Games, with electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles provided by Toyota transporting athletes and other accredited persons to and from their destinations.
At Paris 2024, all roads lead to sustainability – say the organizers.
E2 portal (Circular economy)
Source: www.e2.rs
