When Great Britain bid to host the 2012 Games, they made a radical proposal to the International Organising Committee. They weren’t only going to put on the biggest sporting event in the world; they were going to hold the world’s first truly sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games, leaving a legacy far beyond the departure of the Olympic Flame.
Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible
Working in partnership with BioRegional and WWF, Great Britain developed Towards a One Planet 2012 – a sustainable Games guided by the principle that the world should live within its means.
They recognise that with over four billion people watching and over 200 countries involved, the Games are an unrivalled catalyst for sustainable change. Planning and delivering that is a complex process and we have continued to learn and improve as we go.
Great Britain has strived to prove that there is a different way of hosting the Games, a way that provides the best experience for athletes and spectators alongside the best outcome for the community and the environment.
Here’s directly from the website:
To bring our approach to life, we have focused on four areas that directly relate to anyone experiencing the Games for themselves or watching it on television.
Venues
All our venues are designed to ensure that all the athletes perform to the best of their ability whilst pushing the boundaries of sustainability knowledge and design.
From the start we planned with legacy in mind. Where possible we have used existing venues – Wimbledon, Excel, Lords and Earls Court. Where there is a legacy need we have built new venues - the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome and where there is no need, we have built temporary venues in iconic places such as Greenwich Park, Hyde Park and Horse Guards Parade.
Travel
With millions of people on the move at the same time and extra people travelling each day in and around London alone, it is imperative to get everyone to their venues on time. We have been working with Transport for London and many other partners to ensure that London’s public transport is ready. We have also used this opportunity to remind everyone that London is a great city for walking and cycling.
Reduced packaging and reusable materials.
It is estimated 82 tonnes of seafood will be served during the Games in the Olympic and Paralympic Village alone. We decided to only use sustainable fish, thereby showing it can be affordable, achievable and delicious.
Waste
With so many people descending on London and the UK at the same time, we have thought long and hard about managing all that extra waste. We’re excited about the revolutionary new system we have created for the Games, which will make it easier for us to ensure that no waste is sent to landfill during Games-time.
http://www.london2012.com/about-us/sustainability/ Thanks to Marie Rock for giving me the link to this information!
GO USA!
Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897
Think before you print!
