The 2024 Paris Olympics are not just a celebration of athletic prowess and international unity; they are poised to set a new benchmark for sustainability in global sporting events. As the world’s most prestigious sporting event approaches, Paris is taking bold steps to integrate climate action and environmental stewardship into every aspect of the Games. This ambitious endeavour reflects a growing global consciousness about the urgent need to address climate change, and it underscores the critical role that large-scale events can play in fostering sustainable practices.
The Paris 2024 Olympics represent a pivotal moment for the Olympic movement, blending tradition with innovation to create a more sustainable future. By focusing on reducing their carbon footprint, Paris is aiming to not only deliver a spectacular event but also to demonstrate how major international events can be held with minimal environmental impact.
The Vision for a Sustainable Olympics
Paris 2024’s sustainability mission is clear: to host the most environmentally responsible and climate-conscious Olympics in history. This vision aligns seamlessly with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Agenda 2020, which provides a strategic roadmap for making the Olympic Games more sustainable, cost-effective, and in harmony with the needs of host cities and communities.
The Paris 2024 organising committee is committed to cutting the carbon footprint of the Games by 50% compared to previous Olympics, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship. Their goal is to achieve carbon neutrality by offsetting more emissions than are generated throughout the event. This ambitious target is not just about reducing the immediate impact of the Games but also about creating a long-lasting legacy of sustainability.
Incorporating the principles of Olympic Agenda 2020, Paris 2024 emphasises the use of existing and temporary venues, the reduction of carbon emissions, and the promotion of sustainable energy sources. This approach not only adheres to the IOC’s recommendations but also highlights Paris’s commitment to innovative solutions that address the climate crisis while showcasing the city’s unique cultural and historical heritage.
Emissions Reduction Strategies
To achieve its sustainability goals, Paris 2024 is employing a comprehensive emissions reduction strategy known as the ARO approach: Avoid, Reduce, Offset. This multifaceted strategy involves three key components:
- Avoid: The first step in the ARO approach focuses on avoiding emissions wherever possible. Paris 2024 is committed to minimising its environmental impact by using existing and temporary venues, thus avoiding the need for new construction and the associated carbon emissions. The Games will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Reduce: The second component involves reducing emissions through efficiency measures and sustainable practices. Paris 2024 plans to significantly cut its carbon footprint by optimising energy use, implementing waste reduction strategies, and encouraging sustainable transportation. By doubling the amount of plant-based food served, sourcing 80% of food locally, and reducing single-use plastics, the Games aim to lower their overall environmental impact.
- Offset: Finally, the offsetting phase involves compensating for the remaining emissions by investing in carbon offset projects. Paris 2024 has secured CO2 credits from various environmental initiatives around the world, including cookstoves, solar power, and mangrove restoration projects. These offsets help balance out the residual emissions from the Games and support global efforts to combat climate change.
Through these strategies, Paris 2024 is setting a new benchmark for how major international events can be conducted in a manner that prioritises environmental sustainability and climate action. The focus on forecasting emissions, mobilising action, and setting ambitious reduction targets underscores the commitment to not only mitigating the immediate impact of the Games but also fostering a broader culture of sustainability in global sports.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Venues
Paris 2024 is setting new standards in sustainable event management by focusing on existing and temporary venues to minimise construction. This approach significantly reduces the environmental impact and aligns with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020.
Utilisation of Existing and Temporary Venues
A remarkable 95% of the venues for Paris 2024 will be either repurposed or temporary. For example, the Stade de France, built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, will host key events, reducing the need for new construction. Temporary venues, such as the Aquatics Centre and basketball arenas, will be dismantled after the Games, ensuring minimal long-term environmental impact.
Features of the New Aquatics Centre
The new Aquatics Centre stands out with its eco-friendly design. It features a roof covered with solar panels, providing 20% of the venue’s energy needs. The building uses recycled plastic for seating and French wood for its structure. The design also includes natural heating and humidity control to cut energy use.
Renewable Energy Sources
Paris 2024 will run entirely on renewable energy. This includes solar power from rooftop panels and wind energy from turbines on the Normandy coast. The city will use green power from local sources, avoiding temporary diesel generators and further reducing its carbon footprint.
Paris 2024 aims to use 100% renewable energy for the entire event. By using local green energy sources, the Games will avoid relying on fossil fuels and temporary generators. This commitment includes solar panels on venues and urban solar projects around Paris.
Specific Projects
Solar rooftops will be installed on various venues, including the Olympic Village and the Aquatics Centre. Wind turbines on the Normandy coast will also contribute to the energy supply. These projects ensure that the Games are powered by clean energy.
France’s Low-Carbon Power Grid and Green Power Certificates
France’s electricity grid, which relies heavily on nuclear and hydroelectric power, supports Paris 2024’s renewable energy goals. The Games will also use green power certificates to verify that all energy consumed comes from renewable sources.
By adopting these sustainable practices, Paris 2024 not only meets its environmental goals but also sets a new benchmark for future global events.
Eco-Friendly Transportation
Expansion of Public Transport and Bike Lanes
Paris 2024 is enhancing its public transport network to support the Games. The city is adding 800 kilometres of new bike lanes, making it easier for visitors and locals to cycle. An additional 3,000 pay-as-you-go bikes will be available for use, promoting greener travel options.
Reduction in Traditional Vehicles
To minimise emissions, Paris 2024 is cutting down on the use of traditional vehicles. The Olympic fleet will feature electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles provided by Toyota. This shift reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the overall carbon footprint of the event.
Accessibility and Bicycle Parking
All Olympic venues will be accessible via public transport, reducing the need for private vehicles. Bicycle parking facilities will be available at all competition sites, encouraging attendees to use bikes instead of driving.
Sustainable Food and Catering
Plant-Based Food Options
Paris 2024 is doubling the amount of plant-based food offered to spectators. This change aims to lower the carbon footprint of meals and promote healthier eating habits.
Local Sourcing
To further reduce emissions, 80% of the food served during the Games will be sourced from local farms. This commitment supports local agriculture and cuts transportation-related emissions.
Minimising Waste and Plastics
The Games will implement measures to minimise food waste and reduce single-use plastics. This includes a significant cut in plastic usage in catering and the reuse of catering equipment. Free drinking water points and reusable bottle policies will also help reduce waste.
Circular Economy and Resource Management
Reducing, Renting, and Reusing
Paris 2024 is committed to a circular economy with its “Reducing, Renting, and Reusing” strategy. This approach focuses on minimising the need for new resources and ensuring that materials are used efficiently throughout their lifecycle.
Recycled and Bio-Based Materials
Construction and operational items for the Games will use recycled and bio-based materials. For instance, medals will be made from recycled iron from the Eiffel Tower, and eco-friendly furniture will feature items like coffee tables made from recycled shuttlecocks.
Innovative Recycling Initiatives
Paris 2024 is introducing innovative recycling practices. Aside from the recycled medals, the Games will repurpose materials from previous events, such as 7,000 toilet brushes and 16,000 mattresses, to extend their life cycle and reduce waste.
Community and Legacy Impact
Long-Term Benefits for the Local Community
The Olympic infrastructure will leave a lasting positive impact on Paris. Post-Games, many facilities will be repurposed to benefit the local community. For example, the Olympic Village will be converted into residential and business areas, boosting local development.
Transformation of the Olympic Village
The Olympic Village will be transformed into a vibrant residential and business district after the Games. This redevelopment will provide long-term benefits to the community, supporting housing and economic growth.
Environmental Projects and Biodiversity Initiatives
Paris 2024 is committed to enhancing local biodiversity. The Games will include environmental projects such as extensive tree planting and the creation of green spaces. Nearly 9,000 trees will be planted around the Olympic Village, contributing to the city’s ecological balance and providing lasting green areas for the community.
Technological Innovations
Tracking and Managing Carbon Footprint
Paris 2024 is employing advanced tools to meticulously track and manage the carbon footprint of the Games. This includes sophisticated monitoring systems that measure emissions from various sources, ensuring transparency and accountability in the reduction efforts.
Protecting Marine Ecosystems
In a bid to safeguard marine environments, Paris 2024 is introducing innovative solutions like drone-like buoys. These buoys are designed to float above delicate seagrass meadows in Marseille without damaging the ecosystem, thus protecting crucial habitats while supporting sailing events.
Sustainable Technologies at the Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will feature electric boats, showcasing a shift towards greener technologies. This initiative not only enhances the sustainability of the event but also highlights the potential for waterways to lead the way in clean energy adoption.
International Collaboration and Carbon Offsetting
Partnerships for CO2 Credits
Paris 2024 is collaborating with international projects to offset its carbon emissions through CO2 credits. These partnerships help balance the Games’ emissions by investing in global environmental projects that capture or reduce CO2.
Global Environmental and Social Initiatives
The Games contribute to broader environmental and social initiatives, supporting various international projects aimed at climate mitigation and sustainable development. This global approach ensures that Paris 2024’s impact extends beyond the event itself.
Role of Certification Bodies
Organisations such as Gold Standard and Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard play a crucial role in validating the carbon offset projects associated with Paris 2024. Their certifications ensure the credibility and effectiveness of the offsetting efforts, reinforcing the Games’ commitment to genuine sustainability.
Setting a new bar for future events
Paris 2024 is setting a new benchmark for sustainability in global sporting events. Through innovative practices and comprehensive strategies, the Games are not only reducing their environmental impact but also demonstrating how large-scale events can align with climate goals.
The success of Paris 2024 could inspire future global sporting events to adopt similar sustainability measures. By showcasing effective strategies and technologies, the Games pave the way for a greener future in sports.
The integration of sustainability and climate action into the Olympics underscores the importance of addressing environmental challenges on a global stage. Paris 2024’s efforts highlight the role of large-scale events in driving meaningful change and setting standards for future generations.
