London Makes Plans for Greenest Olympics Ever
Low Carbon, low waste, green transportation and high re-use of materials during construction are at the forefront of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) strategy to ensure that the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are both built and remembered as the "greenest Games in modern times."
Low Carbon, low waste, green transportation and high re-use of materials during construction are at the forefront of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) strategy to ensure that the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are both built and remembered as the "greenest Games in modern times."
The strategy was announced on January 23rd -- 2012 days before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
The strategy is unprecedented for a development of this nature and signals a major change in the delivery of sports facilities in the U.K. Authorities say it will ensure that, during the construction phase, the ODA will set new standards for the sustainable design and construction of major sports venues and infrastructure used for the Games.
By planning Games and legacy together now -- five-and-a-half years out from 2012 -- planners believe the strategy will ensure a lasting social, sustainable and environmental legacy for east London remains after 2012.
The key parts of the strategy include:
Climate Change:
Aiming to minimise the carbon emissions associated with the Olympic Park and venues through a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2013. This will be achieved through a combination of on-site energy generation and renewable energy with the project future-proofed so it can go even further as new technology allows.
Waste and materials:
To reduce waste through design - 90% of demolition material to be reused or recycled and at least 20 per cent of materials used in permanent venues and associated works and the Olympic Village to be recycled.
Water:
To ensure efficient water use, reuse and recycling, with a target for a 40 per cent reduction in the demand for potable water in permanent venues and a 20 per cent reduction target for residential development.
Transport and mobility:
To prioritise walking, cycling and the use of public transport to and within the Olympic Park and venues, including building over 80km of walking and cycling routes and to aspire to 50 per cent of construction materials to be transported to the Park by water and rail.
David Higgins, Chief Executive of the ODA said, "We want to ensure London 2012 is remembered not only as two weeks of fantastic sporting action, but also as the 'Greenest Games' in modern times. This strategy is unprecedented for a development of this nature and signals a watershed moment in the delivery of sports facilities in the U.K. We are meeting tomorrow's requirements today - far exceeding current policy targets."
Higgins added that sustainability was at the core of every step of the process, from the design and construction of venues, the sourcing and use of energy, the re-use of waste materials and the use of sustainable transport routes such as the waterways in the center of the Olympic Park.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London said, "The 2012 Games are the perfect platform to demonstrate how high sustainability standards will help transform London into an exemplary, sustainable world city, in line with my London Plan. The prize for hosting the 2012 Games will be to transform one of the most derelict and disadvantaged parts of Europe into a revitalised, sustainable, new urban quarter fit for the 21st century.
"To achieve this, the Olympic partners will need to set the highest standards of design, quality, resource management and environmental protection, and I welcome the approach set out in this document which will contribute towards my long term vision for a sustainable London."
Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister said, "The Olympics will create one of the largest city parks in Europe for 150 years, reinvigorate the waterways and enhance biodiversity. I am determined to ensure that the Games we deliver are not only sensational, but also socially, economically and environmentally sustainable."
The full Sustainable Development Strategy is available at London2012.org.
The strategy was announced on January 23rd -- 2012 days before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
The strategy is unprecedented for a development of this nature and signals a major change in the delivery of sports facilities in the U.K. Authorities say it will ensure that, during the construction phase, the ODA will set new standards for the sustainable design and construction of major sports venues and infrastructure used for the Games.
By planning Games and legacy together now -- five-and-a-half years out from 2012 -- planners believe the strategy will ensure a lasting social, sustainable and environmental legacy for east London remains after 2012.
The key parts of the strategy include:
Climate Change:
Aiming to minimise the carbon emissions associated with the Olympic Park and venues through a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2013. This will be achieved through a combination of on-site energy generation and renewable energy with the project future-proofed so it can go even further as new technology allows.
Waste and materials:
To reduce waste through design - 90% of demolition material to be reused or recycled and at least 20 per cent of materials used in permanent venues and associated works and the Olympic Village to be recycled.
Water:
To ensure efficient water use, reuse and recycling, with a target for a 40 per cent reduction in the demand for potable water in permanent venues and a 20 per cent reduction target for residential development.
Transport and mobility:
To prioritise walking, cycling and the use of public transport to and within the Olympic Park and venues, including building over 80km of walking and cycling routes and to aspire to 50 per cent of construction materials to be transported to the Park by water and rail.
David Higgins, Chief Executive of the ODA said, "We want to ensure London 2012 is remembered not only as two weeks of fantastic sporting action, but also as the 'Greenest Games' in modern times. This strategy is unprecedented for a development of this nature and signals a watershed moment in the delivery of sports facilities in the U.K. We are meeting tomorrow's requirements today - far exceeding current policy targets."
Higgins added that sustainability was at the core of every step of the process, from the design and construction of venues, the sourcing and use of energy, the re-use of waste materials and the use of sustainable transport routes such as the waterways in the center of the Olympic Park.
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London said, "The 2012 Games are the perfect platform to demonstrate how high sustainability standards will help transform London into an exemplary, sustainable world city, in line with my London Plan. The prize for hosting the 2012 Games will be to transform one of the most derelict and disadvantaged parts of Europe into a revitalised, sustainable, new urban quarter fit for the 21st century.
"To achieve this, the Olympic partners will need to set the highest standards of design, quality, resource management and environmental protection, and I welcome the approach set out in this document which will contribute towards my long term vision for a sustainable London."
Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister said, "The Olympics will create one of the largest city parks in Europe for 150 years, reinvigorate the waterways and enhance biodiversity. I am determined to ensure that the Games we deliver are not only sensational, but also socially, economically and environmentally sustainable."
The full Sustainable Development Strategy is available at London2012.org.
