The 2012 London Olympic Games aim to be the first fully sustainable games in Olympic history and major effort has been made to do so. With the whole world as an audience, London has the opportunity to portray the feasibility and benefits associated with sustainability. Embracing the principles and working closely with One Planet Living initiative, the Olympics have taken a variety of measures to become the “greenest” games in the history of the event. Below are some examples of the efforts made in London:
Velodrome (Cycling, Track)- The installation of 100% naturally ventilated system eliminates the need for air conditioning and the use of substantial natural light reduces the amount of energy needed for lighting. The roof collects rain water that will reduce mains water usage by over 70%
Olympic Stadium (Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Track and Field)- The Olympic Stadium in London is the most sustainable ever built for an Olympic Games. The stadium used significantly less steel than others and the lower tier sits within a bowl in the ground significantly reducing necessary building materials.
When at all possible, the London Olympic Games have utilized existing structures such as Wimbledon and Earls Court. In other cases temporary structures have been built and are too be taken down and recycled after the games. Other efforts include funding to improve walking and cycling paths, providing locally and organically grown food, and efforts to significantly reduce waste in all areas.