How Sustainable Were the 2024 Olympics? – A Closer Look At Green Promises
As the 2024 Olympics and the Paralympics have ended, the question of sustainability comes to the forefront.
Many wonder whether the efforts made to ensure sustainability have truly been realised and whether these Games will be remembered as “historic for the climate” and the greenest in history. However, as previous Olympic Games have shown, promises of green initiatives often fail to result in significant change.
Paris 2024: Promises of Sustainability
The 2024 Paris Games aimed to succeed where others have struggled, committing to various measures to reduce their environmental impact. Most notably, unlike many previous host cities, Paris avoided constructing new complexes and facilities, instead relying on existing infrastructure.
An impressive 95% of the buildings and areas hosting the Games were already in place, eliminating much of the environmental toll associated with new construction. The Games also placed an emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable transportation, aiming to cover electricity use with green sources.
- Leasing over 60% of equipment rather than purchasing new.
- Reducing 50% of single-use plastics in food and beverage consumption.
- Ensuring 100% of infrastructure, furniture, and equipment have a second life beyond the Games.
- Using eco-design, with recycled and repurposed materials.
The Paris Games introduced several innovative measures, including heating aquatic pools using waste heat from nearby data centres and launching a “climate coach” platform to help other sporting events reduce their carbon footprints.
Criticism Despite Efforts
While these initiatives are promising, there is vaild criticism. One analysis of 16 Olympic Games from 1992 to 2020 found that even the most modern Olympics have struggled with environmental sustainability. Sochi, Rio, Tokyo and London, for example, were among the least sustainable, despite claims to the contrary.
Even with the changes in Paris, questions remain. Can these efforts offset the emissions generated by 600,000 spectators and 10,500 athletes travelling to the city?
Advertising, labour, memorabilia, hotels, food and broadcasting also contribute to the Games’ carbon footprint, making it difficult to fully declare them sustainable. The triathlon and swimming events, held in the Seine, also sparked concerns, and many criticised Paris’s attempts at eco-friendly measures. Even athletes voiced their concerns, many turning to social media to express frustration with some of the eco-friendly measures. Issues ranged from discomfort with recyclable beds and dissatisfaction with the food, to criticism of event locations. It seems that in some cases, sustainability efforts may have inadvertently affected the athlete experience.
Looking Ahead
While we wait for the Paris Games to release final data on the overall sustainability of the event, many remain hopeful that they will demonstrate that with focus and effort, the Olympics can one day become truly green.
As sustainability continues to evolve in global events, is your organisation prepared to make a difference? Contact my team for advice on environmental regulations and strategies for sustainable event planning.
©Lawrence Power 2024