Paris Sustainable Olympics: Striving for Gold in Carbon Footprint Reduction

The Paris Sustainable Olympics team aims to cut their overall carbon footprint in half compared to the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Games. This goal extends to events not held in Paris; for that matter not held in Europe. In fact, the Olympic surfing events takes place in Tahiti. This remote location creates the challenge of offsetting air travel carbon emissions and construction of a spectator viewing stand.

When organizers decided to host the surfing competitions in Tahiti, it sparked significant controversy. Many Tahitians and environmentalists were concerned that building a new viewing tower on the Teahupo’o reef would harm marine life. However, the organizers defended their decision, citing both the world-class waves and other environmental considerations. A comprise was agreed upon where tower construction design allows for disassembly and reassembly to minimize reef impact and accommodate viewing of future surfing events.

Carbon Footprint Goals

Georgina Grenon, director of environmental excellence for the Paris Sustainable Olympics, emphasized that their calculations showed less environmental impact in Tahiti travel compared to other potential locations. The goal is to limit air emissions to 1.58 million metric tons of CO2, significantly lower than the air travel emissions to previous games. This amount is still substantial, comparable to the emissions of flying 1.3 million economy-class passengers from New York to Paris, but it’s a step in the right direction.

The Paris Sustainable Olympics are not singularly focused on reducing emissions but also on creating sustainable infrastructure and using existing facilities. Few cities are willing to invest in expensive, often unused facilities for post-games activities. In fact, Budapest, Hungary, Hamburg, Germany and Rome all withdrew from the bidding process. Paris and Los Angeles (the 2028 host) were the only cities bidding in 2017 that were selected to host the games after an unprecedented dual election by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Members from both cities bid committees recognized the importance of hosting games that lessen their environmental impact.

Sustainable Construction, Energy, Transportation, and Food for the Paris Olympics

Paris plans to use 95% of the existing or temporary facilities, with only two new constructions: the Olympic Village and an aquatics center. These new buildings use sustainable materials, reducing emissions by 30%. For food, the aim is to source 80% of ingredients locally and offer 60% plant-based meals, cutting transport emissions and promoting local farming.

Energy use is another area where organizers plan to cut emissions. The Games will use 100% renewable energy from wind and solar sources. Venues will connect to the power grid instead of using diesel generators, which are major CO2 emitters. Transportation remains a challenge, with millions of visitors expected. Paris offers low-carbon options like cycling, Metro trains, and buses, but controlling international travel emissions is difficult.

The Paris Sustainable Olympics aim is to be a model for future Games, balancing environmental sustainability with the excitement of global sporting events.

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