In less than 12 months, a notable portion of the global community shall enter France for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. But at the same time, the footprint of the Olympic Games is a valid concern that needs to be addressed as the COP28 Summit enters its third day in Dubai.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 could be the Olympic Games of a new era as they are stepping up to the challenge of addressing climate-related concerns more than any Games before. And they are doing so by focusing first on reducing emissions.
Paris 2024 Setting New Sustainability Standards
The Paris 2024 Organising Committee plans to halve carbon emissions compared to the average of London 2012 and Rio 2016. Comparisons with Tokyo are not like-for-like because those Games took place under severe COVID-induced restrictions on spectators.
Going forward, this focus on reducing carbon emissions is set to become a contractual requirement for all Olympic hosts. From 2030, the Olympic Host Contract sets binding requirements to minimise direct, as well as indirect, emissions.
Paris 2024 is minimising new construction. Some 95% of venues are set to be pre-existing facilities or temporary structures. At the same time, the venues have also been specifically selected so they can be conveniently accessed by public transport.
The upcoming Games is setting new sustainability standards. It is expected to be powered by 100% renewable energy, majorly clean energy but also biogas. Avoiding diesel generators has made it possible to reduce the equivalent of 13,000 tonnes of emissions.
Paris 2024 Setting New Catering Standards Too
These solutions will remain in place after the Games, in an effort to allow other events to reduce their emissions too. Paris 2024 is also expected to set new catering standards as organisers pledge to serve 13 million meals and snacks in a more sustainable manner.
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Although there are currently no solutions to fully eliminate the carbon footprint of large events, Paris 2024 is setting a clear pathway on how this can be reduced. The Games’ notable popularity can help further mainstream sustainable solutions by other sporting events.
