The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are set to make history not just by returning to the city over a century after the 1900 and 1924 Games, but by pioneering a new era of sustainable international sporting events. Committed to optimizing energy use and introducing innovative solutions, the organizers have pledged to host a \\"green\\" Olympic and Paralympic Games that emit half the greenhouse gases of previous editions such as London 2012 and Rio 2016.
Achieving this ambitious goal involves a comprehensive approach, where every aspect from construction to electricity, catering, and travel is meticulously managed to reduce carbon emissions. The Paris 2024 organizers have set a stringent \\"carbon budget\\" of 1.58 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, ensuring alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement.
A cornerstone of this sustainable strategy is the minimal construction of Olympic venues. An impressive 95 percent of the venues are existing or temporary infrastructures, significantly cutting down on emissions associated with building new structures. Iconic sites like the athletes' village, the aquatic center, and the Arena have been constructed with precision to ensure future adaptability and sustainability.
The athletes' village, for instance, boasts a 47 percent reduction in its carbon footprint. Spanning 330,000 square meters in Seine-Saint-Denis, the village was built with \\"low-carbon\\" and removable partition materials, and much of the rubble was transported by boat, eliminating the need for over 25,000 truck movements. Post-Games, the village is designed to transform into an eco-district, featuring green roofs, permanent solar protection, and a connection to the city's cold network through underground water pipes for eco-friendly cooling.
Embracing renewable energy, Paris 2024 has invested in geothermal energy to heat and cool the athletes' village. With eleven wells drilled in the district since 2020, the integration of thermo-fridge pumps enables simultaneous heating and cooling with reduced energy consumption, setting a benchmark for future sustainable infrastructure projects.
The 2024 Paris Olympics not only aim to set a new standard for environmentally friendly sports events but also seek to leave a lasting legacy for the host city. By adhering to a strict carbon budget and implementing innovative green technologies, Paris is demonstrating that large-scale international events can be both spectacular and sustainable, paving the way for a greener future in global sports.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
