Paris Olympics excels in sustainability

Tuesday 30 July 2024

The 2024 summer Olympics, currently taking place in the beautiful city of Paris, have set the bar high with their ambitious Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.

The International Olympic Committee, the esteemed custodian of the Olympic Games, has boldly outlined net zero targets for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Their goal is to slash their carbon footprint by half when compared to the averages recorded during the London 2012 and Rio 2016 games, which measured at a staggering 3.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

A commendable effort has been made towards sustainable practices, with 90% of the signage utilised for the Games being either recycled or reused. Additionally, there has been a remarkable 50% reduction in single-use plastic usage, and all uneaten food is being diligently recycled.

Furthermore, the Olympics and Paralympics have initiated a funding programme that supports projects focused on capturing and eliminating carbon emissions to counterbalance any unavoidable emissions. Among these projects is a pioneering reforesting initiative that aims to reforest 1,340 hectares on the Pierrelaye-Bessancourt plain in the picturesque Ile-de-France region. Additionally, three projects have been set in motion to replenish degraded forests in Montmorency in the Vosges and in the Aisne.

Marie Barsacq, the dedicated Executive Director of Impact and Legacy for Paris 2024, emphasised the importance of not only organising spectacular Games but also ensuring that they are responsible in every sense – socially, economically, and environmentally.

‘We are not only focused on putting up a great show but are equally dedicated to hosting games that are socially, economically, and environmentally responsible,’ stated Marie Barsacq passionately. ‘We aim for the Games to make a positive impact on a large population by addressing crucial societal issues such as education, inclusion, health, equality, and solidarity.’

Despite all the commendable efforts, one major challenge remains a significant source of emissions – spectator travel. The influx of spectators from across the globe during major sporting events leads to a spike in travel emissions for that period. However, the organisers remain hopeful in achieving their sustainability goals by collaborating closely with various sustainability bodies and adhering to set standards, including ISO 20221, a comprehensive standard for sustainable event management, and the OECD Guides on Impact Assessment, which scrutinises the long-term effects of the Olympic Games.

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