August 2024

Lessons in Sustainability from the Paris 2024 Olympics

While the viewers' focus has undoubtedly been on the medals (perhaps one Turkish silver in particular?!) and record-breaking performances, behind the scenes, the Paris 2024 Olympics has quietly been setting a new standard for large sporting event sustainability. The organisers implemented a comprehensive plan to not only reduce carbon emissions but to promote renewable energy, and ensure a positive environmental legacy. This commitment extended beyond the event itself, aiming to make a long-term positive impact on the environment.

While the viewers' focus has undoubtedly been on the medals (perhaps one Turkish silver in particular?!) and record-breaking performances, behind the scenes, the Paris 2024 Olympics has quietly been setting a new standard for large sporting event sustainability. The organisers implemented a comprehensive plan to not only reduce carbon emissions but to promote renewable energy, and ensure a positive environmental legacy. This commitment extended beyond the event itself, aiming to make a long-term positive impact on the environment.

• 15 million visitors

• A record 8.8 million in ticket sales

• 1,000 km of cycle lanes

• 3,000 additional pay-as-you-go bikes available

• 200,000 new trees have been planted in Paris

The Games were powered entirely by renewable energy, sourced from a mix of solar, wind, and geothermal systems. Notably, 5,000 square metres of solar panels were installed across venues, including the Aquatics Centre and the Olympic Village. A 400-square-metre floating solar farm was established on the River Seine.

In an effort to minimise new construction, 95% of the infrastructure was either existing or temporary. The Olympic Village's cooling system used water drawn from underground rather than conventional air conditioning, significantly reducing energy consumption, and the venues were designed with low-carbon materials, including sustainably sourced wood and recycled plastics.

To further mitigate the environmental impact, Paris 2024 invested in carbon offsetting projects, purchasing 1.3 million carbon credits. These credits supported projects in forest preservation and renewable energy development, both within France and internationally.

Marie Sallois, IOC Director for Sustainability, stated: “As climate change accelerates, the Games’ response to it must do the same. The Paris 2024 organisers are stepping up to the challenge, and they are doing so by focusing first and foremost on the core part of addressing it: by cutting emissions.”

Challenges: Pollution in the Seine River

Despite significant efforts to clean the Seine River, pollution remained a disappointing and persistent challenge for the Games organisers. While the river had previously been declared safe for swimming, recent tests revealed high levels of E. coli and other bacteria, leading to the postponement of events such as the men’s triathlon. This raised concerns about whether the issue was due to technological shortcomings or failures in execution. Notably, Belgian athlete Claire Michel fell ill after swimming in the Seine, although her illness was not definitively linked to the water quality. The ongoing issues underscore the complexities and difficulties of hosting environmentally conscious events in urban settings. As future Olympic Games are planned, there must be a stronger focus on minimizing environmental impacts, including tackling such pollution challenges more effectively.

Carbon Emissions: Mixed Success

The Paris 2024 Olympics aimed to be a success in terms of reducing carbon emissions, and while it made significant strides which should not be ignored, the results were mixed compared to the last Games in 2020. The Paris Games were designed to halve the carbon footprint of previous Olympics, and while they did implement a range of innovative measures to reduce emissions, the final outcome was not as clear-cut as hoped.

In comparison to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which had a carbon footprint of around 2.4 million tonnes of CO2, Paris 2024 managed to reduce its emissions, but perhaps not as drastically as planned. The carbon footprint for Paris was estimated to be around 1.8 million tonnes of CO2. This reduction is noteworthy, but it fell short of the ambitious goals originally set by the organisers.

The challenges with the Seine River, along with other logistical issues, highlighted that while Paris 2024 made meaningful progress, there are still substantial hurdles to achieving truly carbon-neutral or low-carbon Games. The efforts made by Paris 2024 will serve as an important benchmark, but they also underscore the need for continued innovation and commitment to sustainability in future Olympic Games.

Looking Ahead to Milan-Cortina 2026 and Beyond

Future events, such as the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, can certainly learn from the carbon reduction initiatives employed:

• Maximising Existing Infrastructure: Utilising existing venues can significantly reduce the environmental impact.

• Expanding Renewable Energy Use: Further adoption of renewable energy sources can lower the carbon footprint.

• Sustainable Food Practices: Increasing plant-based options and local sourcing can reduce the overall environmental impact.

• Carbon Offsetting: While not a complete solution, carbon offsetting can help mitigate unavoidable emissions. It’s important to see it as part of a broader sustainability strategy rather than a standalone fix.

The sustainability efforts at the Paris 2024 Olympics still managed to set a new benchmark, demonstrating a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. However, the issues faced also serve as a reminder of the challenges that remain, providing important lessons for future events.

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