Written by Émilie St-Hilaire, Four Green Steps

A carbon management strategy is planned to reduce and measure carbon emissions during the preparation and the duration of the games. The Olympic and Paralympic stadiums have been built using sustainable materials with a low energy cost. Existing infrastructure will be re-used to host some of the events, such as the Wimbledon stadium and Earls court.

The organizers strongly encourage taking ecological modes of transportation to get to the Olympic events. The Active Travel Program aims to get more people to walk or bike to get to the events. Free bicycle parking will be provided. London’s public transport system has been prepared for the event in order to accommodate millions of Olympic visitors.

About 14 million meals are expected to be consumed during the Olympics.  In order for food to have the smallest ecological footprint possible, local, healthy food, with recyclable packaging will be offered. Sustainable fish will be cooked in seafood meals. Special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, kosher or gluten-free diets will be accommodated.

Recycling is highly encouraged in order to make the Olympics greener. Most of the packaging is compostable or recyclable. They are identified with clear signs to help people place their items in the right bins. As for the non-recyclable waste, it will be used to make energy to provide electricity for homes.

For more information about the sustainability aspect of the upcoming Olympic event, take a look at the official London 2012 website.

The Top 5 Green Buildings of the 2012 London Olympics

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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