Sustainable Development Strategy for the 2012 Olympics

Low carbon, low waste, green transportation and high re-use of materials during construction are at the fore-front of the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) strategy to ensure that the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are both built and remembered as the ‘Greenest Games in modern times’.

The strategy was published on 23 January, exactly 2012 days before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The strategy is unprecedented for a development of this nature and signals a step-change in the delivery of sports facilities in the UK. It will ensure that, during the construction phase, the ODA will set new standards for the sustainable design and construction of major sports venues and infrastructure used for the Games. It sets challenging performance measures for tackling climate change, maximising use of sustainable transport, minimising and re-using waste.

By planning Games and legacy together now – five-and-a-half years out from 2012 – the strategy will also ensure a lasting social, sustainable and environmental legacy for east London remains after 2012.

The key parts of the strategy include:

Climate Change:
Aiming to minimise the carbon emissions associated with the Olympic Park and venues through a 50 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide by 2013. This will be achieved through a combination of on-site energy generation and renewable energy with the project future-proofed so it can go even further as new technology allows.

Waste and materials:
To reduce waste through design – 90 per cent of demolition material to be reused or recycled and at least 20 per cent of materials used in permanent venues and associated works and the Olympic Village to be recycled.

Water:
To ensure efficient water use, reuse and recycling, with a target for a 40 per cent reduction in the demand for portable water in permanent venues and a 20 per cent reduction target for residential development.

Transport and mobility:
To prioritise walking, cycling and the use of public transport to and within the Olympic park and venues, including building over 80km of walking and cycling routes and to aspire to 50 per cent of construction materials to be transported to the park by water and rail.

A Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 has been established to monitor sustainable development across the delivery, staging and legacy aspects of the 2012 Programme. The commission is the first independent assurance body set up in association with any Olympic Games of Paralympic Games and the first known body of its kind set up in relation to a major infrastructure programme in the world.