Paris Goes for Green (and Gold)

Photo courtesy of Scientific American

Paris Goes for Green (and Gold)

by Sweiskloss Staff
August 1, 2024

While gold is the goal of the Olympics, Paris is setting its sights on green, aiming to cut its carbon footprint in half compared to previous Games. “The last three Games produced an average of 3.5 million tons of CO2, which is more than the annual emissions of India and Germany combined,” according to NBC Boston. Committed to sustainability, Paris has found innovative solutions for venues, food, transport, and energy, from building fewer sites to renting sports equipment to powering every venue with renewable energy. They even have a solar floating power plant in the Seine! “95% of the venues are existing buildings or temporary facilities” (Dezeen), with the Aquatics Centre being one of only two new venues built, using low-carbon construction methods,” according to the Olympics website. Inside and out, the Aquatics Centre “is the poster child for sustainability”—built from wood, largely energy self-sufficient from solar panels, and boasting seats made from 100% recycled plastic. After the Games, it will be converted into a full-service sports center serving the St. Denis neighborhood. Serving sustainability on a plate, the Paris Games have doubled plant-based meal options and source 80% of ingredients locally (Olympics.com). They are also cutting food waste by better estimating quantities, composting, and reducing single-use plastics. Spectators will be able to refill reusable water bottles at free water points installed throughout the sites. Fans can easily access venues using Paris’ extensive public transport system, which now includes 3,000 self-service bikes and miles of new bike lanes (Dezeen). Shorter distances between the Olympic village and venues will help lower carbon emissions and minimize travel time for athletes. Additionally, the fleet catering to athletes, which has been reduced by 40%, includes electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles (Olympics.com). “As part of a ‘circular economy’ approach, 90% of the products used for Paris 2024 come from recycled materials or will be re-used later” (TheConversation.com). For example, three-quarters of the screens, computers, and printers used at the Games are rented. Even the medals are made of fully recycled metal, and each includes an original piece of iron from the Eiffel Tower from previous renovations. While Paris has made monumental efforts to go green, the Olympics as a whole still face environmental challenges. One major issue is the emissions from travel—mostly air travel—as people come from around the world to attend the Games. Hopefully, Paris 2024 will be remembered for their Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Green-worthy achievements.