Mehek Pinto

The Green Games: A Retrospective on Sustainability at the Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics, celebrated as the “Greenest Games in History,” have drawn to a close, leaving behind a sustainability legacy that will be studied and emulated for years to come. Set against the backdrop of the iconic City of Lights, where world leaders once gathered to sign the landmark Paris Agreement, the Games sought to embody the principles of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and lasting impact.

As the dust settles, it’s worth reflecting on the triumphs, trials, and takeaways from this monumental event.

A Bold Promise: Halving the Carbon Footprint

From the outset, the Paris 2024 Organising Committee made a bold pledge: to halve the carbon footprint of the Games compared to London 2012 and Rio 2016. This was no small feat, given that London 2012 had an estimated carbon footprint of 3.3 million tonnes, with Rio 2016 exceeding that at 3.6 million tonnes.

So, how did Paris 2024 fare? The answer lies in a series of innovative strategies and audacious initiatives that redefined the boundaries of sustainable event management.

Sustainable Construction and Eco-Friendly Innovations

Unlike previous Games, Paris 2024 placed a strong emphasis on reusing existing venues. Of the 35 stadiums, only two were new – the aquatics centre and an arena for badminton and gymnastics. These structures were built using low-carbon construction methods, with the aquatics centre featuring recycled materials such as plastic waste and locally sourced wood.

In the athletes’ village, sustainability took centre stage. Bedrooms were furnished with beds made from recycled cardboard, and coffee tables crafted from shuttlecocks. Organisers also doubled the availability of plant-based food, sourcing 80% of ingredients locally to minimise the carbon impact of food transportation. At Place de la Concorde, the menu was entirely vegetarian – a significant shift in a country known for its meat-centric cuisine.

Powering the Games Sustainably

Paris 2024 made significant strides in reducing reliance on diesel generators, which had been a staple of past Games. By connecting venues to the public electricity grid, organisers further reduced the carbon footprint and ensured that the infrastructure would benefit the city long after the Olympics had ended.

Additionally, the introduction of a 60km cycling network linking Olympic venues not only promoted greener transport options but also transformed Paris into a more bike-friendly city.

Tackling Challenges: Heat, Water, and Travel

The challenges were far from negligible. Rising temperatures posed a risk to athletes, leading to the installation of 2,500 temporary cooling units in the Olympic village. Concerns over water quality in the Seine were mitigated when Paris officials publicly swam in the river to allay fears, ensuring its safety for events like triathlon and open-water swimming.

However, the most significant challenge remained the carbon emissions from international travel. Paris 2024’s global ticket sales potentially increased the number of international spectators and their associated carbon footprint. Despite France’s ban on short-haul flights where train alternatives existed, the global nature of the Games made reducing travel-related emissions a Herculean task.

Criticism of Sponsors and Long-Term Impact

Despite the green ambitions, the Games were not without criticism. Coca-Cola, a long-time Olympic partner, faced backlash for its role as a leading plastic polluter. Although the company introduced beverage fountains to reduce plastic use, nearly 40% of drinks were still served in single-use bottles.

On a more positive note, Toyota’s commitment to providing hydrogen-fuel cell vehicles marked a significant step towards reducing emissions, despite ongoing debates over the energy efficiency of hydrogen technology.

Paris 2024 also set new standards in sustainable event management, playing a key role in updating the ISO 20121 standard, with a renewed focus on human rights, climate action, and legacy. These updates will guide future events, ensuring that sustainability remains a core consideration.

Moreover, the Games emphasised social and economic benefits for local communities. The Terre de Jeux programme inspired over 50,000 sports-related projects across France, while the Ville Active et Sportive label recognised cities with innovative sports policies. Paris 2024’s commitment to gender equality was also evident, with equal opportunities for male and female athletes, setting a precedent for future Games.

Sustainable Sourcing: A Gold Medal in Procurement

Behind the scenes of the Paris 2024 Olympics, another kind of race was taking place—the race to secure goods and services that aligned with the Games’ sustainability goals. With a budget of €2.5 billion, the Paris 2024 Organising Committee redefined procurement by embedding high environmental and social standards into every contract. This wasn’t just about purchasing; it was about pioneering. The Games saw a record number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises stepping onto the procurement stage, encouraged by a process that prioritised sustainability and inclusivity. From recycled cardboard beds to eco-designed furniture, every detail was scrutinised to ensure a minimal environmental impact. Paris 2024 not only raised the bar for future events but also set a precedent for responsible procurement that will echo long after the Olympic flame has been extinguished.

A Legacy of Sustainability – Conclusion

Paris 2024 proved that the Olympic Games can be a catalyst for positive environmental and Paris 2024 demonstrated that the Olympic Games can drive meaningful environmental and social change. By prioritising sustainability, the organisers not only reduced the event’s carbon footprint but also set a new standard for future hosts. While not without its challenges, Paris 2024 showed that large-scale events can be reimagined to leave a legacy for both the planet and local communities.

The lessons learned from these Games will influence how future events are planned, ensuring sustainability remains a central focus. Ultimately, Paris 2024 ignited a movement that will shape the future of global sporting events and their impact on the world.