Is Paris going for the gold medal of sustainability...and in the Decathlon event? If green "declarations of intent" provide any indication, the answer is yes. Before the Olympics begin in a few days, let's highlight the unprecedented efforts to make the Paris 2024 Olympic Games the most sustainable and circular in history. While not everything will play out perfectly—our startup BrandRank.AI will be closely monitoring how well brands deliver on their green promises—the "declaration of intent" is remarkable. Innovations abound, such as
Le Pavé®
, a French startup creating construction materials from 100% recycled plastic. With renewable energy, sustainable construction, and a focus on reducing waste and carbon emissions, these Games are setting a new standard for environmental excellence. Here's are 101 ways
Paris 2024 - Comité d'organisation des Jeux Olympiques et Paralympiques de 2024
is going for GOLD.
Overarching Goals & Commitments
- Renewable Energy Use: The Paris Olympics aims to be the first Olympic Games to be entirely powered by renewable energy sources. This includes using solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power to meet the energy demands of the event. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Sustainable Construction and Materials: The Olympic venues and facilities are being constructed with recycled or low-impact materials whenever possible. This includes using recycled concrete and steel, as well as wood certified by the
Forest Stewardship Council
. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Carbon Neutrality: The organizers are committed to achieving carbon neutrality for the Games. This involves offsetting any emissions produced by the event through initiatives like reforestation projects and investments in renewable energy development. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
"We want to make the Paris 2024 Games the most accessible and sustainable Games in history." - Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris.
- Circular Economy Approach: The Paris Olympics is adopting a circular economy model, focusing on reducing waste and maximizing the reuse and recycling of materials. This includes initiatives like using recycled materials for uniforms and equipment and composting food waste. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Sustainable Transportation: The organizers are promoting the use of public transportation and active modes of travel like cycling and walking for spectators and athletes. This includes providing free public transportation passes for ticket holders and creating dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian routes. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
Infrastructure and Venues
- Use of Existing Facilities: Utilizing 95% of already existing or temporary venues. Paris 2024 Organizing Committee
- Opening Ceremony on the Seine: For the first time, the opening ceremony will be held outside a stadium, along the Seine River, showcasing the city and reducing the need for constructing a large temporary venue
- Temporary Venues: Employing temporary structures to minimize long-term impact. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Green Building Certifications: Aiming for LEED and HQE certifications for new buildings. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Olympic Village: Built on a former industrial site, the village will be transformed post-Games into a sustainable residential and business district with 6,000 workplaces and housing for 12,000 people, incorporating geothermal energy and green spaces (Olympics)
- Aquatics Centre in Seine-Saint-Denis: This new facility features 4,680 square meters of solar panels and recycled plastic seating. Post-Games, it will serve the local community with swimming, climbing, and fitness facilities (Olympics) .
Sustainable Transportation
- Electric Public Transport: Providing electric buses and trains for transport. Paris 2024 Official Site
- Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles: Using hydrogen-powered vehicles for official transport. Toyota partnership announcement
- Bike-Sharing Programs: Expanding bike-sharing programs. Paris 2024 Official Site
- Pedestrian Zones: Increasing pedestrian-friendly zones. Paris 2024 Official Site
- EV Charging Stations: Installing EV charging stations at venues. Paris 2024 Official Site
- Partnership with Nissan: Collaborating with Nissan for EV infrastructure. Paris 2024 Official Site
- Hydrogen Fuel Stations: Establishing hydrogen fuel stations. Paris 2024 Official SiteParis \
- Bicycle Lanes: Expanding bicycle lanes for easy access. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Seine River Transportation: The Games will feature an innovative approach to athlete and visitor transportation using electric boats on the Seine River. This initiative reduces road traffic and showcases Paris's waterways (Olympics) (Building).
Community and Social Impact
- Sustainability Education: Offering programs to educate the public on sustainability. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Community Spaces: Redeveloping venues into community spaces post-Games. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Urban Cooling Strategies: Paris 2024 is employing urban cooling strategies such as planting trees, creating green roofs, and installing cooling pavements to combat heatwaves and reduce urban heat island effects (The Star)
Technology and Innovation
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Using eco-friendly cleaning products. Paris 2024 Sustainability Plan
- Recycled Plastic Materials: Le Pavé®, a French startup, is providing sustainable construction materials made from 100% recycled plastic for Olympic podiums and stadium seats. New York Times
Athlete and Spectator Engagement
Environmental Conservation
Innovation, Research, Education
Brand, Sponsor, or Supplier Activations
-
Carrefour Market Maroc
: Focusing on sustainable food sourcing and waste reduction initiatives, providing locally sourced and organic food options at Olympic venues. Carrefour sustainability initiatives
-
Samsung Electronics
: Providing eco-friendly technology, such as energy-efficient displays and devices for the Games. Samsung sustainability initiatives
-
Alibaba Group
: Implementing cloud-based solutions to optimize logistics and reduce carbon footprint. Alibaba Cloud green initiatives
-
Dow
: Supplying low-carbon materials and technologies for venue construction and operations. Dow sustainability initiatives
-
Panasonic
: Offering eco-friendly audiovisual equipment and promoting recycling programs for electronics. Panasonic Green Plan 2025
-
Intel Corporation
: Using AI and IoT solutions to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Intel sustainability initiatives
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Procter & Gamble
: Focusing on water conservation initiatives, promoting the use of its water-saving products in Olympic Village laundry facilities, and raising awareness about water scarcity issues. P&G sustainability commitments
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Cisco
: Implementing smart technology solutions to optimize energy use, monitor environmental conditions, and enhance overall sustainability across Olympic venues. Cisco environmental sustainability
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Airbnb
: Encouraging hosts to adopt sustainable practices and offering eco-friendly accommodation options. Airbnb sustainability initiatives
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Sanofi
: Supporting public health initiatives and providing sustainable medical supplies. Sanofi CSR initiatives
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Decathlon
: Supplying sports equipment made from recycled and sustainable materials. Decathlon sustainability strategy
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LVMH
: Promoting luxury products with a focus on sustainable and ethical sourcing. LVMH environmental commitments
-
The Coca-Cola Company
: Committed to using 100% recycled plastic bottles for its beverages at the Games and working to reduce its overall carbon footprint through sustainable packaging and transport solutions. Coca-Cola sustainability reports
-
Visa
: Launching a carbon offset program for ticket purchases. Visa sustainability reports
-
Toyota Motor Corporation
: Providing a fleet of over 500 zero-emission vehicles, including hydrogen fuel cell cars and electric vehicles, for transportation during the Games. Toyota sustainability reports
-
EDF
: Providing 100% renewable electricity for the Games, utilizing a mix of wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, and implementing energy efficiency measures across venues and facilities. EDF partnership announcement
-
ENGIE
: Developing innovative solutions for low-carbon heating and cooling systems at various Olympic sites, including the use of geothermal energy and biomass boilers. Engie sustainability initiatives
-
Groupe BPCE
: Supporting sustainable finance initiatives and promoting responsible investment practices in relation to the Games. Groupe BPCE sustainability initiatives
- Virtual Participation Options: Expanding virtual participation options for spectators, reducing the need for travel and associated emissions, while still providing an immersive Olympic experience (Olympics).
- Sustainable Fashion: Collaborating with sustainable fashion designers to create eco-friendly uniforms and merchandise, emphasizing the importance of sustainable fashion in the sports industry (Olympics).
- Athlete Sustainability Ambassadors: Engaging athletes as sustainability ambassadors to promote green practices and inspire fans worldwide to adopt sustainable lifestyles
- Green Awards and Certifications: Recognizing and awarding green practices within the Games, encouraging continuous improvement and adherence to sustainability standards (Olympics).
Thanks for shedding light on the Paris Olympics efforts in the area of sustainability, Pete! This event is making us proud. I’d be interested to understand how to best develop the tools you are developing to track progress.
Assistant Vice President & Global Head of Food and Industry Affairs at Nestlé
3moInspiring to see this shift towards sustainability! I also love the focus on offering more #plantbased and #plantforward healthy options to athletes with Nestlé #GardenGourmet brand. Supporting athletes performance through good #nutrition while being good for the #planet ! Olivier Oster Marie-Claire Le Cam Nikhil Chand Nina Gailliegue Sylvie Willemin
Urgent Optimist, Startup Founder/CEO, Digital Transformation Leader
3moNandu Nandkishore Joseph Sindaha Nigel Conway Chavanne Hanson Marie Chantal Messier Julie Shifman Thomas Fernandez
Executive Director, Cincinnati AI Catalyst
3moOn the supply chain side, Jag Gill and her team are working hard on this at VERTRU
Ecosystem Innovation at 53 | Executive in Residence | Synthesist | Startup Investor & Mentor | Rapid Learning Techniques
3moJeremy Faust