NEWS                                                                                         

London’s Innovative Plan for the Olympics

August 17, 2009

London, the site of the 2012 Summer Olympics, has endeavored to become the most sustainable event in the history of the Olympics. In the past, the games have been noted for their attempts to outdo previous host cities with their ostentatious, state of the art stadiums. London is taking the spotlight in another way by greening every aspect of the games, from its construction down to the closing ceremonies, and even making room for the future.

The Olympic Park will be located in the Lea Valley area of Greater London, which was formerly a bustling industrial site. The area had fallen into disrepair over the past few decades. Most of the area is contaminated, the waterways are polluted, and it has generally been looked over as an opportunity for revitalization. The 2012 Olympic Games will serve as a catalyst for re-growth, and they are the first step in making the games as sustainable as possible by using a former brownfield site instead of untouched land.

First of all, it will enhance public transportation links by enhancing the already existing Stratford Station, which will expect upwards of 60,000 people each morning and 8 train lines over the duration of the games. Plans also include the construction of an urban park which will clean up the land in the area and encourage new growth. There will also be 80km of biking and walking routes constructed throughout the park which will discourage automobile usage during the games.

The construction process will incorporate recycled materials and an environmental clean-up of the contaminated site. Around 90% of demolition materials will be reused and recycled and about 20% of materials used in more permanent venues will also be made of recycled materials. Even the transport of materials to the site will be green. The Olympic Delivery Authority, the agency heading up the construction process for the games, will bring 50% of construction materials to the site by rail and water.

As for energy and carbon emissions, a wind turbine will be placed on the northern end of the site that will generate enough electricity comparable to that of 1,200 homes over the course of a year. It will remain in use after the games to provide power for the area. This is not all the ODA has planned though. The wind turbine will work in conjunction with solar panels and a combined heating and cooling plant to provide even more renewable energy to the site.

With three years left to go before the opening, the City of London has been ahead of schedule with most of its construction plans. The sustainability measures that the city is taking will not stop at green buildings and clean construction, but will also incorporate a healthy living aspect for visitors. The sustainable aspects of the games have been created to have a lasting effect on the Lea Valley and its future residents.

Article by: Eleni Glekas

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