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Working for a sustainable Olympic Games
Friday August 29th 2008. Posted: 08:00
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BT is placing a strong emphasis on leaving a permanent legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
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In the summer of 2012, the eyes of the world will turn to London as the host city of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
People across the UK will be invited to join in the excitement - whether at the Olympic Park in London or at the sailing events in Weymouth and Portland, at a live site or via a television broadcast. And sustainability, as well as sport and culture, will be an essential ingredient of the entire event. As Official Communications Services Partner and Sustainability Partner, BT is already getting involved in preparing for and promoting the Olympic Games, placing a strong emphasis on leaving a permanent sustainable legacy. Taking a look behind the scenes, it’s clear the organisers are acting to maximise the benefits and minimise the impacts on the environment, society and the economy. Embedded within all London 2012’s activities is the notion to use what exists, build only what is needed and provide temporary facilities for the rest - ensuring that what is built is sustainably procured and has a legacy value. Duncan Ingram, BT Group director for London 2012, said: “This project is much more than 60 days of elite sporting and cultural activity. It’s about leaving a permanent sustainable legacy for London - and creating opportunities for the UK. “Temporary venues and structures will be dismantled and relocated or recycled, while transport services, utilities and infrastructure will remain.” At the Olympic Park, more than 90 per cent of demolition materials are being reused or recycled, on site or elsewhere. Three entire buildings have been deconstructed and reclaimed to be used outside the Olympic Park. A single site-wide concrete supplier has been appointed and will deliver concrete with a high recycled content to the park, largely by rail and river. Children from local schools have been involved in developing the East Marsh habitat corridor to the north of the Olympic Park site. This is part of the Olympic Delivery Authority’s commitment that there should be no net loss of habitat. More than 20 per cent of local labour will be employed moving overhead power lines at the park and placing them underground. The organisers of the Olympic Games are encouraging the use of public transport, cycling and walking - both for spectators and the workforce. Low-emission vehicles for the London 2012 fleet will be used by bus and coach operators, logistic partners and other suppliers. The event aims to set new standards for physical accessibility of venues and Olympic Games services - and using new media to bring the event to wider audiences. It will present opportunities to promote the use of local and seasonal, environmentally responsibly and fairly traded food, and to support the development of sustainable supply chains. There is to be a policy of sending zero waste produced during the Olympic Games to landfill and to promote reuse, recycling or composting instead. The organisers are developing guidelines to enable compliance with the British Standard 8901 sustainable events management system. To find out more about BT's London 2012 partnership, visit the London 2012 website.
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