Locog and set ambitious targets. The Games have now been declared and helped to develop a new international sustainable management standard, ISO 20121.
The final report details Locog's achievements, before the sustainability team disbands tomorrow (14 December).
David Stubbs, head of sustainability for Locog said he hoped the findings would lead to a "significant step change in the way future events are managed."
Key findings include:
Carbon reduction
- Carbon footprinting informed decisions at a summer Olympics for the first time, in features like venue design, equipment selection and games-time operations. The equivalent of 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide were saved against the original estimates.
- The Games operations carbon footprint was 28% lower than estimated
- There was a 34% reduction in venue energy use, saving the equivalent of 31,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide
Waste reduction
- Locog achieved its aim of a zero-waste games. Between July and October, when games operations were in full swing, 100 per cent of waste was diverted from landfill
- A total of 10,173 tonnes of operational waste was recorded - 2,000 tonnes more than expected
Sustainable transport
- More than 9m Games Travelcards were issued for use on public transport within London
- 86% of people arrived at the Olympic Park by rail, while only 3% used park-and-ride
- Transport systems carried carry more people than ever before thanks to the journey planner on the London 2012 website. More than 62m journeys made on the Tube during the games, up 35% on normal levels
Economic savings
- More than £9m of savings were made from power and fuel use and there was a 40% saving of water use
- At the peak of the games, 39% of Locog staff and 34% of contractors were unemployed before the games
- Nearly £8m worth of equipment and materials have been sold for reuse, such as wood, plasterboard, lighting and doors which have been redeployed at local charities and community programmes
Have the Olympics ushered in a new age of sustainability? Comment below and let us know what you think.
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