2Sustain

Although the news was completely overshadowed by non-stop updates about the Royal Wedding, London 2012 issued its first full sustainability report last week.

The report, A Blueprint for change, details how London 2012 plans to deliver a low-carbon Olympic Games by adopting what it calls a “groundbreaking” carbon footprint methodology. Already, the London 2012 Organizing Committee (LOCOG) says it has avoided more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, while making significant progress toward sustainable sourcing, as well.

As outlined in the report, London 2012 sustainability highlights include:

• The Olympic Park. All venues and new infrastructure have been designed and built following stringent sustainability targets.

• LOCOG’s venue design, choice of overlay materials and procurement strategy. LOCOG says it has more than halved one of the largest segments of its footprint, saving more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

• Sourcing. LOCOG has an impressive, comprehensive sustainable sourcing program in place. Working closely with sponsors, licensees and suppliers LOCOG’s system enables businesses working with the Games to demonstrate their sustainability and enables LOCOG to monitor its supply chains effectively.

• Accountability. The report conforms to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines and has been officially checked by the GRI to application level B. This is a first for any Games Organizing Committee and creates an important legacy for future events.

It’s going to be interesting to see how these “low-carbon” games continue to evolve and what we can learn about sustainable sourcing from LOCOG’s innovative new supplier program.

“I’m proud that sustainability is an important part of how we do business,” LOCOG CEO Paul Deighton said. “The work that has been done on integrating sustainability into food, logistics, transport, ceremonies, technology and event management has uncovered opportunities that have not been realized before in an Olympic or Paralympic context. This report outlines the work that has gone into making the Games as sustainable as possible. There is still much to be done, but we are well on track to achieve some fantastic results.”