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LILLEHAMMER, NORWAY
source: www.sustainablestyle.org/
sass/02/greengames.html
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In 1994, Lillehammer proved that with the right direction and dedication to the idea, the environmental impact of the Olympics could be lessened, and eventually nearly erased… - In Lillehammer's case, this meant using potato-based starch instead of paper products for utensils and plates, initiating widespread recycling programs;
- designers and planners took into consideration, among numerous other things, which raw materials went into buildings, how the buildings would be used after the games, and the way in which buildings would blend in with the surrounding natural beauty;
- these few things only scratched the surface - the games were ‘smoke-free’ at all indoor areas and tobacco use was discouraged at outdoor venues, private vehicles were not allowed within a 60 kilometre radius of Lillehammer between 6 am and 9 pm, and even the bullets from the biathlon were recycled to prevent local soil from being contaminated with lead.
Interestingly, a lot of what was accomplished in Lillehammer was due to the staunch opposition of residents to Norway hosting the games… - they were concerned that the games would have a lasting negative impact on the environment. Thus, from the earliest stages, the environment and environmental impact was taken into consideration;
- the independent watchdog group Project-Friendly Olympics played a key role in the results gained in Lillehammer by establishing a four point plan to keep the environment at the forefront of the planning: 1) companies were instructed to use natural material whenever possible, 2) emphasis was placed on energy conservation in heating and cooling systems, 3) a recycling program was developed for the entire winter games region, and 4) a stipulation was made that the arenas must harmonise with the surrounding landscape.
Lillehammer's sustainable strides: - the 10 purpose-built Olympic arenas were constructed using predominately local materials and with strict energy-conserving measures, with a heavy emphasis on post-Olympic use. Some of the arenas will serve as concert halls, a fire station, a golf driving range and a soccer field;
- ‘visual pollution’ was regarded as seriously as air or water pollution. Arenas were built to blend into the natural, surrounding landscape as much as possible; the Cavern Hall was built into the side of a mountain, which, coincidentally, saves about US$20,000 in annual heating costs by being inside a mountain.
- contractors were fined almost US$7,400 for every unnecessary tree uprooted or damaged.
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