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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
source: www.london2012.org/en/
bid/greengames/
www.london.gov.uk/mayor/olympics/
benefits-environment.jsp
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“The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics will be the 'greenest' games in history.” – claim the organisers…- the Olympic Park in east London will transform one of the city's most underdeveloped areas into a model for sustainable urban development. Nothing will be built permanently on London’s green spaces like Hackney Marshes and London Fields (known as ‘greenfield sites’). The only lasting London 2012 buildings will be on the reclaimed brownfield site. Work would involve the construction of the Olympic Village, an 80,000-capacity stadium, swimming pool and warm-up track - which could be converted to low-cost housing at a later date; (1)
- London's blueprint for the Games contains a number of specific initiatives to achieve a sustainable legacy which improves the environment, health and quality of life for local communities. These include: 1) investment in public transport, sustainable design and best practice in construction to make London 2012 a low carbon Games ; 2) hosting a zero-waste Games by avoiding landfill and using waste as a resource for recycling and re-use; 3) conserving biodiversity through the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley creating the largest new urban park in Europe and bringing people closer to nature; 4) creating partnerships with community groups, environmental experts and stakeholders to deliver a One Planet Olympics.
The rehabilitation of the Lower Lea Valley lies at the heart of the Olympic legacy to east London, restoring an eco-system and revitalising an entire community…- the Games legacy will transform this area into one of the largest urban parks created in Europe more than 150 years, stretching 20 miles from the Hertfordshire countryside to the tidal estuary of the River Thames. The natural river system of the valley will be restored, canals would be dredged and waterways widened. Birdwatchers and ecologists will be able to enjoy 3 hectacres of new wetland habitat. And the park will be planted with native species, including oak, ash, birch, hazel, holly, blackthorn and hawthorn, providing a home for wildlife in the middle of the city;
- specific highlights of the redevelopment include: more than 120 hectares of high quality, accessible green space. The undergrounding of power lines and the remediation of land contaminated by years of industrial use. The Olympic Village alone will be converted into 3,600 new houses of which 50% will be affordable housing. There will be at least 10,000 new sustainable jobs after the Games, plus new schools, healthcare facilities and recreational areas. Mobility will be improved through easier access to transport links, new dedicated cycle routes, safe and easy pedestrian access and new bridges and underpasses.
London 2012 is committed to showcasing how the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games can adapt to a world increasingly affected by climate change…- London aims to make the 2012 Games a totally ‘car-free event’, only allowing disabled drivers private car access to the Olympic venues. This is part of a well-planned, integrated transport strategy for the Games. London has already shown a willingness to take a radical approach to pollution and congestion issues by successfully introducing a Congestion Charge;
- London's transport system will be upgraded over the next seven years with a £17 billion (about €25,22 billion) government investment strategy that will include a special rapid shuttle service that will ferry passengers at Games time from central London to the Olympic Park in just 7 minutes;
- all of the Games venues will be accessible by public transport, and more than 80% of spectators are expected to travel to and from venues by one of the 10 train lines which will serve the Olympic Park. Spectators will enjoy free access to the entire public transport network and individual travel plans will be an integrated part of the ticketing process. Visitors from Europe will be able to travel by train directly to Stratford International Station, encouraging the use of rail rather than air travel from the Continent. An active spectator programme will encourage access to Olympic venues by bicycle and on foot, with a safe network of cycle paths and footpaths and secure bike storage at each venue;
- the Olympic Park itself will be a low emission zone, while low or no emission vehicles will be used through the Olympic fleet of cars, buses and service vehicles. All new developments will utilise best practice to proof against future climate change, to minimise energy demands, manage energy consumption and to respect the surrounding architectural heritage. Construction on the Olympic Park will follow the London Code of Construction Practice, which sets standards for air and noise pollution for all demolition and construction projects. The London Climate Control Agency will help to devise a programme to neutralise carbon emissions generated by the Games.
London is committed to ensuring that the 2012 Games will be a 'zero-waste' Games…- this will be achieved through the principles of minimising waste at source, maximising recycling and using waste materials as energy sources. Every venue will provide recycling facilities and an education campaign aimed at both staff and spectators will target litter reduction and promote recycling. A sustainable procurement policy will inform the sourcing of materials, services, food and merchandise for the Games, including Fair Trade products;
- a commitment to a zero-waste Games also involves a commitment to engage staff, volunteers, spectators and citizens. Social programmes will engage the help of local sports clubs, community groups and corporate partners to address problems like litter and grafitti. All venue managers will receive environmental training to improve awareness and promote responsible behaviour. And all of these programmes will continue after the Games have finished, helping to deliver a permanent improvement to London's environment.
(1) At the moment, the area is described as a ‘brownfield site’. This expression is used to define areas which are underdeveloped, derelict, contaminated or vacant.
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