Paris 2024 Pioneers a New Era of Sustainable Olympic Games

Paris 2024, fully aligned with Olympic Agenda 2020, promises to deliver a more responsible, sustainable, and inclusive Olympic Games. The organizers have outlined a plan to halve the Games-related carbon footprint, focusing on innovative solutions for energy, food, venues, transport, and digital services. 

Anticipating and Avoiding Impact

Paris 2024 committed to reducing the carbon footprint by 50% compared to previous Games. A carbon budget covering all planning and operations, including spectator travel, ensures alignment with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The organizers also calculated a "material footprint," detailing required resources to minimize and manage their life cycle. Utilizing 100% renewable energy and generators powered by biofuel, H2, or batteries, Paris 2024 aims to eliminate the need for diesel generators. Sustainable venue designs consider biodiversity, reducing the Games' environmental impact. 

Reducing, Renting, and Reusing

Paris 2024’s circular economy strategy is based on organizing the Games with fewer resources, better utilizing these resources, and ensuring their second life. Ninety-five percent of competition venues are pre-existing or temporary, with low-carbon construction for new builds like the Aquatics Centre, featuring solar panels and recycled materials. Efforts to reduce and share resources have cut the need for furniture from 800,000 to 600,000 items. Most sports and electronic equipment will be rented, and there are plans to reuse 90% of the Games’ six million assets post-Games. 

Regeneration and Community Benefits

Aligned with the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020, Paris 2024 aims to enhance local living conditions, especially in Seine-Saint-Denis. The Aquatics Centre will serve as a community sports hub, and the Olympic Village will transform into a residential and business district post-Games. This development includes public and affordable housing and new workplaces. Infrastructure improvements, such as underground electricity lines and noise barriers, along with efforts to clean the River Seine, are part of broader climate resilience planning, improving the quality of life for residents.

Sustainable Food Initiatives

Paris 2024 will deliver 13 million meals with half the carbon emissions of average French meals. The food strategy includes doubling plant-based ingredients, sourcing 80% of ingredients locally, and significantly reducing food waste. Efforts to cut single-use plastic and encourage reusable bottles will also minimize environmental impact. Coca-Cola will install 700 water and soda fountains across all Paris 2024 sites, and spectators can bring reusable bottles, a significant shift from current regulations.

Efficient and Low-Carbon Transport

Paris 2024 will leverage the city's extensive public transport network, enhanced by new bike lanes. More than 80% of Olympic venues are within 10km of the Olympic Village, minimizing travel time. Public transport will be expanded, and the vehicle fleet will include electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles, with a 40% reduction in fleet size compared to previous Games. This strategy ensures efficient and low-carbon transport solutions.

By integrating these comprehensive sustainability measures, Paris 2024 aims to set a new standard for future Olympic Games, creating a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility and community improvement.