Paris 2024: A Benchmark for Sustainability and Innovation
As the world gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, excitement is building for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of athleticism, culture, and sustainability. Set in one of the most iconic cities, the Paris Olympics aim to set new standards for eco-friendly practices and innovative mobility solutions, ensuring a lasting positive impact on both the environment and society.
Sustainability at the Heart of Paris 2024
Paris is committed to hosting the most sustainable Olympic Games in history. The city’s approach emphasises reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, and promoting social inclusion. Marie Barsacq, the Director of Impact and Legacy, Paris 2024, emphasised, “Our vision for Paris 2024 was to deliver a more sustainable event and create a legacy that transforms communities, enhances social inclusion, and sets new standards for sustainable event management.”
As the first Olympic Games to implement the IOC’s strategic roadmap, Olympic Agenda 2020, Paris 2024 is adapting to the needs of its host and the challenges of our times by being more sustainable, equal, and inclusive. Organisers aim to cut the carbon footprint of the Games by 50% compared to the average of London 2012 and Rio 2016, aligning with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, while creating lasting social and economic benefits for the local population, which can be visible long before the Opening Ceremony.
Sustainable Infrastructure and Venues
A key aspect of Paris 2024’s sustainability strategy is the use of existing and temporary venues to minimise environmental impact. Approximately 95% of the venues are either pre-existing or temporary structures. This approach reduces the need for new construction, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of the event.
- Stade de France: Hosting the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics events, this existing stadium will be retrofitted with sustainable technologies.
- Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: A major exhibition centre that will host several indoor sports.
- Temporary Venues: Locations like the Champ de Mars under the Eiffel Tower will host beach volleyball, offering a stunning yet eco-friendly setup.
Sustainable Mobility Solutions
Toyota’s Sustainable Mobility Solutions
Toyota, the Worldwide Mobility Partner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), is playing a crucial role in making the Paris 2024 Games a showcase of sustainable mobility. Toyota will provide a fleet of more than 2,650 electrified vehicles, including 700 electric last-mile mobility solutions. This fleet underscores Toyota’s commitment to carbon neutrality and inclusive mobility.
“Our multi-path strategy to carbon neutrality, combining different electrified vehicles, is at the core of the Toyota fleet to be made available to the Olympic and Paralympic family at Paris 2024. Toyota will bring a 100 percent electrified passenger vehicle fleet to Paris, in line with our commitment to reduce carbon emissions”. Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.
Innovative Mobility for All
Toyota’s contributions also include 250 Accessible People Movers (APMs) and wheelchair e-pullers, designed to ensure that athletes, officials, volunteers, and spectators can move around freely, sustainably, and safely. These initiatives exemplify Toyota’s “Mobility for All” vision, promoting inclusivity and reducing the environmental impact of transportation during the Games.
“Working with Toyota as the global mobility partner of the Paris 2024 Games enables us to advance towards a more accessible and inclusive mobility. And a more responsible one too, as we focus on our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in every aspect of the Paris 2024 Games.” President of Paris 2024, Tony Estanguet.
Public Transport and Bike Rentals
Public transportation will be a primary mode of travel during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Effective from a week before the opening ceremony, several bridges, metro, and train stations will be closed. Despite these closures, Paris has ensured that public transport remains a viable and sustainable option for moving around the city.
Additionally, Paris boasts an extensive network of bike rentals and bike lanes. Velib, the city’s bike-sharing scheme, features 40% electric bikes, making it easy for visitors to reach competition sites. This system not only offers a sustainable transportation option but also allows visitors to enjoy the city’s scenic routes.
Embracing Innovation and Renewable Energy
Paris 2024 will be the first Olympic Games to feature a comprehensive carbon footprint reduction plan, including the use of a 100% electric vehicle fleet for transportation. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Economic and Social Impact
The economic impact of the Paris Olympics is expected to be significant, with an estimated €8.9 billion net economic impact to the local economy. This includes job creation, tourism, and infrastructure development. Moreover, the Games aim to promote social inclusion by providing opportunities for underprivileged communities and emphasizing accessibility.
The Clean-Up of the Seine
A notable highlight of Paris 2024’s environmental efforts is the cleanup of the Seine River, which will host the Olympic open-water swimming competitions. For decades, the Seine was plagued by pollution, but an intensive cleanup effort has made it swimmable again. This project involved a €1.4 billion investment in new water treatment infrastructure and incentives for reducing pollution from upstream sources.
Check out Vox’s brilliant video on cleaning up the Seine, ‘Can Paris fix its poop problem before the Olympics?’
Conclusion
As the world anticipates the Paris 2024 Olympics, the event is set to be a landmark celebration of sports, culture, and sustainability. Through innovative mobility solutions, renewable energy initiatives, and community engagement, Paris 2024 is poised to redefine how major sporting events can positively impact the environment and society. The commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices highlights the potential for the Olympics to be a catalyst for sustainable development. Fans from around the globe are encouraged to not only support their favourite athletes but also embrace the green initiatives that will make these Games truly historic.
