With the Paris 2024 Olympics set to commence in less than a month, the organisers are presenting significant strides in their ambitious low carbon strategy.
The Paris 2024 Games aim to halve their carbon footprint compared to the average emissions of the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and climate action.
A radical approach to carbon reduction
Unlike previous major sports events, Paris 2024 has adopted a proactive approach to managing its carbon footprint. Instead of relying on post-event assessments and offsetting activities, the Paris Games have set a pre-event carbon reduction target and strategy.
This innovative approach encompasses all carbon emissions associated with the event, including direct and indirect emissions from spectator travel.
The average carbon footprint of recent Olympic Games, excluding the spectator-less Tokyo 2020, is 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (teqCO2).
Paris 2024 has set its target significantly lower, estimating the carbon footprint at 1.58 million teqCO2, below the initial target of 1.75 million teqCO2.
This ambitious goal is supported by nearly 10,000 pieces of data and the expertise of climate specialists within the Ecological Transformation Committee.
Initial carbon assessment and future projections
An initial carbon assessment for the period 2018-2023 has been conducted with the support of a specialist firm, following international reporting standards.
The findings reveal that Games preparations have generated 476,000 teqCO2, primarily from the construction and renovation of permanent infrastructure.
This figure includes emissions from Paris 2024 operations and aligns with the commitment to leaving a positive legacy.
Taking into account these emissions, the overall carbon footprint of the Games has been updated.
The latest calculations confirm that Paris 2024 is on track to meet its ambitious carbon reduction target, particularly in construction and operations, which comprise two-thirds of the total estimated emissions.
Key measures to reduce carbon emissions
Construction: To limit emissions from new construction, 95% of the infrastructure for Paris 2024 is either temporary or existing. Low-carbon construction techniques, such as wooden frames and low-carbon concrete, have been employed, reducing emissions by 30% per square meter in the Athletes’ Village. Over their life cycle, these buildings are projected to achieve a 47% reduction in carbon impact.
Energy: All Games venues are connected to the electricity grid to minimize the use of diesel generators, with EDF supplying renewable energy. This setup is expected to reduce energy-related carbon emissions by 80% compared to traditional sports events.
Catering: To halve the carbon impact of the 13 million meals and snacks served during the Games, Paris 2024 will double the use of plant-based food, reduce single-use plastic, increase local and seasonal sourcing, and combat food waste.
Transport: All competition venues will be accessible by public transport, and the Ile-de-France area will feature 415 km of cycle paths. Paris 2024 will provide a fleet of electric, renewable hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles, reducing the number of vehicles by a third compared to previous Games.
Equipment and IT: 90% of the 6 million pieces of equipment used will be repurposed post-Games, and 70% of IT equipment will be leased, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Encouraging Low-Carbon Travel
A significant portion of the Games’ carbon emissions stems from athlete and spectator travel. Paris 2024 is urging all visitors to utilize low-carbon transport methods to reduce their carbon footprints. Neighboring countries like Germany, Belgium, Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland have already committed to having their athletes travel to France by train.
Carbon avoidance and capture projects
In addition to reducing carbon emissions, Paris 2024 has developed a funding program for carbon avoidance and capture projects. This initiative aims to offset unavoidable emissions through carefully selected projects in France and internationally.
New partners, Abatable and Schneider Electric with EcoAct, have joined the initiative, supporting projects that align with Paris 2024’s values of health, gender equality, education, and biodiversity protection.
Projects in France: Paris 2024 is financing forestry projects, including the creation of a new forest and the repopulation of degraded forests, sequestering 14,500 teqCO2.
International Projects: The international program funds projects in equatorial regions, such as clean cooking systems and solar farms, aiming to sequester or avoid 1,458,500 teqCO2.
Commitment to a sustainable legacy
Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024, expressed pride in the Games’ commitment to climate action: “With one month to go before the Games and after years of work, we are where we wanted to be, with reduced and controlled carbon emissions across all parts of the organisation. We are proud to back up our commitment to the climate by supporting carbon avoidance and capture projects both in France and in the regions of the world most impacted by the effects of climate change.”
Valerio Magliulo, CEO and Co-Founder of Abatable, echoed this sentiment: “Our partnership enables the Games to go beyond their emission reduction efforts thanks to the high-impact climate projects we have selected.”
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the event sets a new standard for sustainability in major sports events. The comprehensive low carbon strategy not only aims to minimize the Games’ environmental impact but also leaves a lasting legacy of climate action and responsible sports management.
