The Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games begin in just two days and are a major step towards sustainable mega-events. The French capital is preparing for up to 15 million visitors, 15,000 athletes and 45,000 volunteers across more than 800 sporting events. With such a huge expected carbon footprint, the organizers of Paris 2024 are determined to make this the most sustainable edition of the Olympic Games. The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to be more than just a sporting spectacle—they aim for a sustainable legacy that resonates beyond the event itself. Let’s explore how Paris is choreographing this green performance:

1. **Sustainability at the Heart:

   • Paris 2024 isn’t just about medals and records; it’s about leaving a lasting mark. From the bid phase onward, the organizers have prioritized sustainability and legacy.
   • Their mission? To create an Olympic and Paralympic Games in tune with society’s realities—open to all, economically responsible, socially impactful, and environmentally conscious.

2. **Circular Economy and Carbon Footprint Reduction:

   • Paris 2024 aims to halve its carbon footprint compared to previous Games. How?
     • Renewable Energy: The Athletes’ Village will be powered by geothermal and solar energy.
     • Plant-Based Food: They’re doubling the amount of plant-based food served at the event.
     • Circular Economy Principles: Paris 2024 embraces circular economy practices, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

3. **Legacy Beyond 2024:

   • These Games aren’t a one-time performance. They’re a blueprint for future mega-events. By involving local communities, NGOs, and public institutions, Paris 2024 aims to inspire new standards.
   • The legacy extends beyond infrastructure—it’s about inspiring people to be involved in sports, creating economic opportunities, and leaving a positive mark on French society.
4. 1olympics.com2weforum.org3interestingengineering.com4olympics.com

Paris sets ambitious target for carbon footprint

Paris aims to halve the average carbon emissions of previous Games – Tokyo 2020, Rio 2016 and London 2012 – which averaged 3.5 million tonnes of CO2. The aim is to limit the carbon footprint to 1.75 million tonnes of CO2. Achieving this target will be impressive considering Tokyo 2020 had no spectators due to COVID-19 restrictions. Paris will use carbon offsets to achieve this goal and invest in global environmental and social projects.

Nicolas Ferrand, head of the Paris Olympics infrastructure group, described the roughly 40 blocks of the village as a “coherent model of the best things we can do at the beginning of the 21st century, even a little bit ahead of time.” Thanks to energy-saving measures throughout their lifetime, the 2,800 apartments are expected to produce about half the carbon emissions of conventional buildings. After the Games, the apartments will be repurposed, with a third earmarked for social housing.

Renewable energy and sustainable materials

Paris 2024 organisers have prioritised the use of existing infrastructure, with 95% of events taking place in existing or temporary venues. The only new permanent venue, the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, is built from recycled materials and powered by solar energy. The Athletes’ Village will use solar and geothermal energy, with beds made from recycled fishing nets and reinforced cardboard.

A key feature of the village is its natural cooling system, which eliminates the need for air conditioning. Advanced insulation, shading, and a reversible underground plumbing system connected to an on-site geothermal energy plant keep indoor temperatures 10.8°F cooler than outside in the summer. This system reduces operating costs and carbon footprint, and aligns with Paris’ sustainability goals, despite concerns from some national teams over recent record-breaking summers.

Sustainability goals required real estate companies to reduce their emissions by 30% per square foot compared to traditional buildings. This led to innovative construction techniques, such as replacing carbon-intensive concrete with wood for core supports, facades and floors. Low-carbon concrete, which uses less energy-intensive materials, was also widely used. According to Julie Bosch, project director for Vinci Immobilier, materials were chosen based on their carbon footprint rather than their technical or economic properties. Recycled concrete was used as ballast and mixed with compost to form garden bases.

Extensive green spaces and water recycling

The village has extensive green spaces, with gardens covering 40% of the total land area and containing 9,000 trees and shrubs. Charles Richard-Molard, Deputy Director of Public Spaces at Solideo, highlighted the high green ratio and the water recycling system to maintain these areas.

An on-site mini water treatment center will purify wastewater for use in the garden. An experimental building, the “Cycle Building,” will use purified rainwater to power toilets designed to separate urine and feces, which can be converted into fertilizer. In addition, recycled materials, such as oyster shells and paper industry byproducts, were used in the paving to improve heat absorption and durability.

Commitment to a circular economy

The village’s commitment to a circular economy is clear, with around 300,000 household items being reused or recycled after the games. Julia Watson, deputy director of village works at Solideo, highlighted that suppliers were selected based on their ability to recycle or reuse items. Bed bases are made from reinforced cardboard and mattresses are made from recycled fishing nets, similar to the Tokyo Olympics. Reclaimed wood and recycled steel tubing are used for street furniture and lighting.

Challenges and recognition

Paris’ sustainability goal will not be easy to achieve, as previous hosts have struggled with similar commitments. Issues such as budget overruns and waste management, particularly reducing plastic and single-use items, pose significant challenges. Emissions threaten the goal despite the creation of 621 miles of bike lanes and the promotion of public transportation.

Here are some key ways they’re achieving this:

1. Thinking Ahead: Anticipating and Avoiding Impact:

   • Paris 2024 committed early on to reducing the Games’ carbon footprint by half compared to previous editions.
   • They set a carbon budget covering all aspects—from construction to energy, transport, catering, and procurement.
   • Paris 2024 addresses both direct and indirect emissions (scope 3 emissions), including spectator travel.
   • By doing so, they align with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, emphasizing their commitment to global sustainability.

2. Detailed Resource Planning and Material Footprint:

   • Venue by venue, Paris 2024 meticulously planned required resources.
   • Every asset—seating, tents, beds, chairs, tables, even tennis balls—was considered for its life cycle impact.
   • They also avoided carbon emissions by using innovative energy models, minimizing diesel generators, and connecting venues to the grid.

3. Circular Economy Principles:

   • Paris 2024’s strategy revolves around three principles:
     • Reduce: Organize the Games with fewer resources.
     • Reuse: Make better use of resources.
     • Recycle: Ensure the second life of resources after the Games.
   • A significant portion of competition venues will be pre-existing or temporary, minimizing new construction.

4. Legacy Beyond 2024:

   • Paris 2024 aims for a lasting impact beyond the event.
     • They involve local communities, NGOs, and public institutions.
     • The legacy extends to inspiring sports participation, economic opportunities, and societal change.