The Sustainability of Paris 2024: A New Standard for Global Events

The Sustainability of Paris 2024: A New Standard for Global Events

The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics have set a new benchmark, not just for sports, but for sustainability. The organisers successfully hosted the greenest and most sustainable Olympic Games in history, embedding sustainability into every aspect, from planning to execution. The Paris 2024 Games showcased how major international events can significantly contribute to global sustainability goals, closely aligning with the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The commitment to sustainability at Paris 2024 was not an afterthought but a guiding principle throughout the event's development. From infrastructure choices to energy consumption and waste management, every facet of the Games was scrutinised to ensure it supported the organisers’ ambitious sustainability goals. By setting such high standards, Paris 2024 established a new framework for future international events that prioritise environmental and social responsibility.

Ambitious Sustainability Goals

From the outset, Paris 2024 set clear sustainability objectives. The Games achieved carbon neutrality and reduced their carbon footprint by 50% compared to previous Summer Olympics. This was a significant step forward, especially considering that past events, such as Tokyo 2020, produced around 3.5 million tonnes of CO2. In contrast, Paris 2024 limited its emissions to around 1.75 million tonnes. This target represented one of the most ambitious efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of a global sporting event.

Paris 2024's approach was underpinned by an in-depth analysis of the event’s potential environmental impact and strategies were put in place early on to ensure the sustainability goals were met. The organising committee also set a clear example for other cities and countries by aligning their sustainability goals with broader international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement, emphasising the importance of reducing carbon emissions on a global scale.  

Renewable Energy and Carbon Footprint Reduction

A key aspect of Paris 2024’s sustainability strategy was its use of renewable energy sources and its focus on reducing the event’s overall carbon footprint. The Athlete’s Village, a focal point of the Games, was powered by geothermal and solar energy. This innovative energy solution not only minimised the carbon footprint but also demonstrated the practical application of renewable energy at a large scale. The commitment to green energy extended to other venues and operational areas as well, ensuring that the Games would leave a minimal environmental impact.

Also, Paris 2024 introduced a comprehensive carbon budgeting strategy, meticulously tracking and limiting emissions across all aspects of the Games. From construction and transportation to food supply chains and waste management, every step of the event was designed with sustainability in mind. The organisers emphasised that reducing carbon emissions wasn’t just a goal—it was integral to the entire planning and execution process.

Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management

Paris 2024 embraced a minimal construction approach, with 95% of the venues being either existing structures or temporary installations, significantly reducing the environmental impact typically associated with building new infrastructure. The Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, the only new competition venue, became a model of sustainable architecture, featuring solar power and using bio-based and recycled materials. Additionally, 90% of the six million assets used during the Games were secured for second-life use.

This approach to infrastructure had several benefits. By minimising new construction, the Games significantly reduced their environmental impact and costs. Furthermore, the choice to use temporary or existing structures underscored Paris 2024’s commitment to long-term sustainability. Rather than building venues that might sit unused after the event, the organisers ensured that each space was either reusable or left a lasting legacy for the city.

Paris 2024 also set a new standard in resource management. By meticulously planning the use of materials, the organisers reduced the number of assets needed for the Games, such as furniture and sporting equipment. Remarkably, 90% of the six million assets used were already secured for second-life use after the Games. This level of resource planning and management not only reduced waste but also maximised the long-term benefits of the event’s investments.

Social and Economic Impact

Sustainability at Paris 2024 extended beyond environmental goals, embracing social and economic dimensions. The Games implemented a responsible purchasing strategy, prioritising contracts with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises. Over 2.9 million hours of work were completed by jobseekers, far surpassing initial targets. Moreover, 75% of the suppliers for the Games were SMEs, reinforcing the commitment to supporting local businesses.

One of the most significant social impacts of Paris 2024 was the creation of job opportunities, particularly for jobseekers looking to reintegrate into the labor market. By prioritising local labor and supporting SMEs, the Games delivered substantial economic benefits to the host city and region. The initiative to hire jobseekers surpassed initial targets, demonstrating the power of international events to generate positive social change and support economic growth.

Challenges and Innovations

Hosting a large-scale event like the Olympics inevitably comes with significant challenges, particularly in balancing the environmental impact with the logistical demands of such a massive operation. However, Paris 2024 introduced several innovative solutions to address these challenges. For instance, eco-friendly cooling systems were implemented in the Olympic Village to maintain comfortable temperatures without relying on carbon-intensive air conditioning. This solution not only reduced energy consumption but also contributed to the overall carbon reduction targets set by the organisers.

Another innovation was in the area of catering, where the Games doubled the amount of plant-based food served. This shift not only reduced the carbon footprint associated with food production but also promoted healthier eating habits among participants and spectators alike. The decision to increase plant-based food options reflected the broader global trend towards more sustainable food choices, particularly in reducing the environmental impact of meat production.

Legacy and Future Impact

The sustainability initiatives from Paris 2024 have left a lasting legacy. For example, the promotion of physical activity among French youth and free swimming lessons in schools are tangible outcomes. The Games' responsible procurement practices and social inclusion efforts have set new standards for future international events. It is projected that the Paris region will experience significant economic benefits, estimated between €6.7 billion and €11.1 billion in net economic impact.

The legacy of Paris 2024 extends far beyond the event itself. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of the Games, the organisers have created a blueprint for future international events, ensuring that environmental, social and economic goals are met in tandem. The lessons learned from Paris 2024 will undoubtedly shape the planning and execution of future Olympic Games and other global events.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Future Events

Paris 2024 stands as a blueprint for organising large-scale events in an environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and economically beneficial way. By prioritising sustainability at every level, the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics have set a new standard, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. The lessons and innovations from Paris will undoubtedly influence the planning and execution of future Olympic Games and other major international events.