Electric Flame Lights Up the Future of Sport

Less than a week into the Olympics and Paris might have already set new records. Striving to be the most sustainable Olympic Games to date, the City of Light is illuminating the path towards more environmentally conscious international sporting events.?

Though it is early to state whether these efforts will actually translate into measurable outcomes, the Paris 2024 organizing committee has set the ambitious goal of halving the total carbon emissions of the Games compared to the previous ones. Setting the target at 1.75 million tons of CO2 (or the equivalent of the energy consumed by 221,696?households in a year), Paris is taking the first steps towards the New Norm outlined by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to meet long-term development goals.??

By ensuring that every aspect of the event, from the athletes' village to the food served, adheres to eco-friendly practices, Paris 2024 is paving the way for a greener management of international events.??

Where the 5 R’s of the 5 rings lie?

Buildings and construction?

Of all the things Paris has undertaken to do, the most significant action taken towards reducing emissions this year is the approach towards venues. The building and construction sector accounts for 34% of the global energy demand and 37% ?of energy and process-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. ?

Contrary to the general tone of most Olympic Games, where most of the buildings are built from scratch, 95% of the venues in Paris already exist or are temporary facilities. The only new constructions, the Aquatics Center, Le Bourget Climbing Wall and the Olympic Village, are built mainly using low-carbon, bio-based or salvaged and recycled materials.??

Energy

Energy-wise, the aim is to supply all the venues solely with renewable energy. The newly installed solar and geothermal generators will not only power the event but will remain afterwards to power the city’s needs. This strategy not only drastically reduces the environmental impact of construction but also ensures that the Olympic legacy will enhance rather than burden the city's existing infrastructure.?

Transportation?

Another long-lasting initiative that will prevail after the Olympics is the mobility landscape. Improved cycling lanes, an increased number of bicycles and an extended Metro will help reduce transport emissions by making all the venues accessible by public transport. Without disregarding the efforts, most emissions will still derive from transportation. The Committee estimates that one-third of the total carbon emissions will be from the travelling of athletes, officials and spectators to and from Paris.???

A conscious menu?

The Olympic dining?experience is also getting?a green makeover. Paris will introduce the most plant-based menu in the Olympic history, doubling the veggie-friendly options of the 13 million meals that will be served, and halving the single-use waste compared to previous Games. This initiative is not only a commitment to address climate change, but also setting an example for how collective action can lead to meaningful change, inspiring individuals and communities to rethink their relationship with food and the environment.?

Water and fire?

But perhaps the utmost inspiring achievements of Paris 2024 have been the cleanup of the Seine River and their approach to the Olympic flame.??

After a century of being unfit for swimming due to pollution, the capital’s waterway has been restored to a state where it can once again welcome bathers. Unfortunately, heavy rains over the past days have spiked the presence of bacteria, forcing the postposition of the men’s individual triathlon race. Nevertheless, this monumental effort not only benefits the Olympics but leaves a lasting legacy, demonstrating that environmental degradation can be restored given the will and determination of environmental stewardship.?

These Games symbolize a departure from tradition that aligns with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. One of the most striking?symbols of this?new vision?is the Olympic?cauldron itself. The French committee has refrained from the customary oil-fueled flame, opting for a stunning display of water and light.??

Floating 30 m into the air, this design consists of 40 LED lights in the shape of a ring illuminating a cloud of water vapour. This innovative decision, , encapsulates the?Games' commitment to sustainability?without sacrificing the?awe-inspiring spectacle that?has for long characterized the?Olympic ceremonies.?

A beacon of hope?

These initiatives are not just about reducing environmental impact, they represent a profound alignment with the core values of the Olympic movement. The spirit of unity and respect that defines the Olympic Games is perfectly mirrored in the collaborative, innovative, and respectful approach to sustainability that we should embrace to tackle global challenges.?

Importantly, Paris 2024 demonstrates that being environmentally conscious does not require the erasure of traditions or cultural identities. On the contrary, embracing sustainability can enhance and preserve our cultural heritage. By integrating eco-friendly practices into the Olympic Games can honor their rich history while adapting to the needs of a changing world. This balance is crucial for ensuring that future generations can continue to celebrate and participate in these traditions.?

While the Olympic Games alone cannot solve all the world's environmental challenges, they serve as a powerful example of what can be achieved when nations and individuals come together with a common goal. This spirit of unity is essential as we face the complexities of a warming planet and the challenges that come with it.?

As we look forward to the coming days, let us also embrace the inspiration the Olympics offer about collaboration, unity and care for each other and for the environment to inspire positive change in our world.?

This article was prepared by the 10 Billion Solutions team.