2007

London Olympics launches sustainability plan
1 November 2007

Organisers of the London Olympics have announced their strategy for reaching "the very highest standards of sustainability".

London won the bid partly on the back of its pledge to make the Games socially, economically and environmentally responsible and leave a beneficial legacy.

London 2012: making tracks towards sustainable development?

More needs to be done

Whilst the plan is a positive step towards a sustainable Games, it could do better on:

  • Waste
    There is no target in the plan for recycling construction waste
  • Climate change
    Energy efficiency targets are higher than current building regulations but will they commit to meet regulations post 2010?
  • Biodiversity
    The plan on maintaining biodiversity in the Lee Valley is vague and does not take account of possible climate change impacts
  • Water
    There are good targets on drinking water but no plans to cut use of non-drinking water
  • Materials
    The 25% target for use of recycled aggregates is below best practice which is closer to 80%

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