VANOC leads the way with a Games focus on environmental, economic and social stewardship initiatives
Three aspects of growing importance to large scale sporting events like the Olympic Games are environmental, economic, and social stewardship. Since the sport-environment relationship is a two-way street with sport impacting the environment in adverse ways and vice-versa, National Olympic Committees over the past two decades have made a variety of environment-conscious decisions regarding Games-related projects and processes. Some specific examples include the temporary beach volleyball stands and naturally lit swimming pool in Sydney, Australia and the partially underground, energy saving stadium in Lillehammer, Norway. More general examples include smart site selection, multi-use facilities, the recycling of demolition and construction waste, the development and use of public transit, the protection and preservation of fragile natural areas, and the reduction of paper consumption through the use of the internet. Many of these initiatives have both long and short-term economic and social benefits as well. Reusing parts and materials reduces or eliminates the economic costs of purchasing new ones, while athletes and volunteers are much happier working and competing in a clean environment with good air quality. In addition, locals prefer living in a healthier environment and sustainable economy.
So what environmental, economic, and social stewardship initiatives has the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) undertaken? “VANOC has created a Sustainability Star program to recognize our partners who have demonstrated excellence in rising to the challenge of creating projects with positive and measurable social, economic and environmental assets that are new to the Games or Host Region,” said Ann Duffy, VANOC’s corporate sustainability officer. “We’re continuing to work towards improving the sustainability performance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games by leaving a living legacy that continues long after the Games here are done.”
For example, the Richmond Olympic Oval is a Sustainability Star in part because of the salvaging and re-use of waste wood as an integral building initiative. The roof was constructed with the wood that was damaged by the pine beetle infestation in British Columbia, while the wood floors, paneling, and furnishings are made from all the hardwood trees cleared during site preparation. In addition, two trees were planted in the area for every tree that was cut down throughout the process; rainwater collection on the roofs of the Richmond Olympic Oval will provide the majority of required toilet water for these sites.
According to Duffy, “The Whistler Athletes’ Village is also a Sustainability Star. The Village, managed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, is being built under the new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) system for neighbourhoods — one of only 20 developments in Canada to qualify for the designation.” The waste-heat powered district energy system is an innovative approach to integrated energy infrastructure, which will achieve substantial greenhouse gas reductions versus traditional construction and produce long-term utility bill savings for local residents.
Overall, smart site selection was maximized by using existing arenas, sport centers, trails, and runs or previously disturbed areas. Materials from the existing structures were re-used in the renovations, re-used by other venues, or auctioned off at a sport fundraiser.
In terms of social stewardship, VANOC boasts unprecedented Aboriginal participationin the planning and hosting of the Games. Several Olympic and Paralympic sites including the Whistler and Vancouver Villages, the Vancouver Olympic Centre, and the Whistler Olympic Park provide contracting, naming, recognition, and artwork opportunities for the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations. In addition, local workforce members may be more inclined to use alternative transportation now that VANOC has installed bicycle storage, showers, change rooms, and priority parking for carpools at the Vancouver offices as well as shuttles during peak hours to the nearest SkyTrain station.
Whether it is replanting trees at a 2:1 ratio, re-using waste material, or showcasing indigenous art, the main objective of VANOC is clear: Benefit the community, the economy, and the environment. Hopefully this trend of eco-, enviro-, and socio-friendly initiatives extends to organizations of varying sizes across Canada and worldwide.
______________________________________________________________________________
| Title |
VANOC leads the way with a Games focus on environmental, economic and social stewardship initiatives |
| Source |
AthletesNOW |
| Vol (iss) |
Vol. 14 Issue 2 |
| Date |
Jun2009 |
| Page |
p.7 |
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