A NEW MEASURE OF
OLYMPIC &
PARALYMPIC
SUCCESS
For decades, the Olympic and Paralympic Games have been a demonstration of athletic excellence. Today, they demonstrate to the world how they have become more sustainable too.
1970S — THE OLYMPIC
AND PARALYMPIC
GAMES BECOME A ‘BIG’
DEAL
In the 1970s, the Olympic and Paralympic Games were quickly evolving to include new types of sports, attract new viewers and inspire more people to get out and play. But bigger events had bigger financial and environmental impacts to host cities.
SUSTAINABILITY ADDED
AS A PILLAR OF
OLYMPISM
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized their responsibility to make the Olympic Games more sustainable. In 1996 they added sustainability to the Olympic Charter, and later, as one of the three pillars of the Olympic Agenda 2020.
London 2012
LONDON’S
LARGEST
GREEN SPACE
IN OVER 100
YEARS
A 560-acre industrial site was rejuvenated into a richly biodiverse, attractive green and blue space east of the city. Bird numbers increased greatly and endangered invertebrate species returned to a space that is still enjoyed today.
TOKYO 2020
99% REUSE AND
RECYCLING RATE
99% of non-consumable, procured items were reused or recycled.
Olympic and Paralympic Games medals were moulded from metal extracted from recycled smartphones and other consumer electronics.
LASTING BENEFITS FOR
HOST CITIES CONTINUE
IN PARIS
Commitments ahead of Paris 2024 include a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to previous Olympic and Paralympic Games, use of 100% renewable energy, and a 100% increase of plant-based food available in competition and non-competition venues.
WE’RE TRACKING HUMANITY’S PROGRESS
FROM THE WORLD’S GREATEST STAGE
You can help us spread the impact
MORE FIRSTS FROM THE OLYMPICS & PARALYMPICS
that changed the world