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When the organising committee of the Paris 2024 Olympics announced their intention to make the Games the greenest in history, it carried great symbolic significance. This is the very city where, in 2015, global leaders convened to adopt the Paris Agreement – a landmark accord aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Honouring and amplifying this commitment, the Paris 2024 organisers promised to make these Games “historic for climate”, aiming to cut the carbon footprint by half compared to London 2012 and Rio 2016.

Already, the Paris 2024 Olympics have outdone their predecessors in several key areas. While previous Games took some steps towards sustainability, Paris has implemented a comprehensive approach that goes beyond mere pledges, encompassing several ambitious targets.

A comprehensive approach?

Energy and emissions

The Games are set to reduce carbon emissions by 50% from the previous Olympic Games average, with a commitment to 100% renewable electricity powering all venues. All venues are connected to the grid, avoiding temporary energy solutions. Innovations include using hydrogen, biofuel, or batteries instead of diesel, and installing a 4,680 sq. metre solar panel roof on new structures like the aquatic centre, which will also help minimise emissions.

Venues and infrastructure

Repurposing existing venues has been a cornerstone of their sustainability plan, with 95% of the venues being existing buildings or temporary facilities. Many events are being hosted at the Stade de France. Additionally, the new aquatic centre has been built to benefit the community long after the Games, and parts of the Olympic Village will supposedly be transformed into housing and workspaces for local residents.

Transportation

Transportation is one of the main contributors to the carbon footprint of events like the Olympics. Earlier this summer, fan travel was predicted to account for 90% of all emissions for the Euros 2024 held in Germany. For Paris 2024, transport seems like an important focus area, with all venues connected via public transport and over 400 kilometres of new bike lanes introduced. The transport fleet for athletes and staff includes electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles, achieving a 37% reduction in the Olympic fleet compared to previous Games. Additionally, many teams from European countries, including some athletes from Team GB, have opted for the Eurostar to travel to Paris, further reducing their carbon footprint.

Food and waste management

Efforts to cut down on waste are evident in plans to halve single-use plastics and ensure that all catering equipment and infrastructure is reusable after the Games. The amount of plant-based food for spectators has been doubled to halve the carbon footprint of meals. With 80% of food produced locally, they also aim to support local businesses, while reducing emissions.

Despite these ambitious targets and a comprehensive strategy, the Paris 2024 Olympics’s has faced criticism for vague and dubious sustainability claims.

Under scrutiny

Using carbon offsetting

Paris 2024 has committed to offsetting 100% of unavoidable carbon emissions related to the Games. The program has already purchased nearly 1.5 million tonnes worth of carbon credits, funding projects such as forest preservation in Guatemala, conservation in Kenya’s Chyulu Hills, and clean cooking stoves in Kenya and Nigeria. However, reliance on carbon offsets has drawn criticism as offsetting does not reduce the carbon dioxide already produced, which continues to contribute to global warming. Additionally, the convenience of offsetting can divert attention from more direct solutions to reduce carbon emissions at the source.

Transparency and Feasibility

Critics argue that the language around the sustainability claims is vague and lacks detailed transparency. The transition from claiming ‘climate positive’ status to focusing on emission reduction and offsetting has sparked doubts about the actual environmental impact.

One specific criticism revolves around the surfing event set to take place in Tahiti. While chosen for its natural beauty, the environmental impact of travel and potential harm to local ecosystems, like coral reefs, contradicts the Games’ green promises.

Corporate Sponsorships

The selection of sponsors, many of whom are not recognised for their climate leadership, has also faced scrutiny. The absence of climate criteria in sponsor selection can be seen as a missed opportunity to leverage the Olympics’ influence to promote corporate climate responsibility.

Enhancing Carbon Literacy in the Sports Sector

As we scrutinise the Paris 2024 sustainability strategy, it’s crucial to recognise the broader impact and potential for improvement across the entire sports sector. One vital resource in driving this change is the Carbon Literacy® Sports Toolkit. This innovative toolkit provides a structured approach to understanding and addressing climate issues within sports organisations, whether they are international governing bodies, professional clubs, community teams, or venues. The Kit combines the knowledge of sector specialists in sports sustainability and CLP’s expertise in creating sector-specific Carbon Literacy courses. It equips organisations to educate their teams and stakeholders, fostering a culture of climate awareness and action within the sports community.

Looking Forward

Despite the inherent challenges, the Paris 2024 Olympics present a unique opportunity to set new standards for sustainability in large-scale events. With bold goals for reducing carbon emissions, managing resources efficiently, and promoting social inclusivity, the Games are poised to make a significant impact. However, achieving these ambitious objectives will require ongoing transparency, rigorous implementation, and an unwavering commitment to climate action and sustainability.

As the Director of Environmental Excellence for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Georgina Grenon remarked, “We say that sustainability is a collective sport. Will everything be perfect? No, right? We cannot say that. We’re still working very, very hard to go as far as we can.”

As the world watches, the Paris 2024 Olympics not only celebrate athletic excellence but also offer a compelling example of how major events can drive climate action and social progress. While perfection might be elusive, the commitment to continual improvement and meaningful action sets a powerful precedent. By leveraging tools like the Carbon Literacy Sports Toolkit, the sports sector can build on the momentum created by these Games, paving the way for a zero-carbon future in sports.