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-Editorial
The organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games have announced significant strides in reducing the environmental impact of the Games, achieving a 54.6% reduction in the carbon footprint compared to the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. The total carbon footprint for the Paris Games was recorded at 1.59 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (teqCO2), compared to the 3.5 million teqCO2 average of previous events, excluding the spectator-free Tokyo 2020 Games.
This achievement aligns with Paris 2024’s initial goal to halve the event’s carbon impact by incorporating measures to control, reduce, and track emissions from construction, operations, and travel. The data is outlined in the Sustainability and Legacy Report, with the full report expected to be published on Olympics.com.
The Paris 2024 organizers adopted a proactive approach by setting a carbon reduction target from the outset, unlike previous Games, which relied on post-event assessments. Key measures included relying on existing or temporary infrastructure, utilizing renewable energy, promoting plant-based catering, and minimizing the use of new digital equipment.
Only one new sports venue, the Olympic Aquatics Centre, and two living spaces (Athletes’ and Media Villages) were built for the Games, with the rest relying on existing infrastructure. Low-carbon construction techniques, including wood framing and low-carbon concrete, were used to reduce emissions. Temporary infrastructure, such as spectator seating, was rented and dismantled after use, with 40% of spectator areas constructed from wood.
Operational emissions accounted for 18% of the total footprint, lower than the one-third originally anticipated. To achieve this, energy needs were met with renewable electricity from the French grid, eliminating the use of diesel generators. Paris 2024’s catering partners offered a higher proportion of plant-based meals, with 40% of public meals being vegetarian. Digital operations were streamlined, reducing the use of equipment such as televisions and printers, with 75% of equipment rented and later repurposed.
Spectator and participant travel accounted for 53% of the overall footprint. Of the 2.8 million unique spectators, 72.5% were from France, while 19.5% came from Europe, and 8% from the rest of the world. Paris 2024 promoted public and active transport for spectators, while athletes from neighboring countries were encouraged to use trains. Toyota, a Games partner, provided electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered vehicles for official use, reducing the number of vehicles required by 37% compared to London 2012.
Paris 2024 embraced a circular economy approach, ensuring 90% of Games-related assets, such as sports equipment, uniforms, and furniture, were reused or repurposed. Items were returned to partners, donated to associations, or auctioned. Over 480,000 items were sold at auction, and 75,000 were redistributed through charitable partnerships.
To address the remaining 1.59 million teqCO2 of unavoidable emissions, Paris 2024 contributed €11.5 million to nine climate projects near the equator, including the installation of photovoltaic power plants in Senegal and Vietnam, deforestation prevention in Guatemala and Kenya, and mangrove restoration in Senegal. Domestically, the Games funded four forestry projects in France, sequestering 14,500 teqCO2.
Organizers say the approach offers a model for future large-scale sporting events, with the aim of setting new standards for sustainable event planning worldwide. The comprehensive strategy and methodologies are available in the official eco-design guide for temporary infrastructure.
