Paris 2024: Pioneering the circular economy in the Olympic world
With the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games less than 4 months away, excitement is building in Paris as it prepares to welcome the world for a historic event. Beyond the sporting spectacle, Paris 2024 stands out for itscommitment to the circular economy , an innovative approach that echoes a growing need for sustainability in international events of this scale.
An ambitious circular economy strategy
From the earliest planning stages, Paris 2024 has adopted a bold approach focused on the circular economy. This strategy, built around five fundamental pillars – rethink, reduce, recycle, reuse and reunite – aims to minimize environmental impact while maximizing positive spin-offs for the community.
The first step is to rethink conventional practices, integrating the circular economy into public procurement and promoting more sustainable design practices. This approach fosters local and global change by encouraging environmentally-friendly practices.
Secondly, Paris 2024 is committed toreducing the use of resources by encouraging the re-use of existing materials. This approach helps to reduce the environmental footprint of the Games, while encouraging a more responsible use of natural resources.
At the same time, the products used during the Games will be recycledas much as possible, raising awareness of the importance of recycling and encouraging sustainable behavior.
Temporary equipment and infrastructure will also be reused reused as much as possible, thus extending their lifespan and avoiding the creation of superfluous new elements. This approach also promotes more efficient use of resources and helps reduce waste.
Finally, Paris 2024 is mobilizing its entire ecosystem around the circular economy, rbringing together public and private players to maximize the positive impact of this approach. This collaboration makes it possible to implement innovative initiatives and promote sustainable practices at all levels of the event.
Concrete actions for a positive impact
To realize its vision of a circular Olympic event, Paris 2024 is implementing a series of concrete actions.
The aim is to recycle two-thirds of the resources mobilized for the Games, demonstrating a commitment to the efficient use of materials. With impressive figures such as 15,000 athletes, 208 delegations, 32 Olympic and 22 Paralympic sports, Paris 2024 is mobilizing considerable resources in keeping with the circular economy.
Similarly, sports equipment used during the Games will be reused wherever possible, thus promoting an eco-responsible textile industry. This represents a major logistical challenge, but also demonstrates Paris 2024’s commitment to sustainable practices.
In addition, the rental of furniture and equipment is favored to minimize waste and reduce the ecological footprint of the Games. This approach also supports the local economy and promotes responsible practices, while contributing to the circular economy.
Recycling initiatives will also be put in place to raise awareness among participants and spectators of the importance of sorting and recycling waste. With a staggering 13 million meals and 878 events planned, waste management is a major issue in ensuring the sustainability of the Games.
A lasting legacy for Paris and its inhabitants
Beyond the event itself, Paris 2024 aims to leave a lasting legacy for the city and its inhabitants. Temporary infrastructures built for the Games will be reused or recycled, thus avoiding the creation of new superfluous elements. A significant example is the Olympic Aquatics Centre, designed to be open to all after the Games, illustrating the commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. This initiative aims to promote a healthy, active lifestyle for future generations, while strengthening social ties and fostering the inclusion of local communities.
Mobilized resources
The resources mobilized for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are spread across five distinct clusters, each playing a crucial role in the event’s circular economy-focused delivery:
– Celebrate (6%): Derivative products and ceremonial elements, with a focus on more sustainable design practices and reduced environmental impact.
– Accueillir (9%) Services for spectators, aimed at minimizing food waste, facilitating waste sorting and raising awareness of water conservation.
– Equip (1%): Sports equipment and infrastructure needed for the Games, with a commitment to reuse and an eco-responsible textile industry.
– Furnish (11%): Furnish and decorate Olympic venues, favoring rental and reduced packaging to minimize environmental impact.
– Building (72%): Temporary works and infrastructures, with an emphasis on using existing structures and eco-design to reduce the environmental footprint.
This strategic distribution of mobilized resources demonstrates Paris 2024’s commitment to the circular economy at every stage of Games preparation. By adopting a responsible and sustainable approach, Paris 2024 aspires to leave a positive legacy for the city and its people, while inspiring change on a global scale.
A global impact
Paris 2024 recognizes the importance of its role as a global example of sustainable practices. With millions of spectators and billions of television viewers, the Olympic Games offer a unique platform for raising awareness of the circular economy on a global scale.
By showing that the Olympic Games can be organized in a circular and sustainable way, Paris 2024 hopes to inspire other sporting events, cities and organizations to adopt similar practices. This leadership in circularity could catalyze a significant change in the way major events are organized in the future. By promoting sustainable and inclusive practices, Paris 2024 aspires to leave a positive legacy for future generations.
Conclusion: towards a more circular future
As the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, Paris is positioning itself as a pioneer of the circular economy in the Olympic world. With an ambitious strategy and concrete actions, Paris 2024 aspires to create a truly circular event, leaving a lasting legacy for the city and inspiring change on a global scale.
By rethinking our consumption and production patterns, the 2024 Olympic Games are paving the way for a more circular and sustainable future for all. Paris 2024 is committed to demonstrating that major sporting events can be organized in a responsible and environmentally-friendly manner, offering a more circular vision for the future of sport.
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