Skip to main contentAs the curtain falls on the 2024 Paris Olympics, the world waits to see whether these Games will be remembered for only their athletic feats or for setting a new standard in sustainability as the greenest-ever Olympics.
On winning the Olympic bid, Paris developed a detailed strategic sustainability plan, embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into the fabric of the event, setting a new sustainability standard for major events. While this ambitious plan is to be applauded, the real challenge is found in turning the plan into action.
Key Initiatives of the ‘Greenest’ Games
- Using 100% renewable energy by connecting the stadiums to the public electricity network instead of diesel generators. Any generators used at events were powered by biofuel, H2 or battery.
- Of the 35 stadiums which hosted events, just two are new and were constructed in wood with seats made from recycled local plastic waste, topped off with 4,680 square meters of solar panels on the rooftop.
- In the Olympic Village, tables were made from recycled shuttlecocks and beds from recycled cardboard.
- More than three-quarters of electronic equipment was rented, as well as three quarters of the sports equipment.
- Food waste has been cut with better estimation of quantities, and redistributing and transforming all unconsumed food.
- Single plastic use will be halved.
- The Seine failed water quality tests ahead of open water swimming events, however it has accelerated the cleanup of the river.
- The Olympic Village will be transformed now the Games are over into a new residential and business district, providing workplaces for 6,000 people and apartments for an additional 6,000. 40% of which will be used for public housing and another third will be rented for affordable housing aimed at students and low-income workers.
Criticism and Challenges
These efforts have not been without criticism. A report by Carbon Market Watch and Éclaircies said the strategy for the Paris Games lacked the necessary transparency and precision. While there may be weaknesses in the approach, there is an important takeaway for businesses when it comes to making their own operations more sustainable.
The organisers of the Paris Games brought focus to their ambitions to host a ‘greener’ Games, committing at the outset to accounting for all carbon emissions (scopes 1, 2 and 3), encompassing direct, indirect and spectator travel emissions.
While there will be scrutiny of how successful these Games were in reducing emissions, this approach underlines the importance of clear target setting – particularly around Scope 3 – for any organisation that is seeking to decarbonise their operations.
The Importance of Scope 3 Emissions
For most businesses, the majority of emissions occur within Scope 3, also known as value chain emissions. These typically account for 80-90% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing value chain emissions is essential for any robust carbon management strategy and net-zero aspirations. Targeting these emissions can unlock substantial business benefits, including innovation, collaboration opportunities, and confidently be able to respond to stakeholder pressures.
The challenges around tackling Scope 3 emissions have been well documented, with a revision to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) corporate net zero standard due to be published at the end of the year.
How Envantage Can Support Your Net Zero Journey
At Envantage, we understand the complexity of this task but are inspired by the ambition of our energy-intensive clients to make measurable progress in reducing their emissions.
Much like the example we have seen at Paris Olympics, those on the right path to net zero understand they are reaching for an ambitious goal but also share a commitment to specific and measurable actions and transparent reporting.
For help and support in your net zero journey, read more about Envantage’s carbon road map programme.
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