Marking One Year to Go until the start of the Olympic Games

July 27, 2011

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With only one year to go, the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012, the independent body established to assure and monitor the sustainability of the London 2012 Games, recognises the progress and achievements made to help deliver the most sustainable Games ever.

Progress and achievements include the Olympic Delivery Authority’s (ODA) exemplary performance in sustainable construction which is already transforming the industry, and London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games’ (LOCOG) ambitious plans for Games-time food and waste, which has been delivered through their excellent sustainable procurement code.

Nonetheless, it is also true, that there have been significant opportunities missed to promote sustainability around the globe such as the failure to meet the renewable energy targets and to deliver a low-carbon Olympic and Paralympic torch.

Shaun McCarthy, Chair of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012, said:

“In the next 12 months, it is essential to be as focused on sustainability as we were at the bid stage. The biggest danger is complacency as the emphasis shifts to the sporting events next July and August. LOCOG must maximise the impact of symbols such as the Olympic and Paralympic cauldron and draw on the breadth and reach of Olympic and Paralympic sponsors to spread the sustainability message of London 2012 globally.”

He continued:

“Gold medal success is within LOCOG’s grasp and with it comes the potential to transform the way millions of people around the globe think about sport, major events and sustainability. However, if we don’t deliver on the promised post-Games sustainable legacy, history will be a harsh judge of London 2012. Now is the time for the bodies responsible for legacy to create and deliver a sustainable future.”

 

A selection of coverage for the Commission on One year to go:

Radio 5 Live (this clip expires 03/08/2011)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b012njpx

BBC World Service – Radio

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00j0kzf#p00jfm35

BBC World Service – Television

Unavailable at present  

BBC Radio London (this clip expires 03/08/2011)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00j0vg6