The world’s top athletes have finally arrived in Paris, the capital of France and fashion with open arms, and… cardboard beds? Yes, you heard that right. Cardboard beds are but one of the eco-friendly measures being applied this edition. The City of Light is shining on sustainability, proving that the future of the Olympics is not just golden but green.
Cardboard comfort
Paris 2024 organizers have rolled out the red carpet and laid down 16,000 cardboard beds in the Olympic Village. Designed by Airweave and supplied for the 2020 Tokio games too, these eco-friendly marvels can support up to 250 kg, ensuring athletes sleep soundly on a sturdy and sustainable foundation. But the green revolution doesn’t stop at the beds. The village also features coffee tables made from badminton shuttlecocks and ottomans crafted from parachute fabric, turning recycled materials into functional art.
Innovation extends beyond furniture. Paris 2024 is not just showcasing green credentials; it’s embedding them into the Games’ core. Utilizing 95% of existing or temporary infrastructure significantly reduces the environmental impact. The Olympic and Paralympic Village, located on a former industrial site near Saint-Denis, will transform into a sustainable city district post-Games. By 2025, this area will house approximately 12,000 residents, complete with green spaces, cooling floors, triple glazing, and geothermal energy solutions.
Halving the carbon footprint
And the sustainability goals keep getting bolder. And the sustainability goals keep getting bolder. Paris 2024 is setting out to halve the carbon footprint of previous Games. Their ambitious target? To keep emissions significantly lower than the 3.3 million tonnes of London 2012 and 3.6 million tonnes of Rio 2016. How? By embracing low-carbon construction methods for new stadiums, boosting plant-based menu options, and sourcing 80% of food locally. Additionally, a 60 km cycling network connecting the venues is at the moment still in their to do list, with half of it still under construction.
Efforts to reduce waste are evident throughout the event. Paris 2024 is cutting down on single-use plastics by teaming up with Coca-Cola to introduce beverage fountains, reducing plastic usage by 50%. Drinks will be served in reusable packaging, and the aquatic centre will feature seats made from recycled plastic. These measures reflect a broader commitment to responsible consumption and waste reduction, setting a new standard for major events.
The reality of the games is still that of a huge carbon footprint and detrimental environmental consequences. Since 2017, the Paris 2024 Organising Committee has been working closely with local communities and sponsors to ensure the Games attempt to reduce such impacts.
Comprehensive reports, such as the ‘Delivering More Sustainable Games’ Pre-Games Report and the ‘Building the Social and Environmental Legacy of the Paris 2024 Games’, highlight the progress of these initiatives. The legacy of Paris 2024 is set to inspire future events, showing that sustainability and community engagement are not just desirable but possible.
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