The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games could be one of the most climate friendly Games in history if it follows the recommendations set out in a new David Suzuki Foundation report.
"Previous Olympic Games have made advances in terms of environmental sustainability and now it's Vancouver's turn to carry the torch," said Peter Robinson, CEO of the David Suzuki Foundation. "As one of the world's most high-profile events, the Vancouver Olympics has an incredible opportunity to showcase real solutions to global warming to an audience of billions."
Released in Vancouver today, the Suzuki Foundation report outlines how the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) can manage the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the Games. It also explains how VANOC can meet its bid commitment of moving towards a carbon-neutral event.
"Vancouver 2010 committed during the bid to try to reduce the impact of climate change," said Linda Coady, Vice President, Sustainability, for VANOC. "VANOC invested in research with the David Suzuki Foundation for advice from a recognized independent environmental expert. We're pleased with the body of knowledge on climate change included in the report and look forward to working with the Suzuki Foundation and others on a climate change program for the Games."
The Suzuki Foundation report, which was partially funded by VANOC, recommends that VANOC measure and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the Games, and then balance the remaining emissions with "carbon offsets." The result would be zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
Other recommendations include:
- Developing an implementation plan with targets and timelines
- Encouraging sponsors, suppliers, athletes, spectators and media to participate in the program
- Accounting for air travel to and from Vancouver related to the Games
- Creating a public outreach strategy that uses the Games to promote energy conservation and carbon neutrality
The Suzuki Foundation recognizes that VANOC has taken steps to reduce its emissions, including constructing energy efficient buildings (minimum LEED Silver), using green power and focusing on public transportation during the Games. However, there are major emission sources for the 2010 Winter Games that can't be avoided. Unavoidable emission sources include local transportation, energy consumption at events and air travel.
"VANOC is already making efforts to first reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its activities," said Paul Lingl, report co-author and a climate change specialist with the Suzuki Foundation. "To compensate for the emissions that remain, VANOC can use high-quality offsets."
The Foundation would like to see VANOC purchase offsets that meet internationally recognized standards, such as the Gold Standard. According to the report, a combination of high-quality carbon offsets sourced both locally and globally would send a powerful message that global warming requires a local, regional and global approach. Many high-profile sports organizations are using high-quality offsets, including the FIFA World Cup Soccer Championships and the NHL Players Association.
Both the Salt Lake City and Turin Games had climate change programs, and both host cities used carbon offsets to address major sources of emissions during the Games, including energy use and transportation. The Suzuki Foundation is calling on VANOC to build on the success of Salt Lake and Torino.
"We're excited that VANOC is willing to accept the challenge of taking responsibility for the Games' impact on climate change," said Mr. Lingl. "Imagine three billion people from around the world tuning in to see innovative and concrete solutions to global warming at work."
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The David Suzuki Foundation's full report, Meeting the Challenge: A Carbon Neutral 2010 Winter Games, can be found here.
For more information, contact:
Sarah Marchildon
Communications specialist
David Suzuki Foundation
604-732-4228, ext. 237
Cell: 604-512-7689
Paul Lingl
Report co-author, climate change specialist
David Suzuki Foundation
604-732-4228, ext. 233
Cell: 778-668-1831
