With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games looming over us, we thought it would be great to take a dive into the sustainability initiatives of this groundbreaking event and uncover the valuable lessons we can apply to our own event planning endeavours.
Start Early, Think Green
Paris 2024 teaches us that sustainability isn't an afterthought—it's a guiding principle from day one. From the outset, the Paris Olympic Games committed to sustainability by planning to use 95% existing or temporary structures for their venues, drastically reducing the need for new construction. This approach not only minimises the environmental footprint, but also maximises the use of existing urban infrastructure, promotes economic efficiency and social inclusion by involving local communities in the transformation and utilisation of these spaces.
By integrating green practices into our event management process from the get-go, we can identify opportunities such as the above to reduce our overall environmental footprint and support our events legacy.
Embrace Innovation
From renewable energy solutions to cutting-edge technology, Paris 2024 shows us that innovation is key to sustainable success. The Paris Olympic Games will be the first to feature a comprehensive carbon footprint reduction plan that includes the use of a 100% electric vehicle fleet for transportation. This innovative approach aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly practices and setting a new benchmark for sustainable transportation at major events.
As you are looking to arrange transfers for your event, think about the innovations in the transport infrastructure and how you can utilise these to wow attendees and leave a positive impact on the planet.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
A sustainable event isn't just about what happens during those few days—it's about the legacy we leave behind. Paris 2024 prioritises legacy initiatives, investing in infrastructure, community programs, and sustainable business practices that continue to benefit the host city long after the event lights have dimmed.
An example of one of the flagship legacy projects of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is the transformation of the Seine-Saint-Denis area, one of the poorest regions in France. The Games will bring significant infrastructure investments, including new sports facilities, housing, and public transportation improvements. These developments are designed to boost local employment, enhance community well-being, and provide long-term benefits to residents, ensuring the positive impact of the Games endures well beyond 2024.
Collaboration is Key
Sustainability is a team sport, and Paris 2024 knows it. By bringing together over 50 government agencies, local communities, businesses, and nonprofits, they can pool their resources, expertise, and enthusiasm to tackle sustainability challenges head-on.
When looking to host your next event, think about how you can involve the local community in your planning, as well as post-event with either the redistribution of materials or the legacy of sustainable initiatives.
Transparency Builds Trust
When it comes to sustainability, transparency is non-negotiable. Paris 2024 sets the standard for accountability, committing to transparent reporting and engaging stakeholders in monitoring and evaluation processes. Paris 2024 has committed to publishing an annual sustainability report, detailing their progress on key environmental and social targets.
In 2023, they reported that they had achieved a 50% reduction in projected carbon emissions compared to previous Olympic Games, a significant milestone that underscores their commitment to transparency and accountability. This regular reporting helps build trust and keeps all stakeholders informed and engaged in the sustainability journey.
This process can echo into your own events (both large and small) but measuring and publishing the carbon footprint, this allows you to reduce the footprint year on year. As we always say at Zentive, you can’t manage what you don’t measure.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—five valuable lessons from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to help us host greener, fairer, and more thriving events. By starting early, embracing innovation, leaving a lasting legacy, collaborating effectively, and prioritising transparency, we can create events that not only wow attendees but also make a positive impact on the planet and its people. Let's get out there and echo these in our next event to make sustainability the star.
You can check out the full sustainable credentials here.
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