Was there any doubting the fact that the fast approaching 2010 Winter Olympic Games in scenic Vancouver, British Columbia would garner attention for being green? Occurring in an area as naturally beautiful as the games are exciting mandates that an environmentally responsible approach be evident in all aspects of the event.
Right from the planning and administration stages, the Vancouver Olympic Committee was on top of their green game, receiving a gold rating within the LEED Green Building Rating System in 2007 for their head office high rise building.
They have used the same LEED building criteria to reduce venue footprints and to create facilities that have minimal impact on nature, and that use water and energy efficiently. They have also sourced materials and resources responsibly such as by using local hardwood and softwood supplies – even reclaiming wood and woodchips from trees killed by the mountain pine beetle plague, or trees damaged from the 2006 windstorm that ravaged Stanley Park.
To further minimize environmental impact and aesthetically improve athlete and visitor experience, compact site design and limited vegetation clearing was stressed. Leaving areas of natural growth between venues also preserves species habitat to some extent.
Because Olympics involve, not just indoor spaces, but outdoor sports venues as well, much thought was given to preserving these ‘open air arenas’. Recreation trails will use a large number of already existing forestry roads, and planning efforts have resulted in a reduction in intended amount of old-growth tree and riparian vegetation removal.
Put all these strategies together and the Vancouver games will shine a spotlight not only on athletes who rise to the occasion, but also on sustainability and the need to responsibly manage earth’s resources, whether at work or play.
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