Paris Olympics: Can Offsets Truly Halve Their Carbon Footprint?

The 2024 Paris Olympics, running from July 26 to August 11, aims to cut its carbon footprint by 50% compared to past games. To bring this change organizers have brought 360-degree transformations in infrastructure, games, electric sources, food and catering, and transportation. So, this year the game is going to be GREEN!

Marie Sallois, IOC Director for Sustainability has briefed,

“As climate change accelerates, the Games’ response to it must do the same. The Paris 2024 organizers are stepping up to the challenge, and they are doing so by focusing first and foremost on the core part of addressing it: by cutting emissions.”

Making a Robust Carbon Budget to Mitigate CO2 Emissions

The Tokyo Olympics used 4.38 MMTs of CO2 equivalents through Japanese emissions trading programs. As said before, this time Paris Olympics intends to halve its carbon emissions across scope 1, 2, and 3 categories, setting a benchmark against all the events occurred to date. The organizers have installed renewable energy instead of diesel generators.

S&P Global has reported that they have already secured 1,472,550 metric tons of CO2 credits from 13 projects. These initiatives, mainly in Africa, focus on cookstoves, solar power, mangrove restoration, forestry, and clean water. Additionally, four forestry projects in France and nine other projects endorsed by Gold Standard and Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard contribute to this effort.

Their comprehensive carbon budget will cover energy, transport, catering, and procurement. Advanced tools will estimate, track, and manage the carbon footprint at every stage. With this initiative, they expect to keep energy emissions below 5% of the total carbon budget.

source: S&P Global

Carbon Offsets: Using the 3 Rs Strategy

In line with a circular economy, Paris 2024 emphasizes on “Reducing, Renting, and Reusing” resources. This year they aim for a carbon footprint of 1.58 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents, below the target of 1.75 million. The committee has planned to keep 95% of the infrastructure temporary or reuse the already existing ones to cut down construction emissions.

The official Olympics site mentioned that the games will run on 100% renewable energy, reducing diesel generator reliance. France’s power grid, low in carbon intensity, will be further equipped with solar rooftops and urban solar PV arrays. Another notable upgrade is, UK’s leading energy provider EDF will supply green power certificates, and a blockchain system, Trackelec to ensure continuous power supply.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Thomas Bach remarked,

“Paris 2024 is pioneering a new model for Olympic Games delivery, fully aligned with Olympic Agenda 2020,” “The IOC is particularly excited to see that Paris 2024 is aiming to organize climate-positive Games already in 2024, in this way setting the pace for future organizers.”

The committee has further noted that Paris 2024 will cut CO2 emissions and is in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The entire event will offset more than its residual emissions and promote long-term carbon compensation projects. Significantly, the strategy has three pillars: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting projects with a positive climate impact, and mobilizing stakeholders to ensure long-term benefits.

Lighting Up Paris 2024: The Biopropane Torch

Biopropane comes from renewable feedstocks like plant and vegetable waste. It is a byproduct of the hydrogenated vegetable oil process, which also creates renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

S&P Global revealed that this green fuel comes at a premium, with Platts assessing NWE biopropane at $1,399/mt on July 16—over $800/mt more than the CIF NWE large cargo assessment.

(According to Law Insider, CIF NWE is a term used in the oil industry to describe the price of jet fuel. It stands for “Cost, Insurance, and Freight” and “Northwest Europe”)

Despite its higher cost, biopropane helps reduce the carbon footprint of the Torch Relay, which began on May 8 in Marseille. This segment of the Paris Olympics accounts for only 2% to 4% of the overall carbon emissions of the games. Furthermore, the torch itself is made from recycled steel and is produced renewably in France.

source: S&P Global

Sustainability in Food and Travel and Impact on Locals

As per reports, during the Games, 13 million meals will be delivered with 50% carbon emissions of typical French meals. This will be achieved by increasing plant-based ingredients and sourcing 80% of food locally. Furthermore, they have significantly emphasized minimizing food waste and plastic use.

Moving on to travel and transport, Paris’s extensive public transport network and new bike lanes will facilitate eco-friendly travel. Athletes will travel less with 80% of venues within 10 kilometers of the Olympic Village. Public transport operators will expand services, and the vehicle fleet will include electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel.

The impact of the games on the local community is another critical focus. The Aquatics Centre, for example, will serve the local community even after the event is over. They also plan to make the Olympic Village new residential and business districts. It will offer homes and workplaces for thousands of people. IOC is also putting efforts into cleaning the River Seine and improving local infrastructure to enhance the living standards of the residents.

Thus, we can feel that this year’s Paris Olympics weaves sustainability into every aspect of the games, setting a new benchmark for future Olympics. On July 26, the games will start with a spectacular opening ceremony. The Tuileries Garden, right in front of the Louvre Museum, will host the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. The countdown has begun, and excitement is truly palpable!

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