Olympics

Green energy
The promise
In its sustainable development strategy, the Olympics Delivery Authority (ODA) has pledged that 20 per cent of the site’s energy will come from renewable sources (wind, hydro, solar and biofuel).

The shortfall
The Government is aiming for all new housing to get 25 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2010. By 2014, this figure will rise to
44 per cent, and by 2016 all new homes will be zero-carbon. At this rate, houses in the Olympic Village will use less renewable energy than other new homes in the capital.
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Green technology
The promise
Three per cent of energy will come from solar and wind-turbine sources.

The shortfall
Though the three per cent will no doubt be achieved, the figure is tiny. Every home in the Olympic Village in Sydney had a solar panel.

Water
The promise
The ODA has said it will reduce water consumption by 20 per cent on present levels (40 per cent for permanent venues).

The shortfall
A 20 per cent reduction works out at between 130 and 135 litres of water a day per person. The proposed minimum standard for the Government’s code for sustainable homes is 120 litres per person per day. The Athletes’ Village would be awarded zero stars under the new code.

Waste
The promise
To reuse and recycle waste on-site as far as possible.

The shortfall
No new waste reprocessing or recycling plants are being provided on-site; some existing plants are being relocated outside the area.

Green spaces
The promise
To create 110 hectares of new open space as part of the legacy development.

The shortfall
Sites being lost include: Arena Fields (permanently), East Marsh (for up to two years), the Manor Garden allotments (to be relocated)
and parts of the Bully Point Nature Reserve. Although new green spaces are being created, environmentalists are concerned that biodiversity will be affected as a result of the relocation of plants and animals.

For example, great crested newts and kingfishers are being moved from areas around Hackney Marshes, but survival rates are low for animals that are translocated in this way. In addition all the trees that line the corridor leading from the A12 to Stratford High Street are being cut down, which reduces bird and insect habitats.

Transport
The promise
The 2012 Games is being touted as car-free.

The shortfall
The Olympic planning applications include a 1,300-space multi-storey car park at the media centre and up to 974 car parking spaces to be built as part of the Athletes’ Village. This is in addition to the 5,440 parking spaces that will be provided by the Stratford City development (a retail and office development). Up to 10,000 park-and-ride spaces are planned for spectators. Overall, the application forecasts a threefold increase in traffic in the area in the aftermath of the Games.

In response, an ODA spokesperson tells Time Out: ‘The targets within our sustainability strategy are challenging and will mark a step-change for the industry. For instance, our aspiration of 40 per cent reduction in water usage has never been achieved before in sports venues. It is important to judge us on our results. We are beating our target of recycling 90 per cent of demolition materials – we are now recycling 96 per cent.’

Sources: Raising The Bar, published by the Green Party ; ODA’s Sustainable Development Strategy; the Olympic, Paralympic & Legacy Transformation Planning Applications.