Olympic rings Vancouver 2010 (Photo: Miss Barabanov on Flickr (used under Creative Commons license))
As residents of Vancouver, we staffers at Evergreen BC’s office have been first-hand witnesses to some dramatic changes in the year leading up to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. I, myself have been overwhelmed by some of the transformations the City’s infrastructure and the national unity and identity the Games have helped to further.
But are they sustainable?
Vancouver is striving to be the greenest city in the world and it’s only natural that the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC) take steps to reduce the Games’ environmental footprint.
I must admit, I personally find the efforts of VANOC to be admirable and a catalyst for change. From designing Olympic buildings with LEED certification in mind, to recaptured gas, and a hydrogen highway, VANOC has managed to create some innovative legacies.
LEED-ND Platinum certified Athelete's Village (Photo: Photodreamz on Flickr (used under Creative Commons license))
Still, others are unconvinced, highlighting the massive emissions created by athletes and spectators flying to and from Vancouver, among other things. Others go so far as to suggest that the only way the Olympics can ever be truly green is to have a permanent Olympics host country.
The David Suzuki Foundation has given the Games a bronze medal for their efforts in making them the most sustainable on record. Which medal do you assign?
Erin from Communications
Jenn from Communications
Colin from Common Grounds
Aurelia from Operations
Nate from Public Relations
Mel from Development
Michelle from Evergreen Brick Works
Sarah from Learning Grounds
Allison from Evergreen British Columbia
Eli from Communications
Lisa from Evergreen Brick Works
Anne from Learning Grounds
Laura from Common Grounds Vancouver
Kim from Common Grounds
Christine from Volunteering
Stefan from Common Grounds
Laura from Communications
jessicamnagy
My mom lives on Vancouver island and ferried into Vancouver to catch some of the events. She commented on how it was impossible to turn around without a volunteer there to help direct you, especially when it came to where to recycle and/or compost anything you were looking to be rid of.
That she remembered that as part of her experience really speaks to how the volunteers were trained on sustainable practices being just as important as ‘how do I find the stadium’.
Great post!
Jenn
Very informative post, Allison!
I, like many, am on the fence about just how green the Games are – however, I am hopeful that the efforts in Vancouver will encourage future Olympic host cities to rise to the challenge and work toward being a little greener each Olympic games.