The 2010 Olympics: carbon neutral?

The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games could be one of the most climate-friendly games in history if it follows recommendations set out in a new David Suzuki Foundation report.

“Previous Olympic Games have made advances in terms of environmental sustainability and now it’s Vancouver’s turn to carry the torch,” said Peter Robinson, CEO of the David Suzuki Foundation. “As one of the world’s most high-profile events, the Vancouver Olympics has an incredible opportunity to showcase real solutions to global warming to an audience of billions.”

Released in Vancouver today, the Suzuki Foundation report outlines how the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) can manage the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the games. It also explains how VANOC can meet its bid commitment of moving towards a carbon-neutral event.

“Vancouver 2010 committed during the bid to try to reduce the impact of climate change,” said Linda Coady, vice president of sustainability for VANOC. “VANOC invested in research with the David Suzuki Foundation for advice from a recognized independent environmental expert. We’re pleased with the body of knowledge on climate change included in the report and look forward to working with the Suzuki Foundation and others on a climate change program for the games.”

The Suzuki Foundation report, which was partially funded by VANOC, recommends that the group measure and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the games, and then balance the remaining emissions with “carbon offsets.” The result would be zero net greenhouse gas emissions.

Other recommendations include:

• developing an implementation plan with targets and timelines
• encouraging sponsors, suppliers, athletes, spectators and media to participate in the program
• accounting for air travel to and from Vancouver related to the games
• creating a public outreach strategy that uses the games to promote energy conservation and carbon neutrality

The Suzuki Foundation recognizes that VANOC has taken steps to reduce its emissions, including constructing energy efficient buildings (minimum LEED Silver), using green power and focusing on public transportation during the games. However, there are major emission sources for the 2010 Winter Games that can’t be avoided. Unavoidable emission sources include local transportation, energy consumption at events and air travel.

The group 2010 Watch is highly critical of the David Suzuki Foundation’s report, accusing the foundation of greenwashing.