Paris Olympics

Important: The information provided in this article, including calculations and estimations, is based on our research and data analysis, and only aims to contribute to discussions around the carbon footprint of international events like the Paris Olympics. These estimations are derived from the best available data and should be viewed as contributory insights rather than definitive facts.

What are the Paris Olympics sustainability goals? 

Sustainability was a fundamental part of Paris' proposal to host the 2024 Olympics, and the city has followed through on its commitments with several initiatives designed to make the event the most environmentally friendly Olympics ever. The organising committee, Paris 2024, has outlined a comprehensive sustainability plan with specific targets and actions.

The headline target set by Paris 2024 is the goal of cutting the event's emissions by half. For emissions that cannot be eliminated, Paris 2024 has devised a voluntary offsetting strategy, which includes carbon capture and avoidance projects. Moreover, the organisation has committed to offsetting more emissions than the event produces (including spectator travel to the event) by supporting additional projects across France.

One of the most impactful initiatives contributing to these targets is the prioritisation of existing and temporary venues. Instead of constructing large new facilities - often associated with major sporting events like the Olympics - Paris 2024 will utilise 95% of pre-existing or temporary structures. 

Alongside these sustainability strategies, the organisers are introducing additional measures to reinforce frugality, efficiency, and innovation, including:

• Utilising 100% renewable energy throughout the games.
• Embracing the principles of a circular economy.
• Sourcing sustainable food options.
• Implementing responsible digital technologies.
• Providing clean mobility solutions for the Olympic fleet.
• Offering public transport and environmentally friendly transportation options for spectators.
• Ensuring biodiversity protection and effective water management.
• Adopting a solution-driven approach, harnessing the expertise of SMEs and startups to foster innovation.
• Collaborating closely with state, local, and regional authorities, partners, athletes, and NGOs to share and promote these ambitions.

Another key environmental goal for Paris 2024 is the ambitious project to clean up the Seine River, improving water quality to safe levels for swimming. This initiative is not only for the Olympic events but aims to create a lasting legacy, allowing Parisians to enjoy swimming in the river long after the games have concluded. 

These ambitious initiatives demonstrate Paris 2024’s commitment to not just hosting the games, but setting a new standard for sustainability in large-scale international events.

Paris 2024 has set the ambitious target of reducing the carbon footprint of the Olympic Games by more than half compared to previous Olympics, such as London 2012 and Rio 2016. For context, the London Olympics, including the Paralympic Games, produced around 3.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The Rio Games generated slightly more, with about 3.6 million tons of emissions. The organisers of Paris 2024 initially set an ambitious target of reducing emissions to 1.58 million tons of CO2e, more than halving the emissions recorded in previous games. Unfortunately, this target has since been revised, with the emissions allowance rising to 1.75 million tons of CO2e - however, this is still significantly lower than previous games and even lower than that of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic without spectators.

Historically, the carbon footprint of the Olympics was calculated post-event, Paris 2024 on the other hand, has adopted a proactive strategy by calculating the emissions impact of policy decisions before their implementation. This approach is designed to allow for adjustments and optimisations in the planning stages to ensure the sustainability targets are met.

In 2018, Paris 2024 released its Carbon Footprint Methodology for the Olympic Games, offering some insight into its approach to measuring emissions. However, the organising committee has faced some criticism for a lack of transparency about how the games are progressing against these targets and the extent of resources already consumed. Unfortunately, this data is only expected to be made available after the event has concluded.

With the limited data currently available, this data story aims to examine how the Paris 2024 Olympics are addressing the environmental and sustainability challenges associated with hosting large-scale international events. We will delve into the core initiatives adopted by the organising committee, including venue construction, energy consumption, circular economy principles, transportation logistics, and the cleanup of the Seine. Each element will be scrutinised to assess its effectiveness and to gauge whether these efforts align with the stated goals. Additionally, we will attempt to estimate the emissions associated with other factors, such as transportation for international spectators and emissions linked to their accommodation. This exploration seeks to provide a clearer picture of the environmental impact of the Paris 2024 Olympics and its potential legacy.

Olympic venues 

Previous Olympic host cities have often faced criticism for building ‘white elephants’ - expensive and environmentally costly infrastructures that remain underused post-event. In particular, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and the Rio 2016 Games, as well as the 2022 Qatar World Cup, were criticised for such constructions. For example, during the Qatar World Cup, six permanent venues were built, each with a capacity ranging from 40,000 to 80,000 spectators. However, given that the average Qatari championship attracts only about 4,000 spectators, these venues are likely to be underutilised in the future.

In contrast, London presented a more sustainable model by utilising a mix of new, existing, and temporary venues. Post-event transformations made these spaces functional for alternative uses; for example, the purpose-built athletes’ village was converted into housing after the games, complete with bars, restaurants, and commercial units. Other venues have been repurposed for events and concerts.

Paris aims to set an even higher standard by repurposing existing venues for nearly all Olympic events - 95% to be precise. The Stade de France will host athletics events, the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines velodrome will see cycling competitions, fencing will take place at the Grand Palais, basketball at Bercy, and the Champ de Mars Arena will be the venue for judo and wheelchair rugby. Additionally, 85% of all athletes and 95% of Paralympic competitors will be housed within 30 minutes of their venues, minimising transport emissions.

Even with the few new construction projects required for the games, Paris officials are committed to minimising their environmental impact, setting a target of just 700 kg of CO2e emissions per square metre of construction - a notable reduction compared to the usual average of 1 tonne per square metre. 

SOLIDEO (Société de Livraison des Ouvrages Olympiques) - the public body responsible for delivering the Olympic and Paralympic permanent infrastructures - published its environmental strategy aligning with these ambitions. The strategy focuses on minimising carbon emissions in building construction by using bio-based and low-carbon materials, recycling construction waste, and incorporating renewable energy. They also aim to improve urban comfort by reducing the urban heat island effect, developing reversible infrastructures, and enhancing indoor air quality. Additionally, SOLIDEO has pledged to contribute positively to biodiversity by creating new ecosystems and climate-adaptive vegetation, enhancing green infrastructure, and addressing water cycle challenges.

To reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects for the Paris Olympics, a number of innovative measures have been adopted, including the use of river transport on the Seine to move materials. For example, more than 500,000 tonnes of rubble excavated during the construction of the athletes' village was transported via the river, avoiding over 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions that would have been generated by traditional truck transport.

The construction of the Aquatics Centre - the only new sporting venue specifically built for the games - also exemplifies the organising committee's sustainability efforts. Constructed with 2,300 cubic metres of wood, this choice significantly reduces emissions compared to traditional building materials like steel and concrete. Additionally, the venue's roofing is designed to minimise heating requirements, contributing to a much lower overall energy usage compared to a typical Olympic pool. The energy-efficient design includes solar panels and a heat recovery system, and spectator seating is made from recycled local plastic.

The Olympic Village also showcases a commitment to innovative sustainable building practices, utilising low-carbon building methods and materials such as timber and ultra-low carbon concrete, rather than traditional concrete. This approach is projected to reduce the carbon footprint of the Olympic Village by 30% compared to standard modern construction projects. The buildings are also equipped with a water-based cooling system and geothermal heating to adapt to changing climate conditions, with extensive on-site recycling of materials highlighting the ongoing sustainability efforts.

Sustainability efforts don’t end even when the games do. After the event, materials and fittings unique to the Olympics will be repurposed or recycled in accordance with Paris 2024's Sustainability Guidelines. Located in Seine-Saint-Denis, northeast of Paris, the Olympic Village is designed to transform into a multifunctional community space. It will provide housing, jobs, and public amenities for approximately 6,000 residents, ensuring that the legacy of the Olympics includes long-term community benefits and continues to contribute positively to the local environment and society.

Reduced energy consumption

Paris 2024 has launched a comprehensive energy initiative aimed at minimising emissions by integrating all Olympic venues into the public electricity grid and eliminating the need for diesel generators.

In collaboration with grid operator Enedis and energy supplier EDF, Paris 2024 has announced that all venues will be powered entirely by renewable energy sourced from wind and solar farms. This strategy represents a significant shift from the traditional use of diesel generators for power at sports and cultural events, and it is projected to prevent approximately 13,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions. The new grid connections established for the games are intended to remain as a lasting infrastructure legacy.

Efforts to address energy requirements extend to temporary venues as well. Enhancements to the electricity grid at iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides are underway, along with the installation of retractable electrical terminals to secure a reliable power supply and further diminish the use of diesel generators.

Key locations such as the Olympic Village and the Aquatics Centre have been designed to meet part of their energy needs through on-site renewable sources. The Olympic Village will be equipped with rooftop solar panels and a photovoltaic fabric canopy over its Transport Mall, both of which will contribute to local electricity generation while providing shade. This innovative canopy is planned to be repurposed following the games.

Furthermore, a floating solar power plant on the River Seine, outfitted with 720m² of photovoltaic panels, will supplement the renewable energy supply during the games. After the event, this installation will be relocated for continued use, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative extend beyond the Olympic period. The balance of the energy demands for the Village will be fulfilled using entirely renewable sources, aligning with Paris 2024’s commitment to sustainable energy practices.

Circular economy 

The Paris 2024 organisers are deeply committed to combating pollution and unsustainable consumption, prompting the adoption of a responsible purchasing strategy and the implementation of circular economic practices throughout the event.

With anticipated expenditures of approximately €2.5 billion on goods and services, the production, supply, and delivery of these items will have a substantial carbon footprint. The event will require 42,000 chairs, 10,000 office tables, 6,000 shelves, and 800 workstations. In alignment with eco-friendly practices, all furniture purchased for the games will be designed with sustainability in mind and, post-event, will be sold, donated, recycled, or repurposed.

For example, at venues like the Port de la Chapelle Arena and the Olympic Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis, all seats will be made from recycled plastic, totaling some 11,000 seats manufactured from recycled materials. This approach helps to minimise resource waste and reduce energy consumption.

This strategy exemplifies Paris 2024's innovative approach by incorporating the resale value of furniture into their bidding process and emphasising the shift from ownership costs to usage costs. This encourages manufacturers and distributors to focus on long-term reuse and align with circular economy practices.

The organising committee has also established 'responsible criteria' for evaluating tenders, which include principles of circular economy, carbon neutrality, and environmental protection.

Food consumption

Sustainable catering is another key focus area. During the games, it is estimated that around 13 million meals will be served. This total includes 5 million meals for spectators, 3.5 million for staff, 2.2 million for Olympic athletes, 1.8 million for media members, and 500,000 meals for Olympic and Paralympic participants.

If these 13 million meals were typical non-vegetarian dishes, our climate experts have calculated that their total carbon footprint would amount to 25,500 tCO2e (based on emission factors from ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition). To put this into perspective, the average annual carbon footprint for a British citizen related to food is approximately 2.2 tons of CO2e equivalent. This means that the carbon emissions from the non-vegetarian Olympic meals would be equivalent to the annual food-related emissions of 11,590 UK citizens!

Paris 2024 however, have taken catering into consideration when developing their sustainability strategy and have committed to significantly increasing the availability of vegetarian options. Their goal is to reduce the use of animal products by offering 50% of all meals as vegetarian, increasing to 60% of meals served to spectators.

Our climate experts have analysed the emissions associated with the 13 million meals planned for the Olympic and Paralympic games, incorporating the targets outlined above. The data shows that the average vegetarian meal generates 1.275 kgCO2e, which is significantly lower than the French national average of 2.04 kgCO2e per meal per meal for non-vegetarian options (according to emission factors provided by ADEME). Based on these calculations, the total emissions where vegetarian dishes account for between 50 and 60% of meals served amounts to approximately 15,810 tCO2e. This represents a 38% decrease in emissions compared to the 25,500 tCO2e associated with the 0% vegetarian meal scenario, highlighting the substantial reduction in emissions.

The Olympic organisers have set a slightly lower target than this, of just 1 kg of CO2e per meal. It’s possible that this target will be met through various additional sustainability measures that have been proposed. For example, plans include ensuring that 80% of the food will consist of seasonal local ingredients. Other sustainable catering initiatives include exclusively sourcing meat, dairy products, fish, and free-range eggs that are both sustainable and 100% sourced from France.

Furthermore, 80% of unavoidable food waste will be composted, all staff will be trained in on-site waste sorting, and a ban on the free distribution of plastic bottled drinks will be enforced, alongside the provision of free drinking water fountains and reusable tableware for all meals.

Although catering will contribute just 1% to the games' overall carbon footprint, the organisers emphasise the importance of implementing best practices across all aspects of the event. 

It is important to note that catering's environmental impact extends beyond its carbon footprint, encompassing significant water usage and food waste. Food waste will be addressed under Paris 2024’s zero waste policy, particularly in the Athletes Village. However, with spectators responsible for the disposal of their items, a significant portion of food and drink consumed at the venues is likely to end up in landfill, highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for comprehensive waste management strategies.

Transport 

Event organisers have prioritised minimising transport-related emissions for the games, with a strategic focus on the proximity of event venues to the athletes' village. All venues are situated within a 10 km radius, significantly decreasing travel time. To enhance accessibility, there has been a concerted effort to ensure all locations are well-connected by public transport. Additionally, the game venues in Paris are supported by an extensive 418 km cycling network, which includes 88 km of newly established protected bike lanes. Some of these new bike lanes are already in place, with the remainder expected to be completed by July 2024.

Paris 2024 is also advancing other aspects of its transport program. This includes the integration of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, the establishment of recharging facilities, and the formation of partnerships for domestic travel, all aimed at improving the sustainability and efficiency of transportation for the event.

For example, Toyota has revealed plans to supply 500 of its hydrogen-powered Mirai vehicles for use during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024, following a similar initiative at the Tokyo event in 2021. These vehicles, part of the official Olympic fleet, will be used to transport athletes and officials across various venues and will be refuelled by Air Liquide. This initiative is a key part of the efforts to enhance sustainable transportation during the games.

However, the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles is not without controversy. One major concern is the energy-intensive nature of hydrogen production, predominantly through steam methane reforming, which relies heavily on fossil fuels and results in significant carbon emissions. Additionally, when hydrogen is produced via electrolysis, it is a resource-intensive process that requires large amounts of electricity and water. The environmental impact is heavily dependent on how the electricity is generated, raising questions about the overall sustainability of hydrogen as a fuel.

Setting aside the concerns about the environmental impact of hydrogen fuel, the largest carbon footprint related to the games undoubtedly comes from spectator transport. It is estimated that the games will host 15,000 athletes, 9,000 journalists, and 15 million spectators, with 1.5  million expected to travel internationally. The organising committee has limited influence over the modes of transport these spectators use to travel to the venues, and many will inevitably fly, given the international nature of the event. The environmental impact of this spectator travel will be discussed in greater detail later in this data story. 

The Seine clean up

A €1.4 billion initiative is underway to cleanse the Seine River, with completion targeted for spring 2024. Since 1923, when Parisians were first restricted from swimming in the river due to severe pollution, the Seine’s condition has significantly deteriorated. It’s hoped that the clean up will reverse this trend and revive dwindling fish populations and riverbank vegetation, as well as provide a cooling retreat for city residents during the hotter summer months.

The vision to restore the Seine's water quality dates back to 1990 when then-Paris Mayor Jacques Chirac pledged a revitalisation effort that promised swimmable waters within three years - a goal that went unfulfilled. Renewed commitment to this vision played a role in Paris securing the upcoming Olympic Games, echoing the city's first hosting in 1900. The 10k swimming marathon - a highlight of the triathlon - and a Paralympic swimming event are planned to take place in the Seine.

Paris's river has faced significant pollution over the years, including the dumping of electronics, bicycles, and other large items, with 360 tons extracted annually. However, the main sources of pollution are still domestic and industrial wastewater.

Thanks to recent infrastructure upgrades, city officials have reported a dramatic reduction in wastewater pollution, with a 90% decrease in river-bound wastewater over the last two decades. Yet, challenges persist. In 2022, 1.9 million cubic metres of untreated wastewater were released into the Seine to prevent overburdening the city’s sewer system and avoid urban flooding during heavy rainfall.

Paris's sewage infrastructure, originally established in the 1860s and partially modernised since the 1980s with automated spillways and valves, still struggles to manage stormwater. The current system - a mix of historical and new tunnels - is a complex network that complicates efforts to divert excess rainwater.

A promising solution is the construction of an underground rainwater storage tank southeast of the city, near Austerlitz Station. Planned for completion this spring, the tank will span the size of 20 Olympic swimming pools and hold up to 45,000 cubic metres of water. It aims to mitigate the risk of sanitation overflow by temporarily storing excess rainwater, which will later be released back into the network and treated downstream before re-entering the river.

Additionally, a new tunnel will connect the tank to the opposite riverbank, ensuring that overflow does not reach the sewage system but is instead processed at downstream facilities.

Despite these efforts, concerns linger as the games approach. Last year's test triathlon event, planned to take place partly in the Seine, was cancelled due to failed pollution tests. Recent findings by the Surfrider Foundation Europe indicate that unsafe levels of faecal bacteria, including E. coli, remain. 

World Aquatics also cancelled the 2023 Open Water Swimming World Cup in Paris, citing subpar water quality. Yet, Olympic officials argue that winter test results do not reflect the typical summer conditions, noting that the Austerlitz basin will soon be operational and will improve the situation.

With Paris 2024 looming, officials remain hopeful yet realistic about the river's readiness, acknowledging that adverse weather leading up to the games could necessitate a contingency plan. The challenge remains to ensure the Seine is safe for Olympic athletes and spectators, highlighting the urgency and complexity of Paris's long-standing battle with river pollution.

A few words about plastic pollution in the Seine

While efforts to restore the Seine are critical, broader environmental challenges like plastic pollution also demand urgent attention. The Seine begins at Source-Seine in Côte d’Or, and ends 773 kilometres further into the Manche - between Le Havre and Honfleur. Studies estimate that between 100 to 200 tons of plastic reach the sea along the Seine.

Recent research highlights the significant impact that plastic has on global warming. According to a report by the International Center for Environmental Laws (CIEL), nearly all plastics derive from fossil fuels, making the industry a major contributor to carbon emissions. This sector, if unchecked, could account for 20% of global oil consumption by 2050.

Furthermore, microplastics in the oceans not only impair the carbon absorption capabilities of phytoplankton but also alter their metabolism and reduce their ability to reproduce. This is particularly concerning given that phytoplankton, though they only make up about 1% of terrestrial plant biomass, are responsible for producing approximately 45% of the Earth's atmospheric oxygen. These disruptions in phytoplankton function diminish one of the Earth’s key methods of regulating carbon dioxide levels and sustaining oxygen production.

In Paris, efforts to manage plastic waste in the Seine could play a crucial role in addressing broader environmental impacts. Our climate experts have analysed the figures of plastic debris in the river Seine, finding that between 22 and 36 tons are intercepted annually, giving us an average of 29 tons. However, due to the varied nature of plastics (such as PP, PS, PET, etc.) and the lack of specific data on what percentage of plastic waste they account for, the estimated emissions resulting from plastic debris in the Seine range from between 58 to 870 tCO2e. Although these figures are significantly lower than emissions linked to food production or the transportation sectors, they are not negligible. 

It's important to recognise that emission factors for plastics are still subject to much uncertainty, with very few studies reaching a scientific consensus on these values. Therefore, while plastic pollution might seem less impactful at first glance, its contributions to climate change are meaningful and warrant attention alongside other environmental initiatives like the renovation of wastewater systems and infrastructure improvements in Paris.

Paris 2024 is setting a new benchmark for sustainability with regards to international sporting events. The proactive initiatives undertaken by the Paris 2024 organising committee underscore a commitment to not only reduce the environmental impact of the games but also to build a sustainable legacy for the city.

While the ambition and progress of these initiatives are indeed noteworthy, it is crucial to recognise that hosting a global event of this magnitude inevitably results in a carbon footprint. Despite the best efforts, some environmental impacts are unavoidable, particularly those stemming from the event's scale and international attendance.

A considerable portion of the emissions associated with the Paris 2024 Olympics will originate from spectator travel and the accommodations needed during their stay in the city. International visitors travelling to Paris will significantly contribute to these emissions, particularly through air travel, which remains one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transportation. Additionally, the energy and resources consumed by hotels and temporary accommodation will further add to the overall environmental impact.

Spectator travel 

As Paris gears up for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, the first round of ticket sales has showcased a truly global interest, with tickets purchased by residents of 158 different nationalities. This international enthusiasm underscores the vast logistical and environmental challenges associated with managing the travel arrangements for such a diverse and widespread audience. The majority of these international spectators are expected to travel from neighbouring European countries, with the United Kingdom emerging as the top ticket-purchasing nation outside of France.

While specific attendance figures for Paris 2024 remain forthcoming, historical data from previous Olympics can provide valuable insights. The London 2012 Olympics serves as a particularly relevant benchmark due to its geographic proximity. During those games, approximately 471,000 trips were made to the UK primarily for the Olympic or Paralympic games. Similarly, the Rio 2016 Olympics attracted an estimated 410,000 foreign tourists. These numbers suggest that Paris can expect a similar influx of spectators, potentially reaching into the hundreds of thousands, each contributing to the overall carbon footprint through international travel to attend the games.

The significant impact of international spectator travel was highlighted by the Tokyo Olympics which took place in 2021. In response to the ongoing pandemic, organisers made the unprecedented decision to prohibit overseas spectators, a move that resulted in a 12% reduction in the event's overall emissions. This significant decrease underscores the considerable environmental footprint associated with international travel to the games.

Drawing on data from the London Olympic Games, our climate scientists have developed an estimate of the carbon footprint for spectators travelling to the Paris Olympics this summer. Given the geographical proximity and similarity in visitor demographics between London and Paris, this provides a solid basis for our calculations.

To calculate the carbon emissions associated with spectator travel to Paris for the Olympics, our experts made several assumptions about the transportation methods used by visitors from different countries. For spectators coming from countries far from Paris, it is presumed that air travel will be the primary mode of transportation, with emission factors varying by whether the flights are long, medium, or short haul (emissions factors are taken from ADEME). 

For neighbouring countries like the UK, Germany, and Italy, where Paris is accessible by train, it is assumed that half of the spectators will opt for train travel, while the other half will choose short-haul flights.

Based on these transportation assumptions and the spectator demographics from the 2012 London Olympic Games, we have estimated the total emissions from overseas spectator travel to the Paris Olympics to be approximately 813,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). This amount is roughly equivalent to the average annual carbon footprint of 87,419 people living in France, highlighting the significant environmental impact of hosting such a global event.

The Olympics are undeniably a spectacular event, and it's completely understandable why many wish to experience the games in person. However, the environmental impact of spectator travel, especially air travel, is significant. For long-distance travellers, flying often remains the only feasible option, which contributes substantially to global greenhouse gas emissions. Given these concerns, the most environmentally friendly and sustainable option is to enjoy the games from the comfort of one’s own home, watching on TV!

Note: Our original calculation accounted for Russian spectators, but given the difficulties in obtaining visas and the increased cost of travel, we took the decision to remove this projection from the overall calculation. Based on data for the London Olympics however, Russian spectators would have accounted for around 1% of international visits, equating to 26,927 visitors and producing an estimated 23,905 tCO2e. 

Accommodation emissions

Beyond the substantial emissions from international travel, the environmental impact of the Paris Olympics also extends to the accommodation and daily consumption of visitors throughout their stay. To assess this aspect, our climate experts have estimated the carbon emissions associated with accommodation for the expected number of overseas visitors. We have used data from the London 2012 Olympics which provided an average number of overnight stays for spectators.

For our calculations, we applied an emission factor of 6.2 kg CO2e per room-night stay. This figure represents the carbon footprint of a one night stay in a 3-star hotel in France, based on the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) methodology.

Assuming that visitors will spend a similar length of time in Paris as per the London Olympics, the total number of overnight stays in Paris for the duration of the Olympics is projected to be 13,657,652. This translates into a total accommodation-related carbon footprint of approximately 84,500 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). To put this figure into perspective, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American home uses about 7.27 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year from electricity. This means that 86,000 tCO2e is similar to the annual electricity use of approximately 11,623 American homes. This comparison helps illustrate the significant environmental impact of hosting such a large-scale event, highlighting the broader implications of the Olympic Games' accommodation requirements.

Note: Our original calculation accounted for Russian spectators, but given the difficulties in obtaining visas and the increased cost of travel, we took the decision to remove these numbers from the overall calculation. Based on data for the London Olympics however, Russian spectators were projected to spend a total of around 242,339 nights in Paris for the purpose of viewing the Olympic Games, producing an estimated 1,503 tCO2e. 

Carbon offsetting

Despite comprehensive measures to reduce the carbon footprint of the Paris 2024 Olympics, not all emissions can be prevented. To address these residual emissions, the Paris 2024 committee has committed to a robust carbon offsetting strategy. This strategy forms part of their broader ARO approach, which includes:

• Avoid - The organising committee has prioritised initiatives to avoid emissions wherever feasible, through the use of existing venues, renewable energy, and sustainable transportation solutions.
• Reduce - The target to reduce emissions for the Paris Olympics and Paralympic Games by 50%, aiming for a total of 1.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent, represents a substantial decrease from previous Olympic Games.
• Offset - Paris 2024 pledges to offset 100% of unavoidable emissions, including the broad spectrum of Scope 3 emissions. These encompass not only direct operational emissions but also indirect ones, such as those from international spectator travel.

According to the organising committee, the offsetting commitment of Paris 2024 involves supporting a diverse range of CO2 avoidance and capture projects globally. These projects will range from reforestation and ocean conservation initiatives to the provision of efficient cooking solutions in regions dependent on high-emission traditional stoves. This approach ensures that while addressing climate change, the projects also enhance biodiversity and improve quality of life in various communities.

Local projects, particularly in the Paris and Ile-de-France regions, will also play a critical role. These efforts aim to foster local environmental improvements and community benefits, aligning with the broader goals of sustainability championed by the games.

While the organisers promise to be meticulous in their project selection, offsetting strategies like these often face scrutiny over their accounting methods and the challenge of verifying actual carbon reduction. 

Carbon offsetting projects often face criticism due to concerns about their effectiveness and transparency. One major issue is the difficulty in accurately measuring and verifying the actual amount of carbon being offset, leading to uncertainties about whether these projects truly neutralise or reduce carbon emissions as claimed. 

Additionally, there's scepticism about whether offset projects provide a long-term solution to climate change or simply allow for the continuation of high-emission activities under the guise of environmental responsibility. Variable accounting methods, lack of standardisation in the evaluation of projects, and the potential for negative impacts on local communities and ecosystems also contribute to the criticism. 

Throughout this article, we've explored the ambitious sustainability strategies of the Paris 2024 Olympics, from venue construction to energy management. The organisers deserve praise for their efforts to make these games the most sustainable yet. However, it's clear that certain areas of their sustainability plans could still use more work. While the initiatives are significant, our analysis shows that some aspects don’t quite meet the high standards needed for a truly sustainable Olympic Games.

A recent report published by éclaircies and Carbon Market Watch, titled “Going for Green” provides a sector by sector evaluation of how well these strategies align with the rigorous environmental goals set by the organisers. This detailed analysis compliments our own assessment and pinpoints where the Paris 2024 Olympics fall short. 

Notable findings regarding the environmental impacts of the various sectors include: 

Construction (30% of emissions) - Assessed as robust

The report commends Paris 2024's construction strategy for its commitment to using 95% existing or temporary venues, significantly reducing the demand for new construction. This approach, along with the prioritisation of low-carbon construction materials sets a strong precedent for reducing the carbon footprint associated with building Olympic infrastructure.

Food (1% of emissions) - Assessed as robust

The food strategy at Paris 2024 stands out for its ambitious target of reducing the carbon footprint of meals served during the games to just 1 kg CO2 per meal. 

Non-food purchases (20% of emissions) - Assessed as incomplete/unclear

While Paris 2024 asserts that circular economy principles are applied to 100% of non-food purchases, the lack of transparent criteria and measurable outcomes leaves this sector's actual impact ambiguous. The Going for Green report concludes that more precise definitions and clear reporting are needed to verify the environmental integrity of the purchasing strategies.

Transport (40% of emissions) - Assessed as incomplete/unclear

The compact design of the games, with most venues located within a 10-kilometre radius of the Olympic Village, aims to reduce transport emissions significantly. However, the strategy does not comprehensively address the emissions from international spectator travel, which forms a significant part of the games' carbon footprint. 

Our own analysis highlights that spectator travel could result in as much as 813,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). Future Olympic strategies should focus more on minimising and managing this substantial source of emissions.

Energy (8% of emissions) - Assessed as incomplete/unclear

Paris 2024 plans for the venues to be supplied with 100% renewable electricity. However, the report highlights that the specifics of how this electricity will be sourced are not fully disclosed. Transparency about the procurement of renewable energy is crucial for validating the games' energy sustainability claims.

Roundup 

Our analysis of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, which are complemented by the Going for Green Report, shows that while the Olympics have made great strides in using existing infrastructure and focusing on sustainability, the current model isn't fully sustainable yet. Realistically, achieving true sustainability would require scaling down the games, especially in terms of reducing the number of spectators and limiting international travel.

One idea for making future Olympics more sustainable is to spread the events across multiple countries. This approach could lessen the environmental impact from building new venues and cut down on the carbon emissions associated with international travel.