Olympic green lessons - not forgotten

Wednesday, 21 March 2001 10:00

 "The public spent a lot of money on the Sydney Olympics and a practical dividend providing ongoing benefits to present and future generations will be the implementation of the Benchmarks by state and federal governments," said Jeff Angel, Director of the Centre.
"Application of the green building and event practices will reduce the 'ecological footprint', leading to less environmental impacts and waste and increased efficiency in the use of natural resources".

"The Guide is an honest evaluation of Olympic environmental activities and contains important information for developers, architects, project managers, local and state government agencies and event organisers. It is the result of an unusual collaboration between environment groups and government agencies", Mr Angel said.

"Environment groups and government agencies found agreement on the achievements and lessons, but also identified areas where further work is needed. Achieving environmental sustainability is an ongoing process and while the report sets minimum goals, it also urges the private sector and government to raise the targets in the future by resolving problems."

Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Environmental Benchmarks, guidelines, achievements and lessons for environmentally sustainable building and events, was prepared by the Olympic Environment Forum, established to discuss implementation of the Summer Olympic Environmental Guidelines and resolve disagreements.

The Forum which met every two weeks for several years, was comprised of the Olympic Coordination Authority, Greenpeace, Total Environment Centre, Environment Protection Authority, SOCOG and Green Games Watch.