Sustainability in Facilities

The 2012 Olympics that were held in London focused on environmental sustainability.  We all know that the Olympics is an event that occurs every four years so it is known that it will be packed and full of life.  With so many people and events happening, it is vital that sustainability be addressed to the full extent.  The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the Olympics Delivery Authority (ODA) are two companies who made their mission to encourage and implement sustainability.

Beth Goodbaum wrote an article entitled, “3 Ways the Olympics Have Gone Green”, where she stated, “The Olympic Stadium is the most lightweight stadium that has ever operated. The roofing truss was constructed from unwanted gas pipelines from a North Sea oil project and an estimated 40 percent of the structure’s concrete was made of recycled material.”  This shows that it is possible to build an economy friendly facility.  Entrepreneurs and owners should follow this example and try to make their facilities the same way.

Furthermore, Goodbaum said, “with so much anticipated waste during the games, LOCOG has implemented a rule that every scrap of food and beverage packaging at the Olympics must be compostable or recyclable.”  How many times do people go to sporting events and throw away the rest of their meal that they cannot finish?  It happens more often than we think.  This is therefore a remarkable idea because companies such as Coca-Cola can implement their “PlantBottle”.  30% of this “PlantBottle” is made out of plants.  In addition, McDonald’s also added to the mix their bioplastic packaging, which reduced the number of unsustainable products that were used.  Recycling was also highly stressed.  Moreover, the Olympics used electric vehicles that cut down on the emission and pollution. 

These ideas are worth taking into consideration when opening up a stadium or facility because they would cut down on pollution and keep sustainability flourishing.  If the work and effort is put in, everything is possible!

Below is a link to obtain more information: 

Olympics Have Gone Green

 

Sustainable Marathon

This marathon below is one of the most sustainable marathons in the United States.  It has a huge recycling program and single stream recycling.  The food that is served here is organic and their merchandise is made out of bamboo.  It has a massive 40-person water bubbler, which decreases the amount of water bottles drastically.  Furthermore, they collect used athletic shoes that will be used to make athletic tracks and playgrounds all over the US.  Additionally, the ING Hartford Marathon promotes greening activities. 

I believe this is a great program that makes sustainability its number 1 priority.  All the ideas that it implements help make the environment greener.  Marathons like these should be implemented in cities and schools.  These events will help people understand that it is possible to be eco-friendly in athletic events. 

Renewable vs. Recyclable Resources

Some of you may be wondering what is the difference between renewable and recyclable resources.  Each of them are a little different and bring something else to the table. 

    Renewable resources are sources that are constantly replenished.
     

                                      Renewable Examples

• Solar Energy
• Wind Energy
• Geothermal Energy
• Biomass 
• Water

     A reusable resource could be used more than once.
 

                                     Reusable Examples

• Wood
• Steel
• Plastic bottles
• Air
• Water

You notice that water is both a renewable and reusable resource.  It has a rain cycle but that will only go so far depending on the weather.  Water is becoming less available as every day goes on.  This is because the population of the world is increasing.  Since there are more people coming into this world everyday, more drinking water needs to be consumed.  Furthermore, a portion of the water becomes polluted as each day progresses.  In conclusion, we should try to conserve water to the best of our ability considering it might not be as obtainable in the future.