The concepts of green Games and sustainability have been embedded(嵌入)in the entire process of preparing for and delivering the Beijing Winter Olympics, Li Sen, an official from the organizing committee stressed on Wednesday.
China plans to peak its carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality (碳中和)before 2060. At Beijing 2022, the country is translating those promises into concrete actions. Beijing made hosting carbon-neutral Games a key component of its bid (努力) for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Li said, adding that it has fulfilled this promise in terms of venues(场馆), energy, transportation and even administrative work.
Six venues used for the 2008 Summer Olympics have been transformed for use at the 2022 Winter Games, including the Water Cube－also called the "Ice Cube" for the duration of Beijing 2022－the Capital Indoor Stadium and Wukesong Arena. "Reusing the old venues has reduced carbon emissions compared to the alternative of building new ones," Li added.
As for ecological conservation, he said organizers have put resource saving and environmental friendliness in the first place. "We have implemented integrated(整体的) plans for ecological conservation to protect the mountains and rivers," Li said.
When mentioning the Yanqing competition zone, Li said that organizers carried out environmental impact assessment work before the Games and integrated sustainability into the planning and construction of the venues, including the protections of plants. "We relocated those plants in the construction area to nearby spots or other conservation areas where they are carefully tended to and are growing well," Li said.
Beijing 2022's sustainability plans have gained praise from the International Olympic Committee. "In the time of Beijing 2008 and Beijing 2022, the commitment to sustainability has advanced remarkably, both in sport and in Beijing," said Marie Sallois, IOC director of corporate and sustainable development.
