Staging the 2012 Games will give us a unique opportunity to showcase to the world the UK's path to sustainability in areas such as low carbon development and sustainable waste management practices. They will also give us the opportunity to revitalise the Lower Lea Valley, increase the amount of accessible urban open space by creating the largest park in Europe for 150 years, reinvigorate the waterways and enhance biodiversity.
We are working closely with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to develop the elements of a sustainable Games legacy. LOCOG published an overarching Sustainability Policy for the Olympic programme in July 2006. This sets out five headline themes where London 2012 can make the biggest impact and achieve the most beneficial outcome:
- Climate change
- Waste
- Biodiversity
- Inclusion
- Healthy living
Work is currently ongoing to develop policies and targets within these themes, which will be brought together into an overarching Sustainability Plan for the Games, to be published in early 2007.
An expert body is being developed which will provide independent assurance of the Games, and will report publicly on progress against the overall objectives.
