The 2024 Paris Olympics came to a close with a ceremony held on the 11th of August at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Athletes and supporters alike celebrated the end of the 19-day event, where the best out of each sport battled each other to earn a place at the podium. The ceremony was more than just celebrating athletic excellence and sportsmanship. It’s stunning and unforgettable proof that the Olympic Games can be bigger and better without placing an excessive burden on the host or the planet.

A More Sustainable Summer Games

This year’s Games, the first in the “post-COVID” era, is also considered as the most sustainable Olympics yet. Early on, Paris 2024 committed to reducing its carbon footprint by half the average of the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. This meant using 100% renewable energy to power all the events. The host city also minimized its dependency on diesel-powered generators. Instead, they turned to ones powered by biofuel, H2, or batteries.

Creating a Green Legacy

The committee was also dedicated to cutting down infrastructure costs, choosing to reuse existing venues or build low-cost temporary ones. The organizers even highlighted what the city has to offer by building temporary sporting venues near top Paris landmarks. One example is the Eiffel Tower stadium, which was built for beach volleyball and blind football competitions. After the Olympics and Paralympics are over, these temporary stadiums will be dismantled, and tourists will enjoy the landmarks as they have for centuries.

The Aquatics Centre is the only permanent facility built for this year’s Summer Games. However, it’s designed to be used by residents well after the Olympic and Paralympic* athletes leave for their home countries. The Centre, where numerous records were broken, will be a lasting symbol of the Paris Games’ legacy. The eco-friendly venue will be a community center where local residents, both old and young. It will also serve as a multi-purpose space for members of the French Swimming Federation.

Taking Home a Part of Paris

In keeping with the theme of “reusing,” the host city also ensured that the esteemed athletes will always remember the Paris Olympics. Every hexagon-shaped medal will contain iron fragments collected during the renovation of the Eiffel Tower in the 20th century. This means medal winners will keep a piece of Paris for years to come.

Greener Games

Hosting the Olympics is a prestigious honor but can also leave the host nation with financial strain and long-term consequences. The expectation of extravagance, as well as the pressure of the whole world watching, can make hosting the Games financially unsustainable. But this year’s Olympics show that with proper planning and a firm commitment, it can be possible to have the best of both worlds.

The 2024 Paris Olympics have set a new standard for what it means to host a global event. By integrating specific and measurable sustainability initiatives into every aspect of the Games, from energy usage and infrastructure down to the medals, they’ve made the greenest Summer Games yet. This year’s organizers have shown that it is possible to celebrate on a grand scale without damaging the earth’s future or putting unmanageable financial strain on the nation.

Sustainability Across Industries

This is also a great reminder that sustainability is achievable in any industry and at any scale. Whether it’s a small business making greener choices in its daily operations or a global event with millions of people’s eyes watching, it’s essential to prioritize eco-friendly practices and innovations.   

This year’s Paris Games is not just a summer to remember for athletes and fans of the world of sports. It also serves as an inspiring example of how every endeavor can be sustainable with the right efforts.*The 2024 Paralympic Games, which starts on the 28th of August will also be hosted by the City of Lights. Learn more about the 2024 Paralympics here.