MANUAL SPORT ENVIRONMENT

3.2 ENVIRONM ENTAL REQ UIREM ENTS FOR THE OLYMPIC GAM ES
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The Oly mpic Games are a v eritable microcos m, a scaled-dow n model of our soc iety
and the problems that trouble it: heavy and light constructions , permanent or
temporary; the purchase, distribution and elimination of products ; the mov ement of
goods and persons; administration and human resources management. The IOC
sees that the Oly mpic Games are held in c onditions w hich demonstrate a respons ible
conc ern for env ironmental issues, and collaborates w ith Organiz ing Committees
(OCOGs), c ompetent public or priv ate organizations and authorities in the endeav or
to ac hieve this goal and plac e s port at the servic e of humanity .
Therefore, env ironmental c ons iderations and compulsory ecological studies have
been included in the proc ess of ev aluating c ities apply ing to host the Olympic
Games. This inc ludes the official doc uments relating to the aw ard of the Olympic
Games to the host city, w hich have to be updated regularly .
• It is fundamental for a successful end result that all studies and planning relating to
facilities and infras truc ture include environmental principles and parameters from
the outs et, and that they be directed in suc h a w ay as to minimize and w here
poss ible eliminate harm to the environment. Env ironmental principles on
architecture, design, landscaping and restoration contribute to a harmonious and
natural integration of the Olympic Games into the natural and cultural
surroundings. Environmental impact assess ments of sites and facilities must be
carried out by the applicant cities according to acc epted scientific and legal
standards, and a s ummary presented to the IOC. The IOC show s special c oncern
for the surrounding community, cultural monuments, protected areas and s pec ies,
w etlands , fragile mountain areas and other vulnerable habitats.
• The bid must satisfy legal the norms, rules and requirements established w ith
regard to the environment w ithin the areas of the IOC's competence, and excel in
these areas w henev er possible. Such excellenc e can be achieved by the
introduction of economic, sc ientific and tec hnic al innov ations and by the
establishment of appropriate relations w ith other organizations, the priv ate sector
and public authorities.
• Good environmental practice inv olves the reuse of facilities w herev er applicable,
the res toration of derelict areas, minimizing trans port needs and av oiding
destructive land use. It is nec essary to enc ourage efforts aimed at protecting
habitats and biodiversity, minimize c ons umption of non-renew able resourc es,
minimize emissions and polutants and contribute to increase environmental
aw areness and conc erns . The IOC recommends that s pec ial attention be paid to
sew age treatment and solid w aste handling, energy c ons umption and w ater and
air quality, in order to enhance environmental health standards and s afeguard the
health and w ell-being of the athletes and general public alike.
• Environmental quality standards and know ledge s oon become obs olete, and a
proactive attitude is necessary in order to meet oncoming environmental
challenges. An env ironmental ac tion plan, complete w ith local priorities, objectiv es,
goals and projec ts, is a dynamic w ay to create a substantial strategy w hich
potentially brings pos itiv e development retur ns, goodw ill and tools for continuous
improvement. Maintaining a soc ial profile inv olv ing community participation w ith