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London 2012

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games shows what people are capable of – and not only on the track, in the pool or in the ring. Championing biodiversity, encouraging healthy living, promoting inclusion, minimising waste and tackling climate change: Sustainability has been at the heart of London 2012 from the start. The Games is a showcase to the world; London 2012’s vision is that it should be a showcase for a sustainable, low-carbon approach to living.

Designing the future

Natural cycles

The London 2012 Velodrome's striking architecture embodies efficient use of natural resources: rooflights funnel daylight into the venue, reducing the need for artificial lighting; natural air flow concentrates warmth on the track, whilst ensuring that spectators remain cool and comfortable; the lightweight roof harvests rainwater to be reused throughout the building.



Light fantastic

The Handball Arena will also be flooded with natural light thanks to the 88 light pipes installed in the roof. Its distinctive copper exterior is mostly recycled and will develop a rich natural colour as it ages.

Regenerating London

The sustainable, regenerative legacy of London 2012 extends far beyond the Games themselves. Following the closing ceremony, work will begin on transforming the Olympic site into the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park, the largest urban green space to be created in Europe for 150 years[1]. And the regeneration taking place through the Games is already bringing employment, training and business opportunities to the region.

The Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park will contain more than 4,000 trees, 525 bird boxes and a host of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands to reedbeds. Local residents will benefit from world-class leisure and sports facilities designed to promote healthy, low-carbon lifestyles.

 

 

Follow the Heroes

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Read more about our Team Green Britain Heroes and their efforts to inspire sustainable living in communities across the country.

Check out our Heroes' blogs