Top Sustainability Practices From The 2021 Tokyo Olympics
This year, the world has witnessed a series of natural disasters, including flooding in Germany and China, forest fires in America, and record-high temperatures in Canada, all of which serve as evidence of the devastating impact of climate change. While some countries have made significant strides in producing green energy, others are still grappling to find sustainable solutions. Regardless of the approach taken, sustainability is the key to our survival. In light of this, Japan has made an impressive effort to implement sustainable practices during the Olympic Games, even amidst the one-year extension of the event due to the pandemic.
In 2016, the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee unveiled its sustainable management structure, which aimed at achieving the goal of “Towards Zero Carbon” and using 100% renewable energy in the main Olympic facilities.
1. 100% renewable energy use
The National Arena, the main stadium designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, boasts a transparent, high-efficiency, thin-film solar panel on its roof that allows for light transmission and fosters the growth of the lawn while also preventing fires. Moreover, seven other major venues employ solar panels, four of which utilize renewable energy equipment like solar thermal power facilities, and three venues use geothermal heat utilization equipment to conserve energy, according to the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy.
2. Sportswear uses recycled plastic and plant fibers
The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to global pollution, right behind the oil industry. In response, ASICS, a prominent Japanese sports brand, has launched a new initiative to collect second-hand sportswear from the public and active athletes and transform them into official uniforms for Japanese athletes in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
3. The most environmental-friendly torch
The torch of the Tokyo Olympics is also made of “recycled aluminum” materials, with 30% of the material sourced from waste materials left over from the construction of temporary housing for the victims of the 2011 earthquake in Japan. The hydrogen used as fuel for the flame does not produce carbon dioxide when burned, further symbolizing the spirit of “igniting the fire of reconstruction.”
4. Beds made with recycled materials
The Tokyo Olympic Village has 18,000 single beds and 8,000 additional beds provided by Airweave, a Japanese mattress company. The beds are made of high-strength cardboard and recyclable polyethylene materials. The three-part design provides support for the upper, middle, and lower positions, which can be customized to accommodate each athlete’s body size. The cardboard bed frames are also sturdy enough to withstand a weight of 200 kg. After the event, all beds and mattresses will be recycled, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
5. Medals made from recycled electronic waste
The Olympic medals are made from discarded electronic products donated by millions of Japanese people. The project began in April 2017, and the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee Exhibition aimed to collect discarded electronic devices from all over Japan to make Olympic medals. They placed yellow recycling bins near 7,000 post offices, large shopping malls, and landmark buildings in Japan to encourage people to donate their devices. After almost a year, they collected 78,985 tons of waste electronic devices and extracted about 32 kilograms of gold, 4,100 kilograms of silver, and 2,700 kilograms of copper, enough to meet the materials required for 5,000 Olympic medals. In comparison to other Olympic events, the Tokyo Olympics is committed to using 100% recycled materials for every medal.
6. Recyclable wood for the Olympic Village
The Tokyo Olympic Village Plaza, situated in Harumi, is built using 40,000 recyclable woods that follow environmental principles. After the Olympics, the entire village plaza will be dismantled, and the wood will be reused in constructing native Japanese buildings. This demonstrates the Japanese commitment to recycling and environmental conservation.
7. Recycled plastic waste for the podium
For the first time in history, the podium platform is constructed using plastic waste. Between June 2019 and March 2020, the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee collected around 24.5 tons of plastic from major supermarkets, schools, and other institutions. The plastic was used to construct 98 award stands for the Olympics. The effort to recycle plastic demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
8. Automatic electric shuttle bus
The APM, or Accessible People Mover, is an electric vehicle designed to accommodate up to five passengers with limited mobility. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, each car can travel up to 100 kilometers on a single charge and reach a maximum speed of 19 kilometers per hour. During the Olympics, 200 APMs will transport athletes between the Olympic venues and the athletes’ village. The APM is equipped with a ramp for easy entry and exit and enough space for wheelchairs.
9. Recycle more than 65% of garbage
The Olympic venue has five types of trash cans: food waste and tableware, residual beverages, PET bottles, paper cups and containers, and plastics. The trash cans are clearly marked, making it easier to sort the garbage and recycle over 65% of it. The trash cans’ design emphasizes the need to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices, making the Olympics a model for sustainable sporting events worldwide.
The endeavor to practice sustainability goes beyond what we have outlined for the Olympics games. Japan has demonstrated leadership in tackling global issues and fostering a sustainable society through sports. By raising awareness and encouraging action toward sustainability across society, they have presented models that can guide us forward. As a global community, we should strive to transform past socioeconomic practices in pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By working together towards common goals, we can effect change in the world and shape a better future.
Sustainability Pre-Games Report download: https://gtimg.tokyo2020.org/image/upload/production/juykxnxjkjk19msywzad.pdf
Tokyo 2020 sustainability project download: https://gtimg.tokyo2020.org/image/upload/production/ptctquayj0xazzj5kjqi.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2raYIL_HHH_rgBSVxYTBSTA4fg44fMRMd_4F9G3JWJMNgqzF3Yzfs0f8w
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