2012 Olympic stadium to be reused

2012 Olympic Games , London UK

The temporary elements of the 2012 Olympic Stadium could be re-used by the winner of the 2016 Games.

Olympic Delivery Authority chiefs are reportedly in discussions with officials in Chicago, an early favourite to win the 2016 bid, on the possibility of shipping over seating, steel and scaffolds from the £496m stadium after the 2012 Games finish. The stadium section would then be ‘bolted on’ to a 7,500-seat arena in Chicago’s Washington Park for the 2016 Games. Other principle ideas include;

1. Zero carbon. Carbon-efficient vehicles will be used on the Olympic site, and renewable energy sources used where possible. Unavoidable emissions from international flights will be offset by schemes in developing countries, such as funding more efficient wood-burning stoves, says Sue Riddlestone, the director of BioRegional.

2. Zero waste. With high recycling targets set for East London in the long term, none of the rubbish from the Games should end up in a landfill. “Everyone’s got an individual responsibility,” says David Stubbs, head of sustainability at Locog. So put that bottle in the recycling bin.

3. Sustainable transport. Spectators are urged to travel to the Games by public transport, on foot or by bicycle, the long-term target is reduced car dependency in the Lower Lea Valley. Riddlestone wants to see car clubs, alternative fuel filling stations and better infrastructure for dual-fuel cars.

4. Local and sustainable food. There will be promotion of seasonal, local and organic produce and campaigns to make the link between sport, diet and health more explicit. In the long term, more farmers’ markets and better food composting facilities in East London are planned.

5. Sustainable water. During the Games, recycled water will be used for irrigation and vehicle washing. Grey water — bath, shower and laundry water — can be used for energy production.

6. Local and sustainable materials. Reclaimed, reused and recycled is the mantra adopted by One Planet Olympics for all building materials.

7. Natural habitats and wildlife. There will be a green corridor from the Lea Valley to the River Thames, including a new park. Waterways will be cleaned to encourage biodiversity. But building work could disturb wildlife, which includes kingfishers, herons and cormorants. Stubbs says work will be phased to try to minimise this.

8. Equity and fair trade. This includes things such as affordable ticketing and fair trade procurement processes. One Planet Olympics points to affordable housing, local employment and education.

Telegraph