A Model for Low-Carbon Construction
The Paris 2024 Olympic Village, home to thousands of athletes, has opened its doors, boasting a host of innovations aimed at becoming a model for low-carbon construction. Concerns surrounding the immense carbon footprint of Olympic infrastructure, travel, and services prompted organizers to prioritize sustainability.
The village, located in Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris, comprises 2,800 apartments designed to generate just half the carbon emissions of comparable conventionally constructed buildings, according to Solideo, the Paris Olympic infrastructure management agency.
Innovative Green Technologies
Despite the absence of air conditioning, the village maintains an internal temperature at least 6 degrees Celsius cooler than the external temperature during summer months. This achievement is attributed to a combination of high-performance insulation, sunshades, and a unique underground piping system. This system connects to a local geothermal energy plant, drawing cool water from the earth during the summer and heat during the winter, significantly reducing operational costs and carbon emissions.
The village also prioritizes sustainable building materials. Carbon-intensive concrete has been largely replaced with wood, while low-carbon concrete is also used extensively. Recycled concrete is used for garden paving.
Sustainable Design and Operations
The village boasts sprawling gardens, occupying 40% of the total area. These gardens will feature 9,000 trees and shrubs upon completion, offering a calming escape for athletes.
An on-site water treatment center collects and purifies wastewater for use in the gardens. The "Cycle Building," a demonstration building, utilizes treated rainwater for flushing toilets. The toilets are designed to separate urine and feces, converting them into fertilizer.
Other innovative features include:
- Sidewalks made from recycled seashells, absorbing more heat than traditional tiles.
- Walkways constructed from paper industry byproducts or pine wood instead of oil-based bitumen.
- Nearly 300,000 household items are prepared for a “second life†with contracts only awarded to suppliers who can demonstrate recycling or reuse capabilities.
A Circular Economy Model
The village embraces a circular economy model with a focus on reuse and recycling. Beds are made from reinforced cardboard, mattresses are crafted from recycled fishing nets, and street furniture is built from recycled wood. Even streetlights are crafted from recycled steel pipes.
Summary
The Paris Olympic Village serves as a compelling example of how to combine sustainability with a world-class sporting event. By incorporating innovative green technologies, prioritizing sustainable materials, and adopting a circular economy model, the village demonstrates the viability of a low-carbon future. The project's success in reducing carbon emissions, creating a pleasant environment for athletes, and leaving a lasting legacy for the community sets a new standard for future sporting events.