We also heard from the Government Olympic Executive, LOCOG and the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), who all reiterated their commitment to sustainability. LOCOG’s Head of Sustainability David Stubbs directed the group to the recently released second edition of the London 2012 Sustainability Plan (‘Towards a One Planet 2012’), which describes London 2012’s sustainability commitments and plans across the programme (preparation, staging and legacy). David also outlined other activity that has taken place such as the publication of the new Food Vision and Sustainable Sourcing Code.
The OPLC’s Chris Lee reassured the audience that sustainability will be embedded in the organisation’s corporate strategy, and explained that the Legacy Masterplan Framework is being reviewed with a focus on sustainability, sport and housing. Chris made the funny analogy that the OPLC has developed from a foetus to a toddler in the last year, and he hopes to report back next year that it has become an adult (or at least a well-functioning adolescent!).
It was really encouraging to see so many sustainability stakeholders in one room, all of whom are committed to working with and supporting London 2012 in meeting its sustainability commitments. These included Defra, the Field Studies Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England and many more.
There are many remaining sustainability challenges ahead for London 2012 (and I’m comfortable that the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 will keep a critical eye on things). However, I certainly welcome the collective effort that is genuinely moving us towards a one planet 2012.
