To mark the occasion EDF set up a small village called Green Lane in Greenwich Park, with demonstration houses featuring some of the latest in energy efficiency devices and low carbon technologies – and a London 2012 house containing a model of the Olympic Park and some simple graphics highlighting our sustainability messages. On stage Colin Jackson was Master of Ceremonies to introduce the Chairmen and CEOs of EDF and London 2012 who presented the new partnership to an invited audience of over 1000 business guests and media.
Colin Jackson, MC, with fellow athletes Sharron Davies (left) and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompsonjust visible through the ticker tape:
There were two sessions; in the morning under leaden skies matching the suits of the assembled corporate guests was the formal launch announcement. The afternoon session was reserved for EDF employees, many from the local communities of East London and who formed an even larger crowd than the morning one.
The sun came out and we sensed a real thrill and excitement amongst the EDF employees. Our house (stand) was besieged by people eager to know more about the Park and venues and clearly expressing their delight at being part of the Games.
I have often heard it said that companies value sponsorship for the positive effect it has on their workforce. For a couple of hours this afternoon I saw that for real and it was really heartening to speak with so many people willing us to succeed.
One man confessed he found his actual job a bit boring but he valued being able to take part in environmental projects for the company, and he was absolutely bowled over by the prospect of EDF working with us to make the 2012 Games sustainable.
Seb with our plans for a sustainable Games:
* Sustainability Partner is a special designation for London 2012 Commercial Partners who will play an important role in contributing to the delivery of our sustainability goals. Together with our Sustainability Partners, London 2012 aims to be an agent for change, using the Games to make people aware of key sustainability issues such as climate change and to encourage companies, suppliers, employees and customers to contribute individually to tackling these issues.
