2012 Sustainability Policy welcomed by UN

Announced by Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell and London 2012 organising committee Chief Executive Paul Deighton, the policy confirms the commitment to create an environmentally, economically and socially sustainable Games.

It marks the first time a Games host city will aim to develop the local environment and create a sustainable legacy while also addressing wider global issues such as climate change.

Achim Steiner, United Nations Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said: "The environment has increasingly become a key and a winning competitor at the Olympic Games.

"London can take this green torch forward by setting demanding and verifiable targets in areas from waste minimization to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help efforts to tackle climate change."

The new policy was also praised by key environmental agencies and international athletes.

British double gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes said: "We can be proud that the London Games will not only be providing great new venues for the athletes but also aiming to provide environmental benefits to the communities of London as well as the planet's climate.

"We can show how the Olympics can bring the world together through sport to tackle important issues like climate change."

19 July 2006