London 2012: Good for business, good for communities and good for environment

The new policy confirms London 2012's commitment to the innovative 'One Planet Olympics' theme, which links enhancement of the local environment and sustainable development initiatives to tackling global issues such as climate change a first for an Olympic Games host city.

London Organising Committee Chief Executive Paul Deighton said the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games was a significantly bigger event than the recent Football World Cup Finals and would provide significant business benefits and opportunities for UK companies.

"There will be opportunities for many, many companies, either directly or indirectly, to be involved in and benefit from delivering the extensive range of goods, services and resources needed to stage the Games - from one person home-based operations to small-to-medium enterprises and big corporations."

He also announced London 2012 will launch a new website feature early next month which will allow businesses to register their interest in new Olympic and Paralympic Games business opportunities.

"Registered companies will receive an automatic update whenever a new tender opportunity is announced. We will also update them from time to time on other key areas of progress. This service will be available to business from early next month by visiting the website for the organising committee and the Olympic Delivery Authority at www.london2012.com/business."

The new sustainability policy, which builds on the International Olympic Committee's (IOC's) commitment to environmental excellence and sustainable development, has been backed by leading athletes and international environmental experts and organisations.

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 minimisation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to help efforts to tackle climate change."

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 will also be aiming to provide environmental benefits to the communities of London as well as the planet's climate... to show how the Olympics can bring the world together through sport to tackle important issues like climate change."

The sustainability policy, approved by the Olympic Board, was launched today at the London 2012 Business Summit in Leeds by Olympic Minister Tessa Jowell and Mr Deighton.

Under the policy, major emphasis is given to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through energy efficient design, use of renewable energy, environmentally friendly transport and management of green spaces as a strategy designed to assist the planet's climate.

Social benefits including greater community, inclusivity, involvement and accessibility - as epitomised in the Paralympic Games will also be incorporated in plans for the Games, building on London's rich cultural diversity.

"We want to use the Games as a catalyst for social, economic and environmental benefits to strengthen communities and help boost the quality of life in the UK as well as to help to address important global issues such as climate change," said Mr Deighton.

David Stubbs, Head of Environment and Sustainability at the London 2012 organising committee, added: "The Games will be used as a springboard for inspiring people across the country to take up sport and develop active, healthy and sustainable lifestyles."

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For further information please call Michael Pirrie in the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100 / +44 (0)7867 504 856