Sydney Olympics offers Beijing lessons on environmental protection - 0fficial ( 2002-11-03 10:02) (Xinhua)
Some lessons learned from the Sydney Olympic Games are key to ensuring that
Beijing will deliver a "Green Olympics" in 2008, an official from the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) said in Beijing on Saturday.
Speaking at the IOC Seminar on Sport and Environment, Pal Schmitt, chairman
of the IOC Sport and Environment Commission, suggested Beijing draw lessons from
the Sydney Olympics in the field of environmental protection.
"First of all, make specific environmental commitments as part of the
development plans well before design plans to be finalized and construction
begins," said Schmitt.
It is believed as one of the major achievements of the 2000 Olympic Games and
it's what has set Sydney apart from other Olympic host cities, he said.
"Secondly, environmental guidelines must be clear and specific benchmarks are
non-negotiable, measurable and backed up by law.
"Thirdly, Olympic organizers and developers must be required to collect and
report information on all environmental aspects of their projects and make this
information publicly available," said the Hungarian IOC member.
"And independent auditing of all environmental information is essential to
ensure credibility."
As Sydney did not keep detailed records of how it performed against the
environmental guidelines nor require an accredited, independent auditor to
verify this information, it is impossible to properly gauge the city's Olympic
environmental achievements and shortcomings.
"Another lesson is no matter how Olympic construction is managed - with one
project manager or as independent projects and contracts - Olympic organizers
must ensure that the best and most cost-effective environmental systems and
material are used project- wide," said Schmitt.
Schmitt noted that during Sydney's build-up to the 2000 Games, architects,
project coordinators and suppliers showed great enthusiasm for and expertise in
environmental building and event management but were rarely involved.
"Therefore, Beijing should seek out and engage those innovative and creative
experts and companies interested in the environmental, " said Schmitt.
"Finally, high level and consistent consultation with the community,
environmental and social groups is essential and must be part of the project
from the beginning," he added.
Because a system was not established early on to maintain regular
consultation with the local citizens impacted by Olympic construction, Sydney
Organizers' decision to make Bondi Beach for the beach volleyball stadium
triggered community outrage.
