Balancing Performance and Sustainability at the Paris Olympics - Environment+Energy Leader

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, emphasized the importance of consistency and predictability in athletes’ environments. (Credit: AI Generated Image)
by Staff Writer | Jun 25, 2024
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The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are set to be a landmark event for athletic excellence and their ambitious sustainability goals. However, a significant challenge has arisen with several national teams, including the United States, opting to supply air conditioners for their athletes. This move conflicts with the organizers’ efforts to minimize carbon emissions and presents a complex dilemma: balancing athlete performance with environmental responsibility.
According to the International Energy Agency, air conditioning is uncommon in European households, with fewer than 1 in 10 having AC units. Globally, out of 1.6 billion AC units in 2016, over half were in China (570 million) and the United States (375 million), contrasting sharply with around 100 million units across the European Union.
Paris 2024 aims to set new standards for sustainability in large-scale sporting events. Key initiatives include:
Despite these efforts, several countries, including the U.S., Germany, Australia, Italy, Canada, and Britain, have decided to bring their air conditioning units to Paris. This decision, driven by concerns over athlete performance and comfort, complicates the sustainability narrative.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, emphasized the importance of consistency and predictability in athletes’ environments. The feedback from athletes highlighted air conditioning as a critical component for maintaining peak performance, particularly given the varying climates and potential heat during the summer in Paris.
To address this challenge, the Paris Olympics can leverage several advanced cooling technologies and sustainable practices:
The Paris Olympic Village already utilizes a geothermal cooling system. This system pumps cool water through pipes embedded in concrete floors, which act as a thermal buffer, storing heat during the day and cooling the environment at night. Geothermal cooling is energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and provides stable temperature control, reducing reliance on traditional air conditioning and minimizing carbon emissions.
While not directly used in the Olympic Village, solar power has been harnessed in other events. For instance, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics featured solar panels around the National Stadium, generating clean energy. Integrating solar-powered AC units in Paris could further enhance sustainability, with solar panels directly powering air conditioning systems, reducing grid reliance and environmental impact.
The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics introduced natural CO2 refrigeration systems at ice venues, significantly reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption while maintaining ice quality. Similar technologies could be adapted for Paris’s cooling needs. Additionally, waste heat from refrigeration can be recycled for ambient heating and other needs across facilities. Adaptive weather systems can be implemented to protect athletes. For instance, the Tokyo 2021 marathon was moved to a cooler location, and equestrian events were rescheduled to protect riders and horses.
Several strategies can be implemented to align athlete performance needs with sustainability goals at the Paris Olympics. Enhanced communication and collaboration between organizers and national teams are essential for balancing comfort and environmental sustainability through sharing best practices and innovative cooling solutions. Increased investment in sustainable technologies is vital, focusing on advanced cooling methods that minimize carbon emissions. National teams using additional air conditioning units could participate in carbon offset programs and invest in renewable energy projects. Finally, clear guidelines and monitoring systems must be established to ensure all cooling solutions adhere to the Games’ sustainability framework.