Why the 2010 Olympics are truly "sustainable"

We've heard people say that past Olympic games were "green" but for me the details have always been obscured.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the detail and depth of information provided on the Vancouver 2010 website by the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC)

flickr photo credit: TylerIngram 

You can read all about how VANOC worked to make sure the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver / Whistler sustainable.  There is a fairly detailed Vancouver 2010 sustainability report offered which details items like carbon offsets, venue specific construction details, engagement of sponsors and suppliers and sustainability education for the 2010 workforce. I was impressed by the breadth of VANOC's definition of Sustainable;   


"We expanded our program beyond the environmental impacts and benefits of the Games to include the social and economic dimensions of sustainability."


This broader view of sustainability echos what British Columbians heard the Green Party offer in their platform for the 2005 provincial election.  Regardless of who said it first.  It is a brilliant idea to have this "triple bottom line".  Can you imagine what the world would be like if every business had a bottom line that was financially, socially, and environmentally sustainable.  Good job VANOC.

flickr photo credit: TylerIngram

Cheers,

Greg.