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I admit when I was a lad that the thought of the Olympic Games would get me a bit excited. I think most of it had to do with the plethora of sports and participating countries, all seeming so new and exciting to me. We had only a small black and white TV back then so I suppose the full grandeur was lost upon me.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics are coming up quick and will be taking the world into the relatively contained and protected country of China. Typically seen as a gigantic economic engine the World Olympics can seemingly overnight spotlight an obscure city and turn it into an international giant. I for one am extremely interested in seeing what the Olympics does for China as far as cultural exposure. An entire nation that for so long existed behind a wall of secrecy and is already exposed bit by bit will be thrust into the limelight and scrutinized by the entire world. There is already talk of their massive investment into energy production infrastructure including coal and nuclear plants but this is tempered by massive programs for energy efficient technologies. I am interested to see what they can teach the world.

The 2010 Olympics are scheduled to be held in Vancouver, a rather progressive environmental city, one that I admit to not having the chance to really visit yet. I have the fear that if I went I might not return.

The 2012 London games have recently grabbed my attention. The city does not usually conjure up images of sustainable practices wit large, even though there is a definite and rather obvious movement to the contrary. An array of well publicized international sustainable architecture firms, urban automobile restrictions and taxes and now in an effort to make a gigantic public statement the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) has unveiled plans for a 120m tall turbine capable of generating enough electricity to power 1200 homes.

Current plans call for construction of the turbine to be completed and fully operational by 2010, supplying power to the grid for 2 years before the Olympics take place. The ODA is also considering including "solar power, ground water cooling, small scale hydro/tidal power, biomass and a CCHP (combined cooling and heating plant)". The turbine will be the first and most noticeable step and will hopefully push towards rebranding London as a "Greener" city.

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said:
'We want to make use of as many innovative renewable technologies as possible to power the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and will be looking to industry to provide us with creative solutions in the months ahead.

'The wind turbine on the Olympic Park will be a symbol of the sustainability principles behind the Games. As the first large scale wind turbine so close to Central London it will also act as a "green" beacon for the Capital.'

Will London attain the goal of making the 2012 Olympics the most "environmentally friendly ever"? If not at least they are making some definite steps in the right direction.


This is Hertfordshire - "Green beacon" for 2012 Olympics

London 2012 Unveils Wind Turbine Plans

London 2012 Olympic Parkto be Powered by Wind Turbine