Sustainability Important

One of the hallmarks of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is sustainability. There is no question that the upcoming Games will be the most environmentally friendly sports event ever conducted up to this time.  Ann Duffy, Corporate Sustainability Officer for the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games commented on this topic. “Every (Olympic) Games tries to raise the bar in sustainability performance. Environment is the International Olympic Committee’s third pillar of the Olympic Movement (sport and culture are the other two). Vancouver 2010 and London 2012 are the first Winter and Summer Olympic Games to try and ‘thicken’ that third pillar beyond environment by taking an integrated triple-bottom line approach to the social, economic and environmental dimensions of our Games. We embraced our unique opportunities to make a positive difference, including: going greener by incorporating green building standards into venue design and construction. . .”

Lasting Benefits

She further commented on this issue of worldwide importance. “Right from the bid phase, we have strived to manage the social, environmental and economic impacts and opportunities in ways that will create lasting benefits, locally and globally — this is what being sustainable means to VANOC. For our organization, sustainability is a part of the big, and little, decisions we make, in everything from the design and operation of our facilities. . .”

Duffy made some specific comments on the Whistler Olympic Park, site of the Olympic Biathlon competitions. ““All 2010 Winter Games venues have undergone an environmental assessment to conserve natural environments and to manage, mitigate and offset any negative impacts. For example, the original design footprint of Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Park, the biathlon, ski jumping, Nordic combined and cross-country skiing venue, was reduced by 30 per cent and re-routed to protect the natural environment.”

Unspoiled Natural Place

All of these considerations by VANOC have produced a biathlon venue in a spectacular setting that barely intrudes on the natural surroundings. Most of the athletes who competed in the World Cup at Whistler Olympic Park were both impressed and at times overwhelmed at this rather out of the ordinary venue. Romania’s Eva Tofalvi commented, “I really liked it there. I never realized that such unspoiled natural places still existed. It is such a special place, with great karma.”

Sustainable Qualities

With the Games rapidly approaching, Max Saenger, VANOC Sport Manager for biathlon is in the final stages of preparation for the big event in February. In an interview last week, he reaffirmed the VANOC policy and how it helped create the biathlon venue at Whistler Olympic Park. “Sustainability is a critical factor for the Vancouver Olympics. This venue really shows off some of those qualities; how the trails were built and the amount of permanent infrastructure. The upkeep will not be taxing and at the same time, temporary structures can be used for large events.”

Venue Ready

Saenger said that the venue is basically ready for the Games. “We have completed all of the basic tasks like painting fences and v-boards. Although the weather has gone up and down, there is a good base of snow, and that should not be a problem in February if we have normal weather. The only thing that has to be done is the actual decorating with banners and signage. We will not do that until just prior to the Games so it will look fresh and clean.”

Showcase for Biathlon

After overseeing the buildup of the venue and the corps of skilled volunteers, Saenger is rightfully proud of the Whistler Olympic Park biathlon venue and thinks it will look great both in person and on television. "We want to showcase biathlon to the world with a great natural backdrop. In this day and age, our venue looks appropriate. It fits well into the environment.”

The next issue of Biathlonworld Magazine, available in early February will have an extensive interview with Saenger.