by Shane Henson — July 20, 2012—U.K. Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman and other leaders hope that the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will not only serve as a platform for athletes to showcase their amazing talent and perseverance, but to educate the world’s citizens on the importance of protecting and improving the environment.
To accomplish this goal, the One Planet Center, located in the heart of the Olympic Village, was recently opened. This interactive hub is filled with activities and information about the positive steps that can be taken to help build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
Through a series of fun, social events and competitions, athletes will be able to find out more about reducing energy use, cutting waste, and protecting the environment, and hopefully use their star power to educate others, whether by using social media while at the games to spread the sustainability message, or by becoming more active “ambassadors” once they return home.
The Center is built from sustainable materials, and is a great example of collaboration between London 2012, government, charity and business.
“Sustainability has been at the heart of the bid to hold the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games—from the construction of the Olympic Park to the staging of the Games and the long legacy they will leave behind,” said Spelman. “Our investment in the One Planet Center will help Olympic athletes to return to their home countries as ambassadors for creating a sustainable future and a greener planet.”
Her sentiments were echoed by David Stubbs, head of sustainability at the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Our vision was to use the power of the games to influence lasting sustainable change. The athletes and sport are at the heart of the games, and the One Planet Center on the Olympic Village is the perfect place to positively engage with them.”
