During the 60-day festival of sport and culture in 2012 we will make sure that we do everything possible to leave a positive impact on the environment and communities of the UK.

Climate change

To help reduce greenhouse gas emissions at Games time, London 2012 will:

• encourage ticketed spectators and workforce to travel to and from venues by public transport, walking and cycling;
• encourage the use of rail rather than air transport;
• operate all competition venues as ‘low emissions venues’; and
• meet 20 per cent of the Olympic Park Games-time electricity requirements with new local renewable energy sources.

Waste

At Games-time, wherever possible we will not dump waste – we will reuse and recycle it instead.

Here are some of the ways we will achieve this:

• Using waste as energy sources;
• ensuring the temporary facilities are designed and fitted out so they can be taken down and reused afterwards;
• using materials with high recycled content;
• operating a closed-loop event waste management system to ensure that waste materials are sent for reprocessing back into high grade products; and
• as a priority, leasing equipment - such as temporary seating - rather than making new.
  

Biodiversity

During the Games themselves, a focus on biodiversity will be maintained through:

• safeguarding habitats and wildlife at outdoor venues by careful venue layout planning, fencing and signage;
• endorsing and implementing special projects as part of a London 2012 Biodiversity Strategy; and
• ensuring that biodiversity information is part of the London 2012 One Planet Education Programme.

Inclusion

Our Games will promote access for all and celebrate diversity – in east London and the whole of the UK. Whether working on the Games, volunteering, spectating or enjoying a cultural event, we will make sure the Games are open to all and have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Some of the ways we will achieve this will be to:

• ensure Games venues and transport are highly accessible;
• create programmes to celebrate diversity, culture and heritage;
• encourage high standards of environmental and social performance among sponsors, suppliers and licensees and their supply chains;
• provide the same level of service to Olympic and Paralympic athletes and officials, and spectators at both events;
• use new media to bring the Games to wider audiences; and
• ensure the London 2012 website is designed to be top rated for accessibility.
  

Healthy living

Olympic and Paralympic competitors are the ultimate example of healthy living. The Games will inspire people across the country to take up sport and develop active, healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

Some of the ways we will achieve this will be to:

• promote safe and sustainable food during the Games. This will seek opportunities to promote the use of local, seasonal, fair trade and organic produce;
• encourage cycling and walking to venues;
• inspire people to get active through the presentation and promotion of sport;
• create healthy and secure environments;
• minimise harmful emissions at venues from vehicles, generators, cooling units etc; and
• ensure messages about healthy living and sports participation are promoted across the UK and the world.