A legacy of sustainable Olympics

The IOC claims the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games is one of
the cleanest ever, emitting some 35% less greenhouse gas emissions
than the 2018 Pyeongchang Games – although sceptics disagree

GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS
COMPARISON (kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent)

Games
planning
and delivery

Building of
permanent
infrastructure

Associated
activities

Pyeongchang
2018

Beijing
2022

Milano Cortina
2026

325 815 410
345 650 305
301 290 414

SUSTAINABLE
INITIATIVES

Use of 100% certified
renewable electricity

Reduction in climate-
altering gas emissions

Reduction in use of
disposable materials

Recycling as many
materials possible

Carefully monitored
water consumption

Sustainable local
economic development

Promotion of
sustainable tourism

HIGHEST CONTRIBUTERS TO GHG EMISSIONS
FROM 2026 WINTER GAMES’ PLANNING AND
DELIVERY (% and kilotonnes
of CO2 equivalent)

Energy use:
28%
83.45

Overlay and
temporary
structures:
16%
47.68

Travel:
9%
26.82

Merchandising:
7%
20.86

Electronics/IT:
6%
17.88

Logistics:
5%
14.90

Catering:
5%
14.90

Other (includes
ceremonies,
equipment,
venue branding,
waste management,
torch relays, and
public transport):
25%
74.50

100%
301

Naysayers believe Milano Cortina 2026 is more harmful than is being admitted,
citing average February temperatures in region of 4.2°C, meaning artificial
snow and refrigeration are no longer backups, but necessary – and that
travel and accommodation for teams and spectators have biggest impact

Figures rounded and may not add up to exact totals. 1 kilotonne = 1,000 tonnes (1,102 U.S. tons)
Sources: CBC, GreenMarked, IOC
Picture: Tim Arnold (Unsplash)
© GRAPHIC NEWS