Paris 2024: Leading the Way to a Sustainable Olympic Games

When Paris won the bid to host the 2024 Olympic Games, it did so with an ambitious promise: to deliver the most sustainable Games in modern history. That vision wasn’t just about reducing environmental impact; it was about redefining what large-scale global events can and should look like. Now, with estimates showing a 54.6% reduction in carbon emissions compared to previous Summer Games, Paris 2024 is proving that sustainability and success can go hand in hand.

1. Using What Already Exists

One of the biggest drivers of Paris’s reduced footprint is its decision to reuse rather than rebuild. Nearly 95% of the venues are existing or temporary structures. Iconic sites such as Roland-Garros, the Stade de France, and the Grand Palais have been repurposed to host events, eliminating the need for costly and carbon-heavy construction. Even new builds, like the Olympic Aquatics Centre, were designed with low-carbon materials and energy-efficient systems.

2. Green Energy 

Paris 2024 was powered by 100% renewable electricity, with solar panels and hydropower playing key roles. Electric buses, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and an expanded network of public transport helped athletes, officials, and spectators travel with minimal emissions. The city’s focus on cycling, including new bike lanes and shared mobility systems, also reflects a wider effort to leave behind lasting environmental infrastructure.

3. Rethinking Materials and Waste

From modular seating to recyclable structures, Paris has reimagined the materials that make up the Games. Temporary venues have been dismantled and reused, while food and packaging were sourced locally to cut transport emissions. The organisers also made waste reduction a central target, from banning single-use plastics to implementing comprehensive recycling systems at all venues.

4. Sustainable Partnerships and Innovation

Corporate sponsors were asked to align with the Games’ climate goals. Brands like EDF, Coca-Cola, and Decathlon adapted to minimise waste and energy use. Meanwhile, Paris 2024’s carbon accounting model, built in collaboration with the French Agency for Ecological Transition, set a new standard for how future hosts can measure, report, and offset emissions.

The Legacy

Paris 2024 didn’t just deliver a two-week celebration of sport; it showcased a new Olympic model where environmental stewardship is as central as competition. The lessons learned here will influence how cities plan, finance, and measure success for decades to come.

As sustainability becomes a defining factor in global investment and infrastructure, Sanli Pastore & Hill, together with UGGC Avocats and Julinks, continues to support clients in valuing innovation, structuring sustainable deals, and unlocking long-term opportunities. From renewable projects to large-scale partnerships, SPH provides the strategic and financial expertise to ensure growth and responsibility go hand in hand.

Get in touch with our team to learn more: info@sphvalue.com