Sustainability: the hidden story at the 2010 Olympic
and Paralympic Games which
will be the most sustainable in history. The Resort
Municipality of Whistler has, for
many years, been at the forefront
of
community sustainability in Canada with their
award winning
plan, Whistler 2020,
which is based on The Natural Step’s
Framework for Strategic Sustainable
Development. For years the
municipality of
Whistler and dozens of community
partners have
been taking concrete steps to
move their community toward
sustainability - from LEED buildings to energy
reduction and
transportation
policies to waste management and pesticide
reductions and affordable housing
developments, Whistler has
demonstrated unwavering leadership and commitment.
The
Olympics are no
exception. The following is from Whistler’s
account of
planning for the Olympics,
“Delivering the Dream”:
·
The Whistler Athletes Village – a LEED Neighbourhood Design
pilot site,
not only meets high standards for green building,
including an innovative
district
energy system, but after the
Olympics it will become much needed
affordable
resident housing.
·
Venues – Sustainability and accessibility principles and
practices have
been
in the forefront in the development and
operation planning of Games
venues,
including The Whistler
Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park, Whistler
Creekside
and
Whistler Olympic/Paralympic Celebration Plaza. The Whistler
venues have a
smaller footprint and capacity than those of
other Games, and
green construction
practices and principles
have been applied and monitored for
all sites.
·
Carbon management programs, the Hydrogen Highway
initiative and use
of
energy-efficient vehicles all contribute to
reducing the environmental
footprint
of the games.
·
The Whistler Centre for Sustainability – As a lasting legacy
for local
residents
and international visitors, the Whistler Centre
for Sustainability
will foster discussion
and dialogue and accelerate
local and global progress
toward sustainability.
Kijk voor meer informatie op www.thenaturalstep.org