The Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Hereinafter as ‘Beijing 2022 Games’) published the “Sustainability for the Future - Beijing 2022 Post-Games Sustainability Report” on 1st February 2023. The Beijing 2022 Games is the first Olympic Winter Games that fully implemented the sustainability requirements of Olympic Agenda 2020 from preparations till delivery. The report systematically summarises the sustainable practices adopted by Beijing 2022 Games and presents innovative ideas and work methods to achieve sustainability management of large-scale sport events. It sets an invaluable precedent for future large-scale events committed to sustainable development.

Beijing 2022 Games successfully integrated with the development of the host cities and the wider region. The legacy initiatives such as "Positive Environmental Impact", "New Development for the Region" and "Better Life for Citizens" demonstrated the multiple benefits created by  Beijing 2022.

Beijing 2022 Games successfully established and implemented a sustainability management system, by integrating several international standards that address the environmental and socially responsible elements of large-scale events, to create one management system. This system received third-party certification. 

Through the integration of sustainable practices throughout the planning of the Beijing 2022 Games a significant amount of learnings and experience were gained. This enabled the Organising Committee to create three management standards i.e. the already published Beijing local standard "Guidance for Event Sustainability Evaluation"(DB11/T1892-2021), the Chinese national standard "Guidance for Event Sustainability Evaluation"(20221443-T-469), already approved by the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) and currently ongoing, and "Evaluation of sustainability of sports facilities, sports games and leagues " (ISO 20655), which was recently approved as Preliminary Work Item (PWI) within ISO/TC 83.

Many measures were carried out to reduce carbon footprint of Beijing 2022 Games. All the Games’ venues were either constructed or renovated according to national Green Building standards that focus on a minimum use of resources and energy. The Olympic torches for the Beijing 2022 Games were hydrogen-fueled, and the main Olympic and Paralympic Cauldron adopted an innovative micro-flame design.

For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games and in China, Beijing 2022 Games applied the carbon-reducing natural CO2 refrigeration systems to four ice venues (five ice rinks).

Beijing 2022 Games also introduced bio-degradable tableware and other disposables, which reduced excessive use of non-degradable plastics.

The Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway guaranteed efficient and safe travel between the three competition zones. Energy-efficient, clean-energy vehicles accounted for 85% out of all the vehicles used in the area.

Furthermore, low-carbon products were given priority as part of the OCOG's procurement process. Beijing 2022 Games also prioritised renting products, where possible, rather than purchasing them. As a result, 79% of products and components at temporary venues were rented.

Moreover, the local government of host cities—Beijing and Hebei Province—used carbon sinks generated by afforestation projects to compensate the the residual greenhouse gas emissions of the Games. Three partners, CNPC, State Grid, and China Three Gorges Corporation, also provided certified carbon credits.

The Beijing 2022 Games prioritised ecological conservation before venue construction and use. In the Yanqing and Zhangjiakou mountain competition zones, ecological protection measures were implemented, according to the mitigation hierarchy of avoidance, minimisation, restoration and offset. Flora in these competition zones were protected through in-situ, near-situ and ex-situ conservation measures, such as establishing wildlife corridors and artificial nests, standardizing construction to lessen the impacts upon the fauna in that area. Ecological restoration was carried out simultaneously with the construction of competition zones. Water resources were utilized efficiently by collecting, storing and reusing rainwater and snowmelt.

The Beijing 2022 Games also accelerated the regional development of Beijing and Zhangjiakou. The completion of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway and the Beijing-Chongli expressway have significantly improved the transport infrastructure within the region.

The ecological environment of Beijing and Zhangjiakou was boosted significantly. The average of PM2.5 concentration in Beijing and Zhangjiakou indicated a reduction of 63% and 59% compared to that of 2013.

Construction of Public buildings was accelerated, leading to improved local public services. Besides, Winter sports and green energy industries witnessed highlighting momentum. Three showcases of high-quality legacy urban development included creating a new landmark of urban regeneration in the Shougang area, shaping Zhangjiakou into a top winter resort city in Asia, and transforming Yanqing into an all-year-round tourism destination.

Moreover, ice and snow sports have been popularised, by encouraging 346 million Chinese to engage in ice and snow sports, which raised more awareness for sustaining a healthier lifestyle across the nation.

The curtain may have already closed on the Beijing 2022 Games one year ago, however the sustainable legacy of the Games will continue to provide benefits to many generations to come.

Attachment ：

Beijing 2022 Post-Games Sustainability Report.pdf