Hangzhou, China, December 7, 2023: The Hangzhou Asian Games have become the first Asian Games to achieve carbon neutrality, organising committee HAGOC said at a news conference on Wednesday, December 6.
As the evaluator of carbon neutrality at the 19th Asian Games, the China Environmental United Certification Center issued the carbon neutrality certificate to HAGOC, the China Daily reports.
Mao Genhong, deputy secretary-general of HAGOC, introduced the work and achievements in carbon neutrality for the Asian Games, which ran from September 23 to October 8, 2023.
The emissions of greenhouse gases during the 19th Asian Games totaled 882,900 metric tons, reduced through green electricity by 22,000 tons. The carbon offset index by social donations reached 1.10 million tons, realising carbon neutrality for the first time in the history of the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, he said.
Existing venues were prioritised for the Games, and among the 56 venues for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, only 12 were newly built.
Through green electricity trade, green electricity supply was achieved for the first time in all venues, the Asian Games Village and offices of HAGOC.
In terms of transportation, new energy vehicles were used for reception, shuttle and logistics during the Games.
In the Asian Games Village, 57 tons of paper-made lunch boxes and milk cartons and 92 tons of other low-value waste were collected and made into 89.3 tons of raw paper.
Digital fireworks were used to replace real ones at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
On the basis of minimising carbon emissions, units around the country were mobilised to donate carbon offsets. A total of 1.10 million tons of carbon offsets were donated by 47 units.
*The news from Hangzhou coincides with the IOC Communique from the 12th Olympic Summit in Lausanne on December 5. Regarding next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, the communique states that Paris 2024 will be more sustainable.
“The aim is to cut the carbon emissions by half compared to the average of the Olympic and Paralympic Games London 2012 and Rio 2016. This would mean that the objective set by the Paris Climate Agreement for 2030 would be achieved six years ahead of schedule. The Olympic and Paralympic Games will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. Ninety-five per cent of venues will be pre-existing or temporary facilities,” the IOC said.