INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME Independent Environmental Assessment: Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in February 2009 © 2009 UNEP ISBN: 978-92-807-2888-0 Job Number: DCP/1017/NA Produced by the UNEP Division of Communications and Public Information

Cover design: © BOCOG. Based on the visual concept of passion, vigour, culture and celebration, the torch relay graphic for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games featured the traditional Chinese phoenix pattern and the lucky cloud pattern. Graphic courtesy: Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).

This post-Games assessment takes an impartial look at Beijing’s work to fulfill its environmental commitments for the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The report builds on the data and findings of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: an Environmental Review, published by UNEP in 2007. The extent to which new findings and recommendations are included has been influenced by the available data at the time of publication.

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder provided acknowledgement of the source is made. No use of this publication may be made for sale or for any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from UNEP. The designation of geographical entities in this report, and the presentation of the material herein, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the publisher or the participating organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Getty Images

1 Uniting sport, culture and the environment, the Olympic Games ignite passion and emotion like no other major event on Earth.

2 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games

3 © AP Photo/Color China Photo

An iconic venue of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the National Aquatics Centre – or Water Cube – is an environmental design showpiece.

4 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

5 CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

FOREWORD

CHAPTER 1: THE BEIJING 2008 GAMES 12

1.1 INTRODUCTION 13 1.2 THE BID COMMITMENTS 13 1.3 COMPELLING CASE FOR SUSTAINABLE GAMES 18

CHAPTER 2: AIR QUALITY 25

2.1 CHINA’S AIR QUALITY STANDARDS 26 2.2 BEIJING POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES 27 2.3 IMPACT ON BEIJING’S AIR QUALITY 29 2.4 ANNUAL TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY 29 2.5 AIR QUALITY IN THE PERIOD LEADING TO AND JUST AFTER THE GAMES 30 2.6 ATTRIBUTING CHANGES TO EMISSION CONTROLS 32 2.7 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 34 2.8 APPENDIX 37

CHAPTER 3: TRANSPORT 41

3.1 VEHICLE EMISSION CONTROL STRATEGIES 42 3.2 PUBLIC TRANSPORT 43 3.3 TRANSPORT MEASURES DURING THE GAMES 44 3.4 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 45

CHAPTER 4: ENERGY 51

4.1 CHANGES IN ENERGY STRUCTURE 52 4.2 IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY 53 4.3 RENEWABLE ENERGY 53 4.4 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 55

CHAPTER 5: GREEN COVERAGE AND PROTECTED AREAS 59

5.1 URBAN AREAS 60 5.2 MOUNTAIN AREAS 64 5.3 ‘FIVE RIVERS AND TEN ROADS’ PROJECT (THE PLAIN AREA) 64 5.4 PROTECTED AREAS 66

5.5 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6666

CHAPTER 6: WATER 70

6.1 WATER SOURCES 72 6.2 SOURCE WATER PROTECTION 73 6.3 WATER TREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION 74 6.4 WATER CONSERVATION, RECYCLING AND REUSE 76 6.5 SURFACE WATER QUALITY 76 6.6 WATER AT OLYMPIC VENUES 76 6.7 FULFILMENT OF OLYMPIC BID COMMITMENTS 77 6.8 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 77

6 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

CHAPTER 7: SOLID WASTE 81

7.1 DOMESTIC SOLID WASTE 82 7.2 MEDICAL AND RADIOACTIVE HAZARDOUS WASTE 83 7.3 WASTE IN OLYMPIC VENUES 83 7.4 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 83

CHAPTER 8: OLYMPIC SITES AND VENUES 88

8.1 VENUE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT 90 8.2 OLYMPIC VENUES: ENERGY 90 8.3 OLYMPIC VENUES: WATER 94 8.4 OLYMPIC VENUES: ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS 95 8.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AT BUILDING SITES 96 8.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT DURING THE GAMES 96 8.7 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 97

CHAPTER 9: CLIMATE NEUTRALITY 103

9.1 CLIMATE NEUTRALITY AND SPORT 104 9.2 BEIJING 2008 GAMES CARBON FOOTPRINT 105 9.3 CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION MEASURES 106 9.4 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 107 107 CHAPTER 10: ROLE OF GAMES PARTNERS 111

10.1 ROLE OF SPONSORS 112 10.2 SPONSOR SELECTION PROCESS 112 10.3 SPONSOR INITIATIVES AND CAMPAIGNS 112

10.4 ROLE OF SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS 113 10.5 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 114

CHAPTER 11: NGO PERSPECTIVE 118

11.1 NGO INVOLVEMENT 121 11.2 NGO FEEDBACK 122 11.3 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 123

CHAPTER 12: COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION 126

12.1 COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS 128 12.2 EDUCATION 129

12.3 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 130

BIBLIOGRAPHY 132

INDEX 134

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Chapter authors: Gregory R. Carmichael, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, University of Iowa, USA Soon-Chang Yoon, Professor, Atmospheric Sciences, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea Cy Jones, Senior Associate, People and Ecosystems Program, World Resources Institute, Washington DC, USA Christian Hochfeld, Member of the Executive Board, Oeko Institute – Institute for Applied Ecology, Berlin, Germany Theodore Oben, Chief, Sport and the Environment, UNEP, Nairobi, Kenya

Produced by the UNEP Division of Communications and Public Information Director of Publication: Satinder Bindra Layout and design: Enid Ngaira Printing: UNON, Publishing Services Section, Nairobi, ISO 14001:2004-certified.

Sections of report reviewed by: Mark Radka, Elizabeth Khaka, Niklas Hagelberg, Mary M’mukindia; Nick Nuttall, Surya Chandak, Janet Macharia, Lo Sze Ping, Tore Brevik, Julie Marks, Arjun Kohli

Discussions and interviews with the following: Yake Xu, Deputy General Manager, Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), Beijing, China Yu Xiaoxuan, Deputy Director, Environment and Construction Department, BOCOG Ms Yu Jianke, Deputy Division Chief, Construction and Environment Department, BOCOG Chen Tian, Deputy Director, Professor of Engineering, Beijing Environment Protection Bureau, Beijing Ming Dengli, Deputy Director, Science and Technology and International Cooperation Division, Beijing Environment Protection Bureau, Beijing Li Kunsheng, Vice Director and Chief Engineer, Beijing Vehicle Taipipe Emissions Management Centre, Beijing Environment Protection Bureau, Beijing Dermot O’Gorman, Country Representative, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Beijing Simon Lewis, Global Cities and 2012 Programme Manager, WWF-UK Deborah Seligsohn, Director, China Program, Climate Energy & Pollution Program World Resources Institute, Beijing Hou Fei, Community Program Coordinator, Global Village of Beijing, Beijing Xinbin Yu, Director of Office, Global Village of Beijing, Beijing Liang Xiaoyan, Executive Director, Friends of Nature, Beijing Hu Huizhe; Head, Education and Activities Department, Friends of Nature, Beijing Aster Li Zhang (PhD), Program Director, Conservation International, Beijing Sun Shan, Executive Director, Conservation Center, Beijing Cris Tuñón (PhD), Senior Programme Management Officer, World Health Organization, Beijing Wu Shuang, Program Officer, Global Environmental Institute, Beijing Hanqian Zhang, Research Assistant, World Resources Institute, Beijing Peng Ren, Program Officer, Global Environmental Institute, Beijing Whitehead Douglas Fraser, Communication Officer, Global Environmental Institute, Beijing

With thanks also to: DOE, Argonne National Laboratory, USA NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, USA University of Iowa

8 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Getty Images

9 Foreword

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games were widely acclaimed New roads, railway and metro lines have been built as one of the most spectacular sporting events ever held, in an effort to encourage cleaner public transport not least as a result of the sumptuous and dazzling opening systems. Fifty thousand old taxis and 10,000 buses ceremony and the high standards of competition from have been scrapped and replaced with new ones. athletics and swimming to horse-jumping and yachting. The city invested in a 4,000-strong fleet of buses powered by natural gas – among the largest in the But what of the environment which along with sport world. And 30 million trees and rose bushes were and culture is the third pillar of Olympism? How did planted in an effort to green the city, among many these Olympic and Paralympic Games rate in terms of other initiatives. sustainability and their contribution to a green legacy for Beijing, China and beyond? Air quality, a major worry for both the organizers and the athletes at the time, was dealt with via a This report discusses the environmental measures mixture of forward-looking planning measures taken by the organizers and assesses their effectiveness backed by short-term ones such as controls on and lessons learnt, all of which will be useful for those private and public vehicles. planning future Olympic and other sporting events. Whether these air quality gains can be maintained It compares the commitments made in Beijing’s 2000 into the future remains a key challenge for the bid to the actual outcomes and sets these within the authorities. Certainly one innovative measure challenges of a rapidly emerging economy that in recent introduced for the 2008 Games—subsidized fares years has seen double digit growth. for public transport—is being maintained through 2009. The report, compiled by independent United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP )experts in consultation with non-governmental organizations, the I believe this assessment will also be essential Beijing Municipal Government, the Beijing Environment reading for the International Olympic Committee Protection Bureau and the Beijing Olympic Organizing and the organizers of Vancouver, London and Sochi Committee, concludes that many of the promises were as they strive to realize their Olympic goals and set met, if not exceeded in some cases. the environmental record-breaking bar ever higher.

In addition, a lasting environmental legacy has been left in terms of new, energy efficient and eco-friendly buildings and venues. Some 90 per cent of the city’s wastewater is now treated as a result of a $17 billion investment. Some 200 factories have switched to new kinds of cleaner production.

10 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Achim Steiner United Nations Under-Secretary-General Executive Director, UNEP

11 Chapter 1 THE BEIJING 2008 GAMES © BOCOG

12 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

1.1 INTRODUCTION

UNEP’s involvement with the Beijing Games started in November 2005 when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG). The agreement laid the foundation for UNEP to support BOCOG on the greening of the Games. As part of the agreement, UNEP conducted a review and published a report on the environmental performance of BOCOG in October 2007. The report reviewed the environmental efforts of the Committee in meeting its commitment to organize a “Green Games” and concluded that Beijing was on track for achieving © UNEP the promises it laid down in its UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner, (right) and the Director General of Beijing’s Environmental Protection Bureau, Shi 2000 bid. Hanmin, on board a compressed natural gas bus during the Games.

UNEP also pledged to conduct a final assessment to review the based almost exclusively on data issues in the Olympic Games. heavily dependent on coal power impact of the environmental from these two organizations. The environment also became and the number of vehicles on measures that were implemented UNEP’s team of experts have one of the criteria for evaluating its roads had increased by 13 per by Beijing for the Games. The however, tried to provide bids for Olympic Games and for cent, the city was grappling with findings of the assessment are objective analysis, comments assessing the preparation and severe air quality issues. Only contained in this report. and recommendations based on staging of Olympic Games. 50.7 per cent of the days that year this data. It should be noted that were considered ‘blue sky days‘ UNEP staff responsible for sport in some instances, required data The environment and the according to Chinese air quality and the environment visited Bei- was not available. Beijing 2008 Games standards. Beijing, like most jing several times to observe the other cities in the developing environmental performance of The Olympic Games and the When Beijing was awarded world, was under severe water BOCOG. They engaged in dis- environment the Games in 2001, the IOC stress. cussions with BOCOG, the Bei- Evaluation Committee noted: The International Olympic “Beijing currently faces a number jing Municipal Government and 1.2 THE BID COMMITMENTS non-governmental organizations Committee (IOC) has been of environmental pressures and a pioneer and leader in its (NGOs) to collect data. UNEP issues, particularly air pollution. Beijing had a very ambitious efforts to green sport. As far sent a high level delegation to However, it has an ambitious programme: to offer a ‘Green back as 1994, at the Olympic the Olympic Games, led by its set of plans designed, which Olympics’ to the world. Games in Lillehammer, Norway, Executive Director, to observe are comprehensive enough to Several targets of the Beijing environmental management first hand some of the impacts of greatly improve Beijing’s overall ‘Environmental Master Plan’ has been a major focus. the environmental measures that environmental condition. (an environmental protection Several greening projects were undertaken by Beijing for These plans and actions will programme developed by the were implemented by the the Games. require a significant effort Municipal Government for the organizing committee during and financial investment. The period 1996-2015, funded by the In early December 2008, UNEP the preparation and staging of result would be a major legacy World Bank) were integrated into sent a delegation of experts to the 1994 Games. That same for Beijing from the Olympic the bid with accelerated deadlines. Beijing to collect data and hold year, at the Centennial Congress Games, which include increased Some targets, originally scheduled final discussions with relevant of the Olympic Movement, the environmental awareness among to be achieved in 2010, were staff of the Beijing Municipal environment became the third the population.” moved forward to 2008, the year Government, BOCOG and dimension of Olympism alongside of the Games. NGOs. The only comprehensive sport and culture. A Sport and In 2001, Beijing’s Gross Domestic data that was available on the Environment Commission was Product (GDP) was growing 11 Table 1.1 shows the 20 key Games was from the Beijing established in the IOC to advise per cent a year. The city had a environmental goals set by the city Municipal Government and the Executive Board on the population of over 12 million of Beijing. These are examined in BOCOG. This report is therefore integration of environmental people and because Beijing was detail throughout this report.

13 THE BEIJING 2008 GAMES

TABLE 1.1: ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS FOR BEIJING BID COMMITMENTS

Goal Area of focus

Construction of the second Shan-Jing natural gas pipeline with a transport 1 capacity of 4-5 billion m3/year, by 2007. Energy

Conversion of coal burning boilers in the urban zone; increased use of 2 clean fuels and energy structure readjustment. Energy

District heating supply to over 50% of the urban civil residential area. 3 Electricity and geothermal heating coverage up to 16 million m2. Energy

Improvement of transport infrastructure and construction of key roads. 4 Transport

Improvement of the public transportation system, including use of clean Transport / energy / air 5 fuels in 90% of the cities public buses and 70% of its taxis. quality

Implementation of a vehicle emissions standard equal to Euro II for light 6 vehicles by 2004. Transport / air quality

Improvement of the management of flying dust in building sites and road construction. Prohibition of any kind of open air incineration. Coverage of 7 outdoor storage areas of waste and other materials. Air quality

Protection of Miyun and Huairou reservoirs (sources of drinking water) 8 and improvement of their water quality. Implementation of the silt elimination and water clarification project in Guanting reservoir. Water

Technical transformation and renovation of the Jingmi canal to improve 9 water quality and flow. Water

Readjustment of the agricultural structure to promote development of 10 high quality, high efficiency and water saving agriculture. Strengthened efforts to reduce flying dust in the agricultural sector. Water / air quality

Improvement of the city sewage network and wastewater treatment system. A pledge to create a 2.8 million m3/day wastewater treatment 11 Water capacity by 2007.

Construction of hazardous waste disposal facilities with a total capacity 12 of almost 10,000 tons/year (including medical and radioactive waste Waste processing and disposal plants).

14 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Implementation of a safe urban domestic waste disposal system by 2007. 13 Establishment of processing facilities for non-hazardous urban waste in Waste the Beijing suburban area.

Reduction and control of industrial pollution. Implementation of industry pollution registration, monitoring and licensing system. Closing down of Industry/waste /water / 14 the most highly polluting, high energy consuming and resource-wasteful air quality / energy enterprises.

Relocation of more than 200 industrial enterprises from within the Beijing Fourth Ring Road. Readjustment of industrial structure. Relocation, closure or renovation of heavy polluting and energy consuming plants Industry /waste /water / 15 in the Beijing southeast area and Shijingshan district. Phase-out of old air quality / energy technologies. Improvement of environment quality in the southeast suburb and Shijingshan district.

To ensure 40% of green cover in the urban area. Establishment of a green belt alongside the Fourth Ring Road (100 m wide green belt on both sides 16 of the road except for those sections running through already built up Ecosystem areas).

Realization of the Five River Ten Road green belt. Accomplishment of 17 nearly 50% of forest coverage rate. Realization of three green ecological Ecosystem belts in the mountain, plain and urban areas respectively.

Strengthening of natural preservation zones and the establishment and management of key conservation areas (such as wetlands, forests and bird Ecosystem / protected 18 habitats 8% of the municipal area to be natural protection areas. areas

Formulation and implementation of an action plan to phase out Ozone- 19 depleting Substances (ODS). Achievement of the target by 2005. Air quality / ozone

Implementation of cutting-edge environmental technologies in the design Venues design / natural of Olympic venues. Use of natural resource-efficient, non-polluting and resources / forestation / 20 recyclable materials for facilities and equipment. Preservation during the transport construction of Olympic venues of indigenous vegetation and ecological ecosystems. Protection of cultural relics. Improvement of green coverage. Promotion of public transportation and clean fuel vehicles in the Olympic transport system.

15 THE BEIJING 2008 GAMES

Additional commitments

The Beijing Olympic Games Organizing Committee (BOCOG) made some The ‘Green Olympics’ concept was reflected in the five Olympic additional commitments over and above Mascots: four were animals representing natural elements. The the bid commitments in its efforts to stage mascots promoted environmental awareness and underlined a truly ‘Green Olympics’. The commitments Beijing’s commitment: included supporting environmental education and large scale awareness raising, Beibei - a flying fish and represented ‘clear water’. cooperating with environmental NGOs, % instituting environmental management % Jingjing - a panda, conveyed the messages of environmental systems, sustainable transportation during protection and ‘Green Hills’. the Games, eco-design for the venues, % Yingying - a Tibetan endemic protected antelope showcased green procurement (environmentally- Beijing’s commitment to Green Olympics and the ‘Grass- friendly purchasing of materials), green covered Ground’ idea. accommodation, tree planting and green % Nini - a flying swallow, represented the concept of ‘Blue Sky’. marketing. % The fifth mascot, Huanhuan, symbolized the Olympic Flame.

The ‘Green Olympics’ concept was launched by BOCOG and the Beijing Municipal Government to promote the environmental sustainability of the Games. It was part of the more general ‘One World One Dream’ concept, which underlined BOCOG’s Beijing’s investment in the environment commitment to Olympic values, among which sustainable development was a key Overall, it is estimated that the authorities in China invested over US$17 billion on environmental element. projects. The following projects listed in Table 1.2 benefited from the investment. © BOCOG

Mascots from left to right: Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini © BOCOG.

16 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

TABLE 1.2 BEIJING’S ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENT, 2001 – 2007

Investment Chinese Yuan US Dollars Total 119,160,430,000 17,433,000,000 I. Investment in urban environmental infrastructure 87,496,350,000 11,923,000,000 1. Sewage treatment project 12,741,270,000 1,864,000,000 2. Gas supply and distribution project 10,385,710,000 1,519,000,000 3. Heating supply project 11,553,330,000 1,690,000,000 4. Afforestation/Greening 14,620,020,000 2,138,000,000 5. Solid waste treatment 6,356,960,000 930,000,000 6. Other pollution control projects 31,839,060,000 4,658,000,000 II. Investment in pollution sources control 17,823,860,000 2,607,000,000 1.Industry pollution sources control 5,046,360,000 738,000,000 1.1 Sewage treatment 670,110,000 98,000,000 1.2 Air pollution source control 3,807,250,000 557,000,000 1.3 Solid waste treatment 90,760,000 13,000,000 1.4 Noise control 24,040,000 3,000,000 1.5 Other pollution control 454,220,000 66,000,000 2. Environmental investment along with new 12,777,500,000 1,869,000,000 construction projects

III. Pollution control facilities operation cost 11,447,310,000 1,674,000,000

1. Sewage treatment plant; domestic solid 5,167,600,000 756,000,000 waste and dangerous waste treatment plant

2. Other pollution control facilities 6,279,710,000 918,000,000

IV. Investment in environmental management capacity building 2,392,910,000 350,000,000

1. Monitoring 549,870,000 80,000,000

2. Supervision and information system 267,100,000 39,000,000

3. Publicity and education 77,030,000 11,000,000

4.Research and technical system 127,290,000 18,000,000

5. Others 1,371,630,000 200,000,000

Source: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau

17 © Getty images

Workers clean the outside of the National Aquatics Centre prior to the Games.

The Organizing Committee and At the time of the Games, BOCOG control measures, renovation and Air quality, more than any the greening of the Games had around 8,000 staff with 14 of expansion of public transport and other environmental concern, them working on environmental the overall greening of Beijing. dominated media reports on Organizing the Games was a issues. The Games had 1.7 the Games, mainly because of massive undertaking for Beijing million volunteers, the highest 1.3 COMPELLING CASE FOR the direct impact on the health and China. The main body ever in the history of the Olympic SUSTAINABLE GAMES and performance of the athletes. responsible for the organization Games. The volunteers ranged Government officials, athletes, of the Games was the Beijing from young people and students The Olympic Games provided sport officials and fans were Organizing Committee to elderly citizens of China. an opportunity for Beijing to all drawn into the debate on (BOCOG). The Organizing think about its developmental whether the air quality of Beijing Committee was established It should be noted that the priorities. With such great would be safe for Olympic sport, in December 2001. It had 27 greening of the Games was a citizen participation and media particularly for endurance events. departments, one of which shared responsibility between attention on all Games-related It created a media-frenzy in which dealt with construction and the BOCOG and the Beijing activities, the affects of activities journalists and media houses environment. The Construction Municipal Government. The on the environment, the health debated contrasting view-points and Environment Department Construction and Environment of the population and of the and led to a general probe on the had nine divisions, two of which Department of BOCOG validity of official data released surrounding ecosystems became focused on environmental issues coordinated environmental issues by the Beijing Environment common-speak. For the average – environmental management in the construction and operation Protection Bureau (EPB). Several citizen of Beijing, environmental and environmental engineering. of the venues across all cities, and other issues including energy, A Deputy Director of the in the organization of competition issues that might have, in the past, water and public transport also Department of Construction and activities. The Beijing Municipal been taken for granted became attracted media coverage, and Environment was responsible Government handled city-wide major concerns. People began thereby helped in kickstarting for environmental activities of environmental improvement to appreciate the impact of these another debate and raised public BOCOG. efforts including pollution issues on their quality of life. awareness on these issues.

18 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC AND PARALMPIC GAMES

Key Facts

Number of years planning Over 7

Olympic Torch Relay 21,880 torch bearers over 137,000 kilometers

Event dates Olympic Games: 8-24 August 2008 Paralympic Games: 6-17 September 2008

Venues Beijing: 31 venues Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tianjin, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao and Shenyang: 1 venue each

Olympic athletes 11,468

Paralympic athletes 4,000

Olympic events 302 events (165 men’s, 127 women’s and 10 mixed)

Paralympic sports and disciplines 20

Olympic sports and disciplines 28

Paralympic awards and records 1,429 medals. 279 world records and 339 Olympic records.

Olympic awards and records 926 medals to winners from 87 countries and territories. 38 world records and 85 Olympic records broken

Countries represented 204

Olympic spectators 6.7 million

Paralympic spectators 3.45 million

Television audience 4.7 billion viewers watched over 500 hours of Olympic footage broadcast in over 220 countries

Number of journalists, Olympics 26,298 accredited journalists, 5,980 non-accredited journalists

Number of journalists, Paralympics 10,300 accredited

Olympic Officials, Coaches and Staff 9,175

Paralympic Officials, Coaches and Staff 2,500 officials and coaches from 143 countries

Sources: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau.

19 THE GAMES AND THE ENVIRONMENT © Getty images

1896 Athens: first modern Olympic Games with athletes from 14 nations 1900 Paris 1904 St Louis 1908 London 1912 Stockholm: athletes represent all five continents 1920 Antwerp 1924 Paris: “Swifter, Higher, Stronger” officially adopted as Olympic motto 1924 Chamonix (winter) 1928 Amsterdam 1928 St. Moritz (winter) 1932 Los Angeles 1932 Lake Placid (winter) 1936 Berlin 1936 Garmisch-Partenkirchen (winter) 1948 London 1948 St. Moritz (winter) 1952 Helsinki 1952 Oslo (winter) 1956 Melbourne/Stockholm 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo (winter) 1960 Rome 1960 Squaw Valley (winter) 1964 Tokyo 1964 Innsbruck (winter) 1968 Mexico 1968 Grenoble (winter) 1972 Munich 1972 Sapporo (winter) 1976 Montreal 1976 Innsbruck (winter) 1980 Moscow 1980 Lake Placid (winter) 1984 Los Angeles: air pollution a concern for athletes 1984 Sarajevo (winter) 1986 IOC President suggests the environment as the third pillar of Olympism 1988 Seoul 1988 Calgary (winter) 1992 Barcelona: green designs used in the Olympic Village 1992 Albertville (winter) 1993 Sydney wins 2000 bid on the basis of strong environmental commitment 1994 Lillehammer (winter): first green winter Games 1994 “Environment” becomes the third pillar of Olympism 1994 UNEP and IOC sign agreement of cooperation 1995 IOC form a Sport and Environment Commission 1996 Atlanta 1998 Nagano (winter) 1998 IOC decides the Paralympic and Olympic Games will be held in the same host city and venues 1999 IOC adopts the Olympic Movement’s Agenda 21, for sustainable games 2000 Sydney: first “Green Games” 2002 Salt Lake City (winter) 3 million trees, composting and recycling 2004 Athens: Narrow range of environmental commitments 2006 Turin: Creates a green legacy (winter) 200820 Beijing: Raises the bar for green ambitions The Olympic Flame summits Mount Everest, 8 May 2008. INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

21 22 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Getty Images

23 24 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Chapter 2 AIR QUALITY

Addressing Beijing’s poor air quality was a top priority in planning for the Games. It was easily the most prominent environmental issue BOCOG and Beijing municipal authorities had to manage. © Getty Images

Concerted efforts to improve Beijing’s air quality began well before the Games.

25 AIR QUALITY

Health concerns among athletes % Reduce and control industrial coal boilers in Beijing’s urban natural conservation areas, and officials over air quality pollution; areas to clean fuels, and scenic spots, and historical attracted international media sites; coverage before and during the % Improve dust control at % Formulate and implement Games, earning headlines like building sites, during road an action plan to phase out % Class II applies to residential these: construction and in the ozone depleting substances areas, mixed commercial/ agricultural sector; (ODS) by 2005. residential areas, cultural, % ‘Citing Pollution, Gebrse- industrial, and rural areas, lassie Opts Out of Olympic % Prohibit open air incineration, and Marathon’, The New York and implement the coverage Times (March, 2008), and of outdoor storage areas for 2.1 CHINA’S AIR QUALITY % Class III applies to special waste and other materials; STANDARDS industrial areas. % ‘Olympians air a gripe about Beijing’, LA Times (March, % Relocate more than 200 Pollution control measures for The standards are most strict for 2008). industrial enterprises from the Games were evaluated against Class I and least strict for Class within the Beijing Fourth Beijing’s air quality targets. Beijing III areas. Beijing is designated a The air quality in Beijing is a Ring Road, and relocate, is party to the Standard Ambient Class II area. In setting China’s air result of the city’s geography – close and renovate polluting Air Quality Standards (GB 3095- quality standards, the authorities it is surrounded on three sides industries in southeast 1996), which sets limits for SO2 were guided by the World Health by mountains which do not suburbs and Shijingshan (Sulphur dioxide), CO (Carbon Organization (WHO) 2000 Air allow pollutants to disperse – district; Monoxide), PM10 (Particulate Quality Guidelines. The Chinese compounded by the city’s rapid Matter with a diameter of 10 Class II air quality standards are population growth and economic % Reduce and control vehicle microns or smaller) and nitrogen summarized in Table 2.1. The expansion. emissions; dioxide (NO2). WHO 2000 guidelines, as well as the 2005 Global Update WHO Beijing’s bid included goals and % Improve Beijing’s public The Chinese air quality standards Air Quality Guidelines, are also commitments related to air transport system; set separate limits for different presented (see also Appendix). quality covering the industrial, types of areas: agricultural, transport and energy % Improve the environmental Air quality is also measured sectors as follows: performance of the energy % Class I applies to special against an air pollution index sector, including converting protected areas such as (API). The API is an index for reporting daily air quality to the general public. China uses the term ‘Blue Sky Day’ to describe days with an API value of 100 or less. The higher the API Beijing’s air quality was at times a challenge during the Games. value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. The relationship between the Chinese API and the ambient pollution levels are shown in Table 2.2. While China has an air quality standard for ozone, ozone is not included in the API.

As discussed in this chapter, during the period of the Olympic Games, the API was dominated by PM10 levels. These particulates arise from a variety of sources including motor © AFP Photo DDP/ Michael Kappeler vehicles, industrial operations, construction sites, windblown soil, cooking and heating from wild fires and waste burning.

26 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

TABLE 2.1: CHINA’S STANDARD II NATIONAL AIR QUALITY STANDARDS

China’s Upper Limit of WHO EU 2000 Air WHO 2005 Air Pollutant Mean Level Class II Quality Guidelines Quality Guidelines Annual Mean 60 50 None

SO2 24-hour Mean 150 125 20 Hour Mean 500 500@ 500@ Annual Mean 100 ~ 20 PM 10 24-hour Mean 150 ~ 50 Annual Mean 80 40 40

NO2 24-hour Mean 120 120+ None Hour Mean 240 200 200 24-hour Mean 4,000 10,000+ 10,000 + CO Hour Mean 10,000 30,000 30,000

(quantities in μg/m3) @ ten minute mean + eight hour mean ~ not set in the WHO EU 2000 Guidelines

TABLE 2.2: CHINA’s AIR POLLUTION INDEX AND AIR QUALITY GRADING

Daily Average Pollutant AQ API scope Concentration AQ level Notes on Health effects Condition (mg/cubic meter) SO2 NO2 PM10 0-50 0-0.05 0-0.08 0-0.05 I Excellent Daily activities will not be affected. 50-100 0.05-0.15 0.08-0.12 0.05-0.15 II Good Daily activities will not be affected. The symptom of the susceptible is slightly Slightly 100-200 0.15-0.8 0.12-0.28 0.15-0.35 III aggravated, while the healthy people will polluted have stimulated symptoms. The symptoms of the patients with cardiac and lung diseases will be Moderate 200-300 0.8-1.6 0.28-0.565 0.35-0.42 IV aggravated remarkably. Healthy people polluted will experience a drop in endurance and increased symptoms. This exercise endurance of the healthy Heavy >300 >1.6 >0.565 >0.42 V people drops down, some will have strong polluted symptoms. Some diseases will appear.

Source: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau

2.2 BEIJING POLLUTION The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games measures were directed first at One outcome was that the use of CONTROL MEASURES provided added incentive to reducing the rate of growth of natural gas increased four-fold accelerate the improvement in energy consumption and secondly from 2000 as a result of efforts Concerted efforts to improve air quality. The measures taken at increasing energy efficiency. made to replace coal fired boilers Beijing’s air quality began well generally fall into the following China uses large amounts of coal. and family stoves with natural before the Games. A Master Plan five areas. Many of the strategies focused on gas, and to replace coal heating for 1998 – 2008 was established, Energy structure, efficiency and the impact this had on ambient with electrical heating. and during this decade the fuels levels of SO2 and particulates. Beijing Municipal Government Initiatives were implemented in There was also an increase in the implemented more than 200 During the preparatory period Beijing’s inner urban area and use of low sulphur coal. Greater environmental measures in 14 leading up to the Games, the surrounding suburbs and efforts were made to advance stages. counties.

27 © V.Venturi/Das Fotoarchiv./Still Pictures

Air quality issues are not confined to Beijing although the problem is not as acute in other cities like Qingdao (pictured). pollution controls and there year. and labelling of in-use vehicles; sites, which included additional was a stiffening of compliance restricted vehicle access into the measures for road sweeping and monitoring and enforcement. Six Efforts were also made to better city and an accelerated schedule sprinkling, urban forestation sets of desulphurization facilities manage industrial emissions and to retire old vehicles combined (see Chapter Five) and better were built at the coal fired power promote cleaner production. with improved access to public management of bare ground. plants and oil smoke emission These included screening of transport. These are discussed in limits were placed on local emissions at small and medium Chapter Three. Beijing Games air quality restaurants. sized enterprises, which resulted assurance measures in some closures and went hand Dust and construction Industrial sector in hand with improved in-stack Special short term measures monitoring of emissions at large- The Beijing Municipalfurther restricted access to Beijing Energy-related measures had scale industrial boilers. Lastly, Government implemented city for the period leading up to a positive impact on emissions efforts were made to relocate various strategies to reduce and through to the end of the from the industrial sector. In enterprises out of the Beijing area particulate pollution related Olympic Games. Implemented addition, activities focused on resulting in the relocation from to industry. Measures targeted progressively in three stages, the major polluting industries, such the city of approximately 200 construction and road dust measures included limiting the use as the closure of cokery units at factories between 2000 and 2006. and, from 2001, involved better of government owned vehicles, Beijing Coke and Chemical Plant; supervision and management halting industrial production, closure of cement, lime and brick Transport sector at construction sites. As a suspending construction and plants; and the closing down consequence, precautions were effecting controls to curtail of production lines at Capital The transport sector is a major taken before burning waste at evaporative emissions at gas Iron and Steel Company. The contributor to Beijing’s air the sites and measures were stations. production at the Capital Iron quality. Transport measures made to reduce splashing from and Steel Company facility was related to air quality focused on construction vehicles. Eighty All ’high emitting’ (identified expected to decrease by 4 million five key strategies, namely; new sandstone storage areas within through yellow tags) cars and tonnes by the end of 2007 and by and stringent vehicle emission the city were permanently trucks were banned from entering another 4 million tonnes in 2008, standards; improvement of fuel closed. In 2006, the government the city. In addition, 50 per cent resulting in a reduction of PM quality to meet the new emission also established environmental of privately owned vehicles were emissions of 18,000 tonnes per standards; inspection, testing standards for construction stopped from entering the city for

28 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES certain days of the week through The measures and improvements stations, which consists of through 2007 were slightly below an odd and even number plate – many of them permanent 27 stations that measure the the annual air quality standard. permitting system. In the run up – in air quality management four criteria pollutants (CO, The values in 2008 decreased to the Games power generation implemented by Beijing PM10, SO2 and NO2), as well as substantially below the air facilities operated at 30 per municipal authorities will benefit meteorological variables (wind quality standard. The PM10 cent capacity and contingency the population well beyond the speed and direction, temperature concentrations show no clear plans were implemented for Games. Several of the permanent and relative humidity). The trend from 2000-2007. They fuel switching (to natural gas) to measures have become part of results below depict trends in increase slightly until 2002, then further reduce emissions. The national policy in China. They are ambient levels of pollutants since come down between 2003 and final stage involved additional now also being adopted in other 2000 and during the Olympic 2005, then increase again in 2006. measures to reduce emissions cities in the country. Games. This helps to assess Thereafter they decline. The in targeted sectors in the the effectiveness of the various PM10 values substantially exceed neighbouring provinces of The Beijing Games successfully measures on Beijing’s air quality. the annual air quality standard, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, avoided the use of HCFC-based Improvements in air quality are indicating unhealthy conditions. refrigeration and air conditioning compared with the Chinese air and Inner Mongolia. (Refer also equipment more than 30 years quality standards. In general these trends show to the UNEP 2007 Environmental ahead of the schedule as stipulated that the efforts directed Review and BOCOG’s 2008 under the Montreal Protocol. 2.4 ANNUAL TRENDS IN AIR towards energy structure and report). QUALITY replacement of coal had an 2.3 IMPACT ON BEIJING’S impact. The decreases in SO and In addition to these measures 2 AIR QUALITY The network-wide annual mean CO levels are the best indicators directed at reducing air pollution, concentrations of the four priority of this impact. The impact of action was taken to protect the Significant efforts have been pollutants for the period 2000 transportation measures taken stratospheric ozone layer. This made over the past decade to – 2008 are presented in Figure is also evident and is apparent included strict enforcement of the 2.1. (Note the 2008 mean values improve the air quality in Beijing. when the ambient NO2 and national regulations and rules on In order to assess the impact of do not include December data. CO (sources of CO include all the phase-out of ozone depleting these measures on the air quality The coloured arrows depict the types of combustion including substances (ODS) in Beijing. The of Beijing an analysis of air quality annual air quality standard for those from traffic and industrial UNEP Ozone Action Programme monitoring data in Beijing was the various pollutants). boilers) levels are plotted against provided BOCOG with guidance performed for this report. The the number of vehicles (refer to help them avoid the use of The data shows that the ambient analysis was conducted using CO, Transport chapter). The NO2 ODS in the Olympic facilities and levels of CO and SO2 decreased PM10, SO2 and NO2 data provided and CO levels have declined even venues. by the Beijing Environmental in this period and that the current though the number of vehicles Monitoring Center. levels are below the annual has grown substantially within The combined effect was that Chinese air quality standard. the same period. the average daily API in Beijing The Beijing Environmental Between 2000 and 2007 NO2 during the Olympic Games was Protection Bureau (EPB) operates concentrations deceased more Before Beijing won the Olympic 36 per cent lower than the average a network of air quality monitoring slowly than SO2 levels, and bid in 2000, air quality in the of the preceding eight years.

Beijing expanded its air quality monitoring and modelling FIGURE 2.1: NETWORK-AVERAGE ANNUAL MEAN CONCENTRATIONS OF THE MAIN capacity, put in place vehicle POLLUTANTS IN BEIJING, 2000 – 2008 emission and fuel quality standards that were on par with Europe, took thousands of old polluting vehicles off the road permanently (not just for the Games), introduced compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelled buses, retrofitted over 5,000 buses and expanded and upgraded its public transport system. In addition, more than 200 polluting industries were relocated, more than 16,000 small coal-fired boilers were converted to natural gas and the use of natural gas for power generation increased fifteen-fold. Source: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau

29 AIR QUALITY

FIGURE 2.2: TREND IN ‘BLUE SKY DAYS’, 2000-2008

Since 2000, Beijing’s ‘Blue Sky Day’ targets were met or exceeded.

Source: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau

capital met the standards less inversions, which trap pollution The lower pollution levels in most part show a systematic than 50 per cent of the time. The within the city resulting in higher the summer reflect a shift in decrease between 2000 and 2008. number of days in compliance has pollution levels. As a result of wind direction with transport However there is also appreciable since grown steadily, exceeding these factors, air pollution levels patterns from the south and inter-annual variability as

75 per cent in 2008. Figure 2.2 in Beijing are at their highest in an increase in frequency and illustrated in the SO2 monthly shows that the city’s ‘Blue Sky winter. amount of precipitation (e.g. mean values for February, where Day’ targets were either met or Beijing gets around 75 per cent of the values for 2007 are higher exceeded each year since 2000. This is best illustrated by the its total rainfall between June and than those for 2006 and 2008,

SO2 concentrations in January August). and for PM10 in April, where It is also instructive to look at the and February in 2001, where the 2006 exceeds all other years. This seasonal variations in air pollution monthly mean values exceed the The increase in precipitation variability reflects the significant levels in Beijing. Figure 2.3 shows daily Chinese air quality standard scavenges particles and SO2 impact that year to year changes the network-wide monthly mean for SO2 (which is 150 g/m3). In from the air, thus reducing their in meteorology can have on air values of the criteria pollutants fact in 1998, Beijing had 106 days, pollution levels. SO2, CO and quality. for 2000, 2006, 2007 and 2008. or 79 per cent of the days during NO2 are also removed from the Two primary pollutants, CO and the four-month heating season atmosphere by photochemical 2.5 AIR QUALITY IN THE

SO2, show a distinct seasonal where the airborne sulphur reactions, which reach maximum PERIOD LEADING TO AND cycle, with peak values in winter dioxide exceeded the air quality rates in the summer, and these JUST AFTER THE GAMES and minimum values in summer. standard. reactions contribute to the summer minimums. The daily pollution levels in The peak values in winter The impact of efforts to convert Beijing in the period leading up reflect both emissions and small coal-fired boilers in houses PM10 shows a slightly different to and just after the Games were meteorological factors. Mean and restaurants to natural gas seasonal cycle, with peak values also analyzed to see the effects of winter temperatures in Beijing and electricity can be seen in the in the spring, which reflect the temporary measures on air are cold (below 0O C). Beijing steep decreases in the monthly the significant contribution of quality. The network-averaged has a 4 month heating season mean SO2 values in the heating particulate matter from sand daily pollution levels from July to (Mid November through Mid season months shown in Figure storms originating in the arid and October 2008 are shown in Figure

March), during which coal related 2.3, where the monthly mean SO2 semi-arid Taklimakan and Gobi 2.4. The grey line shows the emissions from heating are at values have declined by nearly 50 regions. daily (24-hour) mean air quality 3 a maximum. In winter, Beijing per cent between 2001 and 2008 standard of 150 g/m for SO2 and also experiences a high number during the heating season. The inter-annual trends in the PM10 and the daily air quality of winter days with temperature monthly mean values for the standard for both pollutants.

30 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

FIGURE 2.3: NETWORK-WIDE MONTHLY MEAN CONCENTRATIONS OF CO, SO2, PM10 AND NO2 IN BEIJING FOR 2001, 2005, 2007 AND 2008

Source: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau

(Note the values presented are the average of The SO2 levels were significantly below the all 27 monitoring sites and that the values at air quality standard for the entire period. The an individual site may be higher or lower than average PM10 levels from July to October 2008 those shown). fell below the air quality standard most of the time, with only a few days in early and late August where the values were near or above the

FIGURE 2.4: NETWORK-WIDE DAILY (24 HOUR) MEAN CONCENTRATIONS OF CO, SO2, NO2 AND PM10 IN BEIJING, 1 JULY – 31 OCTOBER 2008

Source: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau

31 AIR QUALITY standards. During the Olympic FIGURE 2.5: SATELLITE DETECTION OF POLLUTION CHANGES OVER BEIJING, AUGUST 2008 and Paralympic Games (from 8 to 24 August and 6 to 17 September respectively) data provided by the Beijing EPB shows PM10 levels were within the required parameters.

Air quality monitoring via satellite

Changes in Beijing’s pollution levels during the Games period were also detected from space by sensors mounted on satellites. Unlike a ground-based sensor, which records the composition of the air immediately around it, the satellite sensor measures wide swaths of the atmosphere.

The left image in Figure 2.5 shows the change in CO concentrations over the North China Plain as observed by the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere Source: NASA image created by Jesse Allen using MOPITT CO data provided by the National Center for Atmospheric (MOPITT) sensor on NASA’s Research and the University of Toronto MOPITT Teams and Aura OMI data provided by the Aura OMI science Terra satellite in August 2008. team (Each square represents an area about 100 kilometers wide). FIGURE 2.6: MONTHLY MEAN-TIME SERIES OF TROPOSPHERIC NO2 COLUMNS, BEIJING Areas that are green indicate a decrease in CO compared to average values observed during the month of August in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Brown areas show where CO concentrations were higher than average. The figure shows CO concentrations decreased by 20 per cent in the area immediately around Beijing.

The right image in Figure 2.5 shows NO2 levels fell by 50 per cent. The image was made using data collected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on the Aura satellite. The image compares average NO concentrations observed 2 Source: Witte et al., 2008 as observed by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on the Aura Satellite in August 2008 to the average values observed in August 2005, 2006, and 2007. Above average 2.6 ATTRIBUTING CHANGES concentrations are red while Figure 2.6 shows the seasonal with those shown in the air quality TO EMISSION CONTROLS lower concentrations are blue. variation in satellite NO2 columns. monitoring data in Figure 2.3. Each square is approximately 25 The significant decrease in the During the Games period, kilometers wide. Again, the drop column amounts track the time various atmospheric components in NO2 concentrations is centered periods of enhanced controls, in Beijing decreased dramatically on Beijing, where restrictions and the variations detected by the compared to those during the were greatest. satellite are generally consistent same month in previous years.

32 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

However, these decreases this contributed to lowering the black carbon concentrations resulting from the various may be linked not only to the pollution levels. decreased by between 25 per cent imposed measures. implementation of control and 30 per cent. Furthermore, measures, but to the weather To assess the impact of the SO2 concentrations over Beijing Emission estimates for Beijing conditions during August. emission control measures it is also decreased though to a lesser for the various years were not necessary to isolate and remove extent than the traffic related obtainable from official sources. For example, there was higher the effects of meteorology on pollutants. There are, however, estimates of than average rainfall in Beijing Beijing air quality during the China’s pollution emissions in the during the Olympic Games. The Games. A preliminary analysis During the period of the additional scientific literature. For example, accumulated precipitation from 8 that removed the meteorological control measures, from 20 July one study (Streets et al., 2004; – 24 August was 151.7 mm in the effects has been performed until the end of the Games, the Zhang et al., 2008) has produced plain area of Beijing. This was 90 by the Beijing Meteorological ambient levels of vehicle gaseous emission inventories by province per cent higher than the 30-year Bureau using air quality and pollutants, such as NO2, dropped for 2001 and 2006. average (80 mm). meteorological data collected by an additional 15 per cent. Total by the Chinese Meteorological PM10 particle concentrations By these estimates, the emissions

According to data from the World Agency (CMA) during the showed no further changes, but of CO and SO2 in Beijing decreased Meteorological Organization, Games. black carbon was reduced further in this time period by 20 per cent there were four widespread by 10 – 20 per cent. and 30 per cent respectively, rainfalls across Beijing and After removing the effects of while NOx emissions increased another four local precipitation weather conditions, it was found An additional way to test the by 40 per cent. The estimates events resulting in five days with that from 1 – 19 July 2008, various effectiveness of the pollution are generally consistent with the 10 mm of daily rainfall. Rain reactive gas concentrations control measures is to evaluate observed trends in Beijing air affects air quality by removing closely linked to vehicle emissions whether the observed changes quality data for SO2 and CO, as particles and soluble gases, (e.g. NO2) dropped by about in pollution levels since 2000 shown in Table 2.2. However, such as SO2, from the air. The 40 per cent. In addition, total and during the Olympic Games they are inconsistent with the higher than average rainfall led PM10 concentrations dropped by period are consistent with observed trends in ambient NOx to the more efficient removal of between 10 per cent and 25 per expected changes in emissions concentrations which show a particles and soluble gases, and cent, and traffic related particulate slight decrease in contrast to the

Traditional lifestyles continue amid the pressures confronting modern Beijing. © Ullstein - Eckel/Still Pictures © Ullstein - Eckel/Still

33 AIR QUALITY study’s finding of a significant 2008. This work is being lead by find that the special measures 2008). These estimated changes increase. Tsinghau University. associated with stages one and in emissions indicate that the two reduced emissions in the biggest changes in pollution There are ongoing efforts to Preliminary estimates of changes following ways (from largest to levels should be seen in CO and estimate the expected changes in emissions prepared by lowest reductions): CO: 47 per NO2, with the smallest changes in emissions in Beijing due to Argonne National Laboratory and cent; NO2: 38 per cent; VOC: 30 in ambient SO2 concentrations. the special measures put in place Tsinghau University are shown per cent; PM10: 20 per cent; and This is generally consistent with between July and September in Figure 2.7. These estimates SO2: 14 per cent (Streets et al., the observed changes in ambient pollution levels for Beijing discussed previously. The largest

changes were found in NO2 and CO levels. FIGURE 2.7: PRELIMINARY ESTIMATES OF CHANGES IN EMISSIONS The satellite analysis was also extended to look at the changes

in NO2 in the surrounding regions. These results are shown in Figure 2.8. The largest change, of close to 60 per cent, was found in Beijing. Smaller reductions in

NO2 ranging from 10 per cent to 20 per cent were detected in the surrounding regions. These changes are consistent with the air quality measures which targeted first and foremost the emissions within Beijing, but included regional actions as well.

2.7 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Significant efforts before and Source: Argonne National Laboratory and Tsinghau University during the Games were focused on improving Beijing’s air quality. As a result, air quality improved significantly. The air quality during the Olympic

FIGURE 2.8: COMPARISON OF MONTHLY MEAN NO2 COLUMN OBSERVED Games benefited from favourable BY OZONE MONITORING INSTRUMENT (OMI) ON AURA SATELLITE FOR weather conditions as well as AUGUST 2007 AND 2008 FOR BEIJING AND SURROUNDING REGIONS anti-pollution measures.

There are important lessons to be learned from the Beijing experience.

The Games as a catalyst

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games accelerated efforts to improve air quality and provided new perspectives on environmental protection. Beijing authorities had long term plans in place to improve air quality, but the Games gave added impetus for aggressive implementation.

Examples include the rapid adaptation of new Euro vehicle standards, improvements to fuel Source: (Streets et al., 2008) quality and the introduction of

34 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES cleaner vehicle technologies, all of which are discussed in the Transport chapter.

The range of temporary measures for the Games provided opportunities to target and

implement short term source © Ullstein - Eckel/Still Pictures reductions, and the experience gained will be of considerable value in the development of future air quality management plans.

Public awareness

The Games greatly increased public awareness of air quality. Beijing residents and visitors enjoyed the results of emission controls and, in some cases, played an active role in helping with the measures.

Improved air quality during the Games proved to the public that control measures can have an immediate impact on air quality. As such the public are pressing for continued efforts to sustain the improved quality of life Anti-pollution measures and favourable weather conditions combined to let Beijing get on with the show experienced during the Games. Short term measures, such as the restricted use of private cars, have been extended. This public partnership with the EPB should have long-term benefits, even though the precise effect attain the air quality goal set for controls on the local sources A case study for others of the new regulation is yet to be the Beijing Olympics. in Beijing and by controlling quantified as people have taken emissions from industry and The Beijing Olympic Games to buying two cars – one with These findings are confirmed by a power plants in the surrounding experience produced a valuable an odd numbered plate for use follow-on modelling study which regions. This sentiment was case study to help other cities in on odd numbered days and one found that regional emissions reflected in the measures China (and elsewhere) manage with an even numbered plate for from industries and power plants implemented during the Beijing their air quality. As other use on even numbered days. (See had the biggest impact on Beijing Olympic Games period. The cities address their air quality also Transport chapter). pollution levels. However, it was regional nature of air pollution problems, the lessons learned in found that in the periods with is expected to be important in Beijing are of direct value. Of Regional collaboration the highest pollution levels the other regions in China (e.g., the particular value are lessons learnt local emission sources played Pearl River Delta) and will be an from the implementation of The Games lent support for a more important role. It was important element in future air permanent measures focused on the implementation of regional recommended that long-term quality management plans. the transport and energy sectors. control strategies. In the build control strategies should be based up to the Olympics discussions on regional-scale collaborations, The need for regional strategies They also include the experiences began to guage the extent to which and that emission abatement in controlling Beijing’s air quality associated with the leveraging surrounding sources contributed of local sources may be more is gaining recognition. However of important high profile to Beijing air quality. Streets et al., it is not clear what the impacts of events to accelerate air quality effective in lowering the PM10 (2007) published a study based on concentration levels on the heavy the controls within Beijing had on improvement efforts. Many cities the US EPA’s Models-3/CMAQ pollution days. the air quality of the surrounding are planning for high profile model simulation over the Beijing areas. This assessment would events and will benefit from the region. They concluded that Better air quality therefore could provide valuable information Beijing experience. Such events controlling only local sources in be attained during the Olympics regarding regional air quality include the Asian Games in Beijing would not be sufficient to by placing effective emission management. Guangzhou, the EXPO-2010 in

35 AIR QUALITY

Shanghai, the Commonwealth In undertaking effective ozone information during the Games Games would provide valuable Games in Delhi (2010), and the control measures, it is essential was VOC-limited. This implies insights into the development of World Cup in South Africa in to understand what factors affect that future efforts to reduce strategies to reduce PM2.5 levels. 2010. Beijing’s ozone levels. This is ozone levels will need to focus It is useful to note that Beijing not straight forward as ozone is on additional and more effective EPB plans to begin monitoring Ozone a secondary pollutant and the VOC reduction measures. This PM2.5 from 2009. ambient levels depend on both conclusion is consistent with the Emerging air pollution problems the absolute and relative amounts findings of the studies by Wang There is also a growing need such as ozone need to be of NOx and VOC precursors. If Z. (2008) and Chou e al., (2009) to examine the impact of the addressed. A cause of respiratory NOx is the limited precursor, that also found that summertime various control measures on CO2 problems, ozone is the primary then emission reductions of NOx ozone in Beijing is VOC-limited. emissions. The pollution control constituent of smog and is will lead to lower ozone levels. measures put in place since 2000 found in elevated concentrations However, if VOCs are limited, In a similar vein, while China were focused on the priority around most major cities during then changing NOx emissions does not have an air quality pollutants and did not consider the warmer months. may have little (or negative) standard for PM2.5, it is likely their impact on CO2 emissions. impact on ozone levels. Under that future air quality concerns Data for ambient ozone levels these conditions reductions in Beijing relating to particulates However, there is growing in Beijing was not available so of VOCs are needed to lower will focus more attention on the emphasis on the effects of measures to curb CO emissions. it was not possible to evaluate ozone. smaller particles (PM2.5), as the 2 changes to ozone levels in the city health effects are more closely The ideal would be to find and since 2000 or during the Games. The limited information available related to smaller particles. An implement measures that reduce

However, it is almost certain that on ozone levels in Beijing during analysis of the impacts of the pollution levels and CO2. Many of ozone levels within Beijing at the Olympics (that is, the CMA control measures on observed the measures adopted by Beijing times are high, and that ozone analysis of observations discussed levels of PM2.5 in Beijing over had positive implications for CO2 will become a priority pollutant. earlier) suggests that ozone time and during the Olympic levels in the atmosphere (e.g., the increase in the use of natural gas, the improved energy and fuel efficiencies). It is recommended that the impact of the established Despite improvements, there is still significant scope to improve Beijing’s air quality. pollution measures (permanent

and temporary) on CO2 emissions be estimated. This information will be of value in the development of future air quality and climate change management plans.

Ongoing management of air quality

The great efforts to reduce pollution levels in Beijing during the Games present an opportunity to further evaluate the control strategies employed.

The improvement in air quality during the Games was a combination of the measures employed by Beijing municipal authorities and favourable meteorological conditions. More detailed analysis of the observations of air quality and meteorology should produce valuable insights into the effectiveness of the control strategies.

© BOCOG Continued efforts to document activities are also recommended to see if permanent measures

36 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES remain in place and are enforced, same as Japan’s but higher than and to assess the extent to those for India, the EU and the which other factors, such as USA. © Xinhua the economic climate influence emission reduction actions, such Air Pollution Index as plans for relocating or closing industrial plants. In China the term ‘Blue Sky Day’ describes days with an API value Meanwhile, as shown in Table 2.1, of 100 or less. Note that in all the PM10 air quality standard in countries using API systems, the Beijing remains a concern. Over value ‘100’ designates good air time, the standards are likely to quality. However, the associated become more stringent and will levels of the pollution that are need to be if pollution levels are designated ‘good’ are determined to be reduced substantially – by by the air quality standard, which an additional 50 per cent (based can vary considerably between on the data in Table 2.2). countries. For example, an API A ‘Blue Sky Day’ in Beijing. value of 100 in the EU would China faces great challenges in correspond to a maximum daily the battle to improve air quality, PM10 concentration of 50 g/m3, both in Beijing and nationally. while in China an API of 100 While the evidence presented could have a PM10 concentration in this chapter shows pollution as high as 150 g/m3. Therefore, levels have decreased and the ‘good’ air quality, as defined by city’s residents and visitors have the API, is relative. enjoyed more Blue Sky Days, there remains significant room to improve Beijing’s air quality. © Michael Reynolds/epa/Corbis

2.8 APPENDIX

WHO guidelines China began adopting stricter auto emission standards to The current Chinese Air tackle traffic congestion. Quality Class II Standards set concentration targets at or slightly higher than the 2000 WHO guidelines. However, for CO2 FIGURE 2.9: COMPARISON OF AMBIENT PM10 AIR QUALITY STANDARDS the Chinese standard is lower, or therefore more strict. The Chinese standards are significantly higher, or less strict, than the 2005 WHO guidelines, and are also higher than the interim values (except that the SO2 24-hour mean is equal to the Interim-1 WHO value).

Particulates

PM10 is a key contributor to violations of air quality standards in the summer (i.e. when the Games took place). A comparison between China’s annual PM10 air quality standard and those of other Asian countries, the USA, the European Union (EU) and the 2005 WHO guidelines is presented in Figure 2.9. It shows China’s PM10 standard is the Source: WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Figure from BAQ 2006

37 © Getty images

38 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

39 © AP Associated Press

40 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Chapter 3 TRANSPORT

Once known for its chaotic roads teeming with bicycles, Beijing is now homeOnce known to around for its 3.5 bicycle million traffic, vehicles. Beijing is now home to around 3.5 million vehicles. Commitments to solve the traffic and pollution Strongproblems commitments were prominent in to the solve city’s the Olympic bid. traffic and related pollution problems featured in the city’s Olympic bid.

Games ticket holders benefitted from free public transport, including on Beijing’s expanded metro system.

41 TRANSPORT

Beijing is a sprawling city. The 3.1 VEHICLE EMISSION Vehicle emission standards Sulphur also poisons or reduces urban area occupies 1,040 km² CONTROL STRATEGIES the effectiveness of vehicle but the city itself spreads across The first strategy was the gradual emission control technologies a vast 16,000 km², posing a range Vehicle emissions contribute introduction of new vehicle resulting in increased vehicle of transport challenges for China’s to poor urban air quality. The emission standards. Between 1998 emissions of CO, NOx, PM and capital and its 16 million citizens. main pollutants from vehicles are and 2008, Beijing moved from hydrocarbon (HC). This was a key carbon monoxide (CO), unburned the Euro I to Euro IV emission strategy, and the Beijing Olympics Beijing’s goals to improve hydrocarbons or volatile organic standards. provided the stimulus to achieve public transport and related compounds (HC or VOC), nitrogen this improvement with remarkable infrastructure, and curb emissions oxides (NOx), and particulate In 1999, the Beijing Municipal speed. from motor vehicles were: matter (PM). Government implemented the National First Phase Emission Beijing’s Euro 1 equivalent % Improve transport infrastruc- Since 2000, the number of vehicles Gasoline Standards equivalent regulation limited the sulfur ture by constructing new in Beijing has doubled. However, to Euro 1. In 2003, the National content in gasoline to a maximum roads; due to a concerted effort by Beijing Second Phase Emission Standards of 800 ppm (parts per million), authorities and residents, the (Euro II) came into force. The while Euro II equivalent regulations % Promote public transportation concentrations of CO and nitrogen third phase of this project was of 2004 limited sulfur content to by creating a new Olympic dioxide (NO ), has not increased. implemented in September a maximum of 500 ppm in both Transport System, and 2 2006 (Euro III) by Beijing and diesel and gasoline. Emission control regulations % Promote and improve the Guangzhou. In 2008, the National imposed on new and existing city’s existing networks. Fourth Phase Standards equivalent Euro III equivalent emission vehicles, combined with clean to Euro IV were introduced, along regulations further reduced levels In addition, the Beijing Municipal fuels technology, were major with a Euro IV standard for heavy to 150 ppm in gasoline and 350 Government made a pledge to: contributors to reducing pollution duty vehicles. ppm in diesel when introduced in from vehicles. Financial incentives September 2006. Finally, in January % Use clean fuels in 90 per cent and new traffic planning strategies Fuel quality improvement 2008, with the introduction of Euro of Beijing’s public buses; were also created to help Beijing’s IV equivalent emission regulations, environment cope with a growing To meet the new emission % Use clean fuels in 70 per cent the sulphur levels in gasoline car population against the standards, improvements to fuel of Beijing’s taxis; and diesel were down to 50 ppm, backdrop of a ‘Green Olympics’. quality were critical. Reduced qualifying for classification as ‘low % Implement the Euro II sulphur levels in fuel, moving from sulphur’. standard for light duty Transport measures related to what is commonly referred to as vehicles by 2004, and air quality focused on five key ‘dirty’ fuel, cuts direct emissions According to the Beijing EPB, this strategies. of both sulphur oxide and sulphate was a 90 per cent reduction from % Use clean fuel vehicles in the particulate matter from all vehicles, 2004 standards. It also meant the Olympic Transport System. old and new. sulphur levels met the global target for the UNEP Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) program, an initiative which assists developing countries to reduce FIGURE 3.1: NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND NO AND CO CONCENTRATIONS 2 vehicle air pollution through IN BEIJING, 1992-2008 the promotion of lead-free, low sulphur fuels and cleaner vehicle standards and technologies.

Vehicle inspection and testing

The third strategy was to increase efforts in managing, inspecting and testing of in-use vehicles. In 2001 Beijing introduced a Vehicle Environmental Labeling System. Green labels were issued for vehicles which meet the emission standards, and yellow labels for vehicles which did not meet the emission standards. Vehicles without labels were not allowed to enter Beijing.

Source: Beijing EPB and Traffic Management Bureau

42 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Official inspection centres issued taken off the road. In 2005, 2,335 Restricted vehicle access 3.2 PUBLIC TRANSPORT the environmental labels after more buses and 15,000 more taxis vehicles were tested. By 2006, were pulled off the road. These Information gathered from the The fifth strategy focused on 218 test lines were in operation by vehicles were replaced by new management, inspection and improving Beijing’s public 2006, with a capacity to test up to buses using compressed natural gas testing program was used in the transport system and access to it. 3 million vehicles per year. (CNG) and taxis complying with fourth strategy which focused It included plans to expand the the environmental regulations. In on restricted access to the city subway network and increase the On-road inspectors and centres total, 3,759 CNG buses were put for highly polluting vehicles (and bus fleet and the use of clean fuels were positioned at major gateways into operation by 2006. CNG buses later, vehicles in general) as well as in new buses. leading into the city. Checks and emit lower emissions compared to an accelerated schedule to retire or inspections also took place within equivalent diesel buses, especially replace old vehicles. Infrastructure improvement the city itself. In 2001, 651,000 particulates, NOx, CO and HC Major programmes were rolled vehicles were inspected when when using catalytic convertors. Measures were implemented out to create an environmentally they entered Beijing. Of these, CNG buses also have lower engine to prevent pollution caused by 490,000 were non-local vehicles noise levels and are lower cost ancient fuel storage and filling sound transport system that could entering the city. In 2002, 510,000 compared to diesel. methods. In 2001, gas recirculation cater for the Olympic Games and vehicles from outside Beijing were devices were implemented in beyond. Seventy-seven new roads inspected out of a total of 592,000 In addition 500 ppm sulphur fuel urban filling stations, oil storage and bridges were constructed. road vehicles. In 2004, 570,000 presented the opportunity to use centres and petroleum refineries. Most new roads were built in the vehicles were inspected. Tests emission control technologies. In addition, sealing systems were northern part of the city around resulted in vehicles being taken off Over 5,000 heavy duty vehicles added to fuel storage tanks. Close the Olympic Green (see Figure 3.2 the road, while others were sent including buses and postal vehicles to 100 petrol stations in Beijing on page 46). for improvement or given stickers. were retrofitted. The low sulphur installed recycling fuel nozzles fuel enabled the use of distillate and improvements were made to An additional 200 km of railway In 2004, 12,000 old vehicles were particulate filters further reducing curb emissions from VOCs at the track was constructed, bringing eliminated. In 2005, 4,827 diesel emissions by up to 90 per cent. unloading stage. the total number of railway tracks buses and 32,000 old taxis were

Beijing now has one of the largest compressed natural gas bus fleets in the world. © AP Associated Press

43 TRANSPORT from four to eight. By 2008, the greater use of public transport. In addition, during this period, only Free public transport for ticket operating capacity of underground Immediately prior to the Olympic 30 per cent of the total government holders and above-ground urban railways Games, starting from 1 July until office vehicle fleet was allowed on To encourage the use of public was 4 million passengers a day. 20 September 2008, effirts were the road. The total number of buses doubled stepped up to get more vehicles off transport during the Games, all to a total of 20,000 between 1991 the roads. If 400,000 yellow labeled vehicles ticket holders had free access to and 2007. are included, 2 million vehicles public transport (metro and public A total of 400,000 yellow-labeled buses) for 24 hours on the day daily were not supposed to operate Vapour recovery facilities at petrol vehicles were not allowed on the ticket was to be used. Guests during this period. pumps in service stations (which the roads in Beijing, and almost and spectators with Olympic half of the 3.4 million registered reduced VOC emissions) also accreditation also had free access vehicles were restricted to run on In order to fulfill the bid helped ensure in-service buses and to public transport throughout the alternative days by the ‘odd-even commitments, BOCOG provided taxis met emission standards. Games. alternative day-off rule’. The rule low or zero emission vehicles with stipulated that vehicles with odd 3.3 TRANSPORT MEASURES low noise to transport Olympic The cost of the metro and public numbered license plates could only DURING THE GAMES Family members at the Olympic buses in Beijing is much cheaper be driven on odd numbered days Park and Olympic Villages. than public transport in other Temporary transport measures only, and vice versa for number cities in China. A metro ride in were also introduced to help curb plates ending in an even number. vehicle emissions and promote Buses and taxis were exempt.

The ‘odd-even alternative day-off’ rule put in place ahead of the Games may have prompted some Beijing residents to buy a second car. © Getty images

44 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Beijing costs 2 yuan ($US0.30) % Heavy duty vehicles that do 3.4 COMMENTS AND at any one time in Beijing. This while the same ride in Shanghai not meet the Euro III emission RECOMMENDATIONS should also include marine vessels costs 5 yuan (US$0.75) or more. standards are not allowed in and locomotive engines. The Games played a crucial role in These measures ensured that less the city between 6:00 am and convincing oil refineries to begin With 1,000 new vehicles registered people relied on the use of personal 9:00 pm, and producing fuel to meet new Euro III daily, and a heavily crowded public vehicles during the Games. % The ‘odd-even alternative day and Euro IV-equivalent emission transport system, Beijing needs to standards for Beijing. This laid the Post-Games measures off’ rule has been adapted further expand its public transport to a ‘one day off a week rule’ groundwork for a greener future capacity by constructing more for Beijing after the 2008 Olympic The Beijing Municipal Govern- whereby vehicles are not subways or railways. and Paralympic Games. ment has extended some of the allowed on the road one day per week, according to their To curb vehicle emissions, the temporary measures until April The integrated approach taken odd or even number plate. For following policy options should be 2009. These include: in fuels and vehicles on emission example vehicles with license considered: reduction should be pursued plate numbers ending in one % Vehicles with yellow labels are not only to buses and trucks % provide tax cuts for clean or six are not permitted on the not allowed beyond 5th Ring but also on off-road vehicles vehicles and increase taxes on road on Mondays. Weekends Road (an express highway that such as construction vehicles more polluting vehicles); are not included. encircles the city in a 14 km given that there are thousands of radius from the city centre); construction projects taking place

45 TRANSPORT

% ensure that old, inefficient The number of registered heavy Asian Games, and Shanghai, venue vehicles will be replaced by duty vehicles in China is forecast of World Expo 2010, will be of smaller, more fuel efficient to reach 400 million by 2030, an regional and national benefit. Both vehicles; eight-fold increase from 50.08 cities are working to improve air million in 2005. Heavy duty quality, for example by cleaning up © Getty Images % impose heavier taxation for their vehicle fleets, and could learn owning additional cars; vehicles therefore offer significant scope to achieve improvements in from the Beijing experience. % charge congestion fees to curb air quality. China should consider passenger cars from entering synchronizing the national Contribution to emissions crowded areas, and emission standards for fuel prior reduction to the introduction of Euro IV In August 2008, the concentration % provide incentives to boost nationally in 2010, as announced of NO2 was 60 per cent less than at the purchase of cars fueled by the Central Government. This the same time in previous years, by hydrogen or other clean would allow expansion of the Light while SO2 levels were down by 30 fuels, and develop measures Duty Vehicle national roadmap to per cent. The temporary transport- to promote greater use of cover heavy duty vehicles which focused measures may be credited electric vehicles. currently dominate the vehicle for reducing these emissions, segment at 88 per cent and are particularly for NO2 (see Figure Beijing will be impacted by forecast to remain dominant at 2.3). As discussed in Chapter 2, the vehicles coming in from other 53.5 per cent by 2030. regions and conversely its vehicles weather contributed to improved will move outside of Beijing and Expanding the Beijing Municipal air quality during the Games in be harmed by ‘dirty’ fuels available Government’s successful tandem with the suite of pollution in other regions. It is therefore experience on sustainable transport reduction initiatives implemented recommended that the integrated system and vehicle emission control by BOCOG and other Beijing approach involving fuels and to other cities with forthcoming authorities. vehicles taken in Beijing be major international events such pursued at the national level. as Guangzhou, venue of the 2010

FIGURE 3.2: NEW ROAD AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION, BEIJING

(Roads: green. Bridges: blue)

Source: Beijing Transportation Research Centre

46 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Visitors walk past bullet trains at a station in Beijing in July 2008 the latest high-speed intercity railway transport between Beijing and Tianjin.

Although levels of air pollutants For example, the effectiveness of UNEP concludes the Games met national standards during the limiting the number of cars on contributed a great deal to Olympic period, the contribution Beijing’s roads via the ‘odd-even increasing public awareness of of each measure to the overall alternative day-off rule’ and ‘one the benefits of reducing vehicle reduction in emissions is not clear. day off a week rule’ is unclear emissions, which should smooth This is because there has not been because there is growing evidence the way for the Beijing authorities an objective evaluation of each the rules may have prompted some and China’s Central Government measure. residents to buy a second car. to implement future sustainable transport initiatives.

47 © Getty images

48 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

49 © Getty images

50 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Chapter 4 ENERGY

Energy was an important element in Beijing’s pursuit of a ‘Green Olympics’.

In 2001, when Beijing was awarded the Games, its skyline was dominated by coal-fired power plants and millions of households and businesses depended on coal-fired stoves.

Many activists called upon China to harness clean energy for the Games.

51 ENERGY

Reducing Beijing’s dependence on during the Tenth Five Year Plan reduce coal use and switch to with an annual consumption of coal and improving energy efficiency (2001-2005) Beijing’s economy cleaner energy such as natural gas, 20 tonnes or less) were switched and air quality were a priority for the grew by 12 per cent every year. As geothermal energy, district heating to cleaner fuels. In the year 2000, Games’ organizers. Among the key such, the total energy consumption networks, wind energy and other 6,829 boilers and 44,000 coal- Olympic commitments set by Bei- in the Chinese capital increased by renewable options. fired furnaces and stoves were jing, the following were on energy: 5 – 10 per cent each year during converted. As shown in Table Coal-burning boilers had long been this period (Figure 4.1). Total 4.1, more than 15,000 boilers out % Construction of a second a major source of air pollution in emissions of air pollutants also of a total 16,000 in Beijing were Shan-Jing gas pipeline with a Beijing. The Beijing Environment transport capacity of 4-5 billion increased. Protection Bureau (EPB) identified renovated by the end of 2006. m3 per year by 2007; two strategies to reduce emissions In order to develop sustainably Natural gas supply expanded from by coal-burning boilers: conversion % Conversion of coal burning and meet the city’s Games 1 billion m3 in 2000 to 3.8 billion to clean energy for small-scale boilers in urban areas, 3 commitments, Beijing’s energy plants and the complete technical m in 2006. The total length of increased use of clean fuels and system needed to be diversified. renovation of larger-scale plants. city’s gas pipeline reached 11,000 energy structure readjustment; The Beijing authorities stepped km and 3.5 million households up an ambitious programme to Small coal-burning boilers (those were connected to natural gas in % Extending district heating supply to over 50 per cent of the urban residential area and increasing electricity and FIGURE 4.1: ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN BEIJING, 2001-2006 geothermal heating coverage to 16 million m2;

% Clean fuels would be used by 90 per cent of Beijing’s public buses and 70 per cent of all taxis;

% The reduction and control of industrial pollution, for example by closing down enterprises deemed to be heavy polluters or high energy consumers, and

% Relocation, closure or renovation of heavy polluting and energy consuming plants in the Beijing southeast area and Shijingshan district. Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics and Beijing Energy Conservation and Environment Protection Centre

To fulfil its commitments, Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics and Beijing Energy Conservation and Environment Protection Centre Beijing’s Municipal Government conducted a city-wide overhaul of its energy infrastructure. It implemented several measures to reduce the city’s dependency on TABLE 4.1: COAL-BURING BOILERS RENOVATED AND THERMAL HEATING coal and to improve air quality, AREA AND NATURAL GAS SUPPLY, 2000-2006 and some of these are discussed in chapters two and three. Beijing No. of coal-burning boilers renovated Total thermal heating area Natural gas Year also used the Games venues and (less than 20 tonnes of coal per year) (million m2) (billion m3) sites to showcase and promote 2000 6,829 - 1.0 up-to-date renewable energy 2001 2,041 5.36 1.4 innovations and efficient uses of 2002 1,763 13.67 1.8 energy. 2003 1,914 76.52 2.2 4.1 CHANGES IN ENERGY 2004 1,037 87.77 2.5 STRUCTURE 2005 - - 3.1 2006 1,479 - 3.8 According to the Beijing Reform and Development Commission, Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics and Beijing Energy Conservation and Environment Protection Centre

52 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

TABLE 4.2: PRIMARY, SECONDARY, TERTIARY INDUSTRY RATIO, BEIJING

Year Primary industry Secondary industry Tertiary industry 2000 2.5% 32.7% 64.8% 2006 1.0% 28.0% 71.0% Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Statistics and Beijing Energy Conservation and Environment Protection Centre

TABLE 4.3: TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION PER 10,000 YUAN OF GDP

Energy Consumption Decrease Rate of Energy Total Energy Consump- Terminal Consumption per 10,000 yuan GDP Consumption per 10,000 tion (10,000 ton of SCE) (10,000 ton of SCE) Year (ton of SCE) yuan GDP (%) Amount Equivalent Amount Equivalent Amount Equivalent Amount Equivalent 1996 3734.5 3416.8 3578.4 2966.0 2.09 1.91 2.75 2.99 1997 3719.2 3358.4 3568.3 2921.0 1.79 1.62 9.60 11.11 1998 3808.1 3437.9 3654.9 2990.1 1.60 1.45 6.88 6.25 1999 3906.6 3558.6 3749.0 3099.5 1.46 1.33 7.38 6.67 2000 4144.0 3713.5 3946.3 3171.7 1.31 1.17 5.07 7.14 2001 4229.2 3767.0 4036.6 3241.1 1.14 1.02 8.40 8.55 2002 4436.1 3922.1 4234.1 3384.4 1.02 0.91 5.83 6.54 2003 4648.2 4122.7 4475.9 3610.6 0.93 0.82 6.19 6.00 2004 5139.6 4521.9 4928.0 3928.5 0.85 0.75 2.83 3.19 2005 5521.9 4825.1 5323.1 4232.5 0.80 0.70 3.88 6.67 Note: Energy consumption per 10,000 yuan GDP is calculated at current prices, and decreasing rate is at comparable prices. Source: Beijing Statistical Yearbook (2006)

2006 compared to 1.3 million in facilities, and installed end-of- % heat conservation and their consumption by 11 per cent 2000. pipe desulfurization systems to insulation techniques for through renovations to existing reduce pollution. outer walls; office buildings and improved In addition, the Beijing EPB energy-saving behaviour by staff. In launched a project to convert to Also, as a strategy to ensure % new types of energy saving 2006, 10 government departments electricity the many coal fired better air quality for the Games, windows and doors, and were selected for energy saving stoves operated by restaurants, an aggressive programme and technical renovation pilot businesses and households. As a was implemented in which % combining the supply of heat, projects. result, more than 6,000 restaurants heavy polluting factories were power and cooling utilities. and 11,000 households switched either shut down, renovated or Switching to clean energy and from coal to electricity for heating relocated. Olympic venues showcased these improving energy efficiency between 2003 and 2006. In the techniques. According to BOCOG, had a positive effect. Energy Historic Old Beijing Protection The overall energy structure in all the venues had energy saving consumption per 10,000 yuan Area, in Old Hutong, 90,000 Beijing changed with shifts in the fencing structures with insulation of GDP in Beijing decreased households were converted to city’s economic structure. As more and thermal storage. The National gradually to 0.75 TCE (tonnes of electric heating by 2008. of the economy moved from raw Indoor Stadium, Olympic Village, coal equivalent) in 2006; 43 per production (primary industries) Media Village, Wukeson Indoor cent less in 2006 than in 2001, an A total of 288 million yuan (US to service industries (tertiary Stadium and Tennis Centre annual decrease of 7 per cent (see $38.37 million) was invested in industries), pollution decreased in adopted “LOW-E” double glazing, Table 4.3 and Figure 4.2). the project. About 90,000 families the city (see Table 4.2). which lowered energy consumed benefited from the conversion by air-conditioning and improved 4.3 RENEWABLE ENERGY process by the end of 2008. 4.2 IMPROVED ENERGY thermal comfort for athletes, EFFICIENCY officials and spectators. Reclaimed To improve air quality and achieve Unlike the small scale burners which water from the Qinghe Sewage its energy saving goals for the Games, the Beijing Municipal were converted or replaced, large National standards for energy- Treatment Plant was used to Government accelerated the coal burning facilities still exist. saving buildings were implemented provide cooling and heating for development of renewable energy. Beijing implemented measures on a mandatory basis for new the Olympic Village. to ensure that the large scale buildings. Accordingly, the By 2006, solar power was the city’s boilers adopted high efficiency following new techniques and Government offices took the lead main source of renewable energy dust removal technologies; products were adopted in new in energy conservation. In 2005, 54 (Figure 4.3). The use of solar heaters controlled dust in coal storage buildings: government departments reduced

53 ENERGY

FIGURE 4.2: ENERGY CONS UMPTION PER 10,000 YUAN GDP, 2000-2006 to 240,000 tonnes of coal, and small hydroelectric power equates to 14,000 tonnes of standard coal (See Figure 4.3).

Green Lighting Project

To achieve further energy savings, a green lighting project was launched in Beijing in 2004. According to the Beijing Development and Reform Commission, through the program 1.8 million energy- efficient lights were in use in Beijing by 2006. Greenpeace cooperated with BOCOG to promote the switch to energy-efficient lights in schools. Over 1.5 million lights were installed in 2,000 primary and secondary schools, and 300,000 lights in government buildings, hotels, restaurants and universities.

Source: Beijing Statistical Yearbook (2006) and 2007 Beijing Energy Development Report The Development and Reform Commission estimates that the project now saves 39 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which in turn has the in Beijing reached 3.4 million m2 in completed in 2007, supplies almost FIGURE 4.3: RENEWABLE ENERGY STRUCTURE IN 2006, an increase of 17.6 per cent 100 million kilowatt-hours of BEIJING, 2006 from the previous year. electricity to Beijing. According to Greenpeace, clean wind energy The size of solar photovoltaic accounted for 20 per cent of projects reached 775 kilowatts, electricity used in the venues generating 1.13 million kilowatt- during the Games. Construction of Utilization Structure of hours of electricity. a second wind farm at Guanting is due to be completed by 2010. Renewable Energy (2006) Over 120,000 solar powered street lamps (among the highest number The Beijing Environment and Biomass in the world) were installed in Sanitation Group and French (7.6 %) Beijing, particularly around the company, Veolia, cooperated in Olympic venues. Solar panels were the construction of Asuwei landfill a standard feature in Olympic marsh gas electricity generation venues and generated power for project in 2006. The project lighting and heating. supplies now electricity to 17,000 households each year. The Beijing authorities also Geothermal invested in geothermal heating By the end of 2006, the use of Energy demonstration projects. Between renewable energy amounted to (26.9 %) Solar Power 1999 and 2006, 174 new geothermal an equivalent of 892,000 tonnes (63.9 %) wells were constructed, of which of standard coal. This was a 35.6 141 provided heating to the city. per cent increase from 2004. By the end of 2006, a surface area of Asuwei can manage 13 million m3 Hydro Electric Power 2 6.6 million m had been connected of methane each year to generate (1.6 %) to the municipal geothermal well 20 million kilowatt-hours of system. This removed the need to electricity, which has an effect of burn an estimated 180,000 tonnes reducing 100,000 tonnes of carbon Total : 892,000 tons of standard coal of coal each year, thus reducing dioxide emissions annually. The annual sulfur dioxide emissions by use of solar power equates to more than 5,000 tonnes. 570,000 tonnes of standard coal, accounting for 63.9 per cent of the A 50,000 kilowatt-capacity total renewable energy consumed. wind farm at Beijing Guanting, Use of geothermal energy equates Source: 2007 Beijing Energy Development Report

54 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES effect of reducing 1,164 tonnes of It is clear the Olympic Games to creating a greener backdrop for renewable energy, and promoting accelerated the introduction of SO2, 1,700 tonnes of NOx (Nitrogen the 2008 Olympic Games. greater energy efficiency of Oxides), and 38,700 tonnes of CO efficient energy infrastructure in industries and buildings. emissions every year. Beijing. The Games venues were In the meantime though, the used to showcase best practices city remains heavily reliant on Future energy-saving policies in 4.4 COMMENTS AND in renewable energy and energy coal and total consumption has Beijing must stress low-carbon sustainable strategies to reduce RECOMMENDATIONS efficiency, and provided a basis for increased, apart from during 2006. organizers of other mass events to CO emissions and air pollution. Its portion, 40 per cent, of total Since 2001, the Beijing Municipal learn from. More than 20 per cent Low-carbon emitting industries energy consumption, is still high Government has pursued a range of the total electricity consumed could lead China’s future economic and this has major environmental of energy-saving policies and in all the venues was supplied by growth. The Chinese Central measures. Achievements include renewable energy. consequences, ranging from local Government could consider converting more than 15,000 coal- air pollution to the long range offering incentives to such burning boilers to cleaner energy Beijing’s energy infrastructure has transport of toxic elements such as industries. and developing the renewable undergone massive restructuring, mercury. sector. An area of over 100 million with a gradual transition from Greater public awareness of the m2 benefited from a thermal heavy dependence on coal to A more deliberate effort should be need to reduce household carbon heating network and high energy- cleaner energy sources. Although made to reduce coal consumption emissions is also recommended for consuming enterprises were not all measures were specific to in Beijing, in tandem with Beijing and other parts of China. relocated. the Olympics, they contributed increasing the supply of clean and

Many Games venues harnessed solar power. © Sinopictures/Xinhua/Still Pictures © Sinopictures/Xinhua/Still

55 © Associated Press

56 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

57 58 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © getty images

Chapter 5 GREEN COVERAGE AND PROTECTED AREAS

Beijing’s bid to host the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games included ambitious plans for enhancing ecosystems in and around the city.

The vision was to transform Beijing into a greener city with fresh air and more harmony between human beings and nature. It was part of a comprehensive plan to integrate sustainability into the development of the city’s economy and society, for the Games and beyond.

Extensive tree planting and landscaping created a ‘green lung’ in the heart of Beijing.

59 GREEN COVERAGE AND PROTECTED AREAS

Included in Beijing’s bid (see list % Conserve indigenous vegeta- TABLE 5.1: TOTAL AREA COVERED BY THE CITY OF BEIJING of environmental goals on page tion and ecosystems during the Area Surface (km2) 14) were the following specific construction and operation Mountain 10,400 goals for green coverage and phases at all Olympic venues. Plain 4,000 protected areas: To achieve these goals, various Urban districts 2,000 % Achieve 40 per cent green projects were developed, Total 16,400 coverage in the urban including more than 150 actions area (defined as the area Source: Beijing Municipal Administration Commission and Beijing Municipal Bureau specific to the Games. These covered by lawns and the of Parks and Forestry actions, important elements in shadow of trees and bushes); the ‘Green Olympics’ strategy, were designed to have a long term % Establish a green belt impact on the city’s aesthetic 5.1 URBAN AREAS integrated into an ambitious alongside the Fourth Ring beauty and quality of life for its landscaping vision, which Road; 16 million residents. The Games were clearly a catalyst involved greening roads, railways % Realize the ‘Five River Ten for ecological endeavours in and residential areas. Water Road’ green belt project; The measures centred on Beijing. From 2001 to 2008, bodies, in various forms, were establishing three green extensive tree planting and other included in the overall landscape % Accomplish close to a 50 per ecological belts, in the mountains, landscaping was carried out design. cent forest coverage rate; plains and urban districts. They across the Host City, including were implemented by the Beijing the central urban area, newly Green spaces were established % Strengthen natural conser- Municipal Bureau of Parks and developed areas and small towns along 100 roads, including both vation and protection zones, Forestry, within the General on the city’s outskirts. sides of the Second, Third, Fourth such as wetlands and bird Office of Capital Forestation and Fifth Ring Roads. habitats, by establishing pro- Commission, according to a In the central urban area, which tected areas over more than document entitled General was home to the main Olympic Greening works were also carried eight per cent of the munici- Planning of Beijing Municipality. venues, green belts were out along walls, and in high-rise pal area, and

Landscaping the green vision. © Ullstein - Eckel/Still Pictures

60 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Getty Images

61 62 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

© Getty Images areas and car parks. Adding to the scale of Beijing’s greening initiatives, planting took place in 700 old residential areas and on one million square meters of rooftops.

Between 2001 and 2007, a total of 720 green spaces were created in the central area of Beijing. Approximately 8,800 hectares of green space was developed using more than 30 million trees and rose bushes. The area of green space in the city increased by 10,000 hectares, including 46.5 million square meters of lawn.

The planting and care of flowers in the city became an important feature of greening Beijing. Gardens and green spaces were established in areas where people gathered, enabling everyone to see a green space within a 500 meter radius. There are now 178 registered gardens in Beijing, 70 per cent of which have free public access.

For 22 years, Tiananmen Square featured flowers to celebrate China’s National Day and to add to the festive atmosphere during holidays. During the Games, an estimated 40 million flowers decorated the city and welcomed international visitors.

The public green space per capita increased from 9.7 square meters to 12.6 square meters. One legacy of the Games is that trees and flowers now form rings of green belts around the city.

Green coverage in the urban districts in Beijing increased from 36 per cent in 2000 to 43 per cent by the end of 2008, exceeding the Olympic bid goal of 40 per cent.

63 GREEN COVERAGE AND PROTECTED AREAS

The Olympic Green area. It is therefore an integral part 5.3 ‘FIVE RIVERS AND TEN Beijing-Zhangjiakou and the of Beijing’s natural environment. ROADS’ PROJECT (THE second outer ring road. Landscaping was a priority at Reforestation efforts in the PLAIN AREA) Games venues. The showcase mountains intensified during Railways were also included, precinct was the Olympic the 10th Five Year Plan period Launched in 2001, the ‘Five namely the Beijing-Jiujiang and Green, where 900 hectares (2001-2005), when the focus Rivers and Ten Roads Project’ Datong-Qinhuangdao lines. was landscaped using drought- was on increasing the amount was a central part of the strategy resistant and indigenous species. of land covered by forests and to improve the ecosystems and Through the ‘Five Rivers Ten establishing nature, water and overall environmental quality of Roads’ project, green belts An Olympic Forest Park, covering soil conservation areas. the suburban and plain areas of were created along roads and 580 hectares, was also established. Beijing. rivers. The green areas are 200 The park, which features a The success of these efforts metres wide and have an inner wetlands zone, was created to is summarized in Figure 5.2. The five rivers involved were permanent green zone of 20- present a variety of landscapes to According to the Beijing municipal the Yongding, Chaobai, Dasha, 50 metres where arboreal and the public. official inventory for 2000, forest Wenyu and the northern section herbaceous plants are cultivated. coverage in the mountain region of the Great Canal. The 10 roads The remaining area is reserved for intensive cultivation, including 5.2 MOUNTAIN AREAS was 57.2 per cent. By the end included Beijing-Shijiazhuang, of 2004, this figure increased to Beijing-Kaifeng, Beijing-Tianjin- projects that feature intensively The mountainous region around 67.8 per cent. By 2008, the total Tanggu, Beijing-Shenyang, managed plantations, forests and Beijing covers approximately 62 coverage of forested area in the Shunyi-Pinggu, Beijing-Miyun, nurseries. per cent of the city’s administrative mountains reached 70.5 per cent.

FIGURE 5.1. GREEN COVERAGE IN BEIJING URBAN FIGURE 5.2: FOREST COVERAGE RATE IN BEIJING’S DISTRICTS. MOUNTAIN REGION

44 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 Green coverage % coverage Green 36 35 34 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Green coverage in Beijing urban dictricts

Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Parks and Forestry

TABLE 5.2: ‘FIVE RIVERS AND TEN ROADS PROJECT’ (2001-2007)

Year Green belt length (km) Green belt area (ha) Total area (ha)

2001 240 7,006.67 7,006.67 2002 398 9,706.67 16,713.34 2003 238.46 6,689.40 23,402.74 2004 60.78 1,407.68 24,810.42 2007 60.55 346.65 25,157.07 Total 997.79 25,157.07 Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Parks and Forestry

64 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Sinopictures/Ma Wenxiao/Still Pictures Wenxiao/Still © Sinopictures/Ma

Aerial view of the Zhaoling Mausoleum in Liquan County.

By the end of the project’s first projects aimed at reducing which had plagued Beijing for There was active community phase, in September 2004, the sandstorms and soil erosion, and many years. The coverage of participation in tree planting, Municipal Government had improving the air quality in and forests and grasses in these areas following the annual tradition of established green belts with a around Beijing. Sandstorms, increased significantly, helping Beijing’s Tree Planting Day, held on the first Sunday in April. total length of 937 km and a which have plagued Beijing for to reduce the frequency and total forested area of 24,810 decades, are linked to overgrazing ferocity of sandstorms, which in In Beijing, 44,000 trees are now hectares. A second phase, and other land-use activities. Five turn contributed to improving air under personal custody, whereby which involved rehabilitating the sandstorm areas were targeted. quality by reducing the levels of small particulate matter (PM10) individuals take responsibility Beijing-Chengde Highway, was In addition, “no-till” practices to during the peak sandstorm for their care. Government completed in 2007. This increased limit ploughing on bare farmland months of March and April. (See organizations and public service the green belt by 61 km and were established. chapter 2 for more details). units worked together to create added a further 347 hectares. In garden-style working places, and total, the ‘Five Rivers Ten Roads’ Forestation projects were also Community engagement a total of 4,951 garden style units project increased the green area launched in sandstorm-prone were created. by 25,000 hectares (Table 5.2). areas in Hebei and Shanxi Large-scale public participation provinces and in the Inner in green coverage activities helped Student volunteers from schools The planting of trees benefited Mongolia Autonomous Region. realize the vision of a ’Green across Beijing planted trees in the city in several ways. The Beginning in 2001, the projects Olympics, High-tech Olympics Beijing’s nearby mountains forestation activities included aimed to tackle sandstorms and People’s Olympics’.

65 Olympic Forest Park : a visibly greener Beijing greeted athletes and spectators for the Games.

Twelve nature reserves were 11th Five Year Plan (2006-2010). As a result of these achievements, 5.4 PROTECTED AREAS created to protect forests, wild All of the goals were reached, those involved in designing plants and animals, covering even those planned for 2010. and implementing the greening an area of 107,400 hectares; six activities gained confidence in As outlined in UNEP’s 2007 For example, official data indicate reserves were created for the their ability to integrate ecological review, the Municipality of that at the end of 2000, as a result protection of wetlands, covering considerations into city planning. Beijing established its first two of 50 years of urban forestry an area of 21,100 hectares; Furthermore, citizens and visitors nature reserves at Songshan and activities, Beijing had a forested and two nature reserves were to Beijing now feel the city is Baihuashan in the early 1980s,. area of 930,000 hectares and a established to protect geological greener and will reap the benefits In 1986, the Songshan Nature forest coverage ratio of 41.9 per formations, covering an area of of the enhanced quality of life for Reserve was declared a National cent. Since winning the bid to 5,700 hectares. years to come. Nature Reserve. host the Olympic Games, there 5.5 COMMENTS AND was a dramatic expansion in total However, there remain some By late 2006, Beijing was home to forest coverage to 70.5 per cent. 20 nature reserves, seven of which RECOMMENDATIONS concerns and challenges for the future. For example, a were created after 2000. The Beijing’s bid to host the Games In 2008, the green area in the reserves cover an area of 134,200 urban, mountain and plain areas Greenpeace report, China After included a series of ’greening’ The Olympics, commented hectares and account for 8.18 per goals for Beijing and the Olympic of Beijing combined, reached cent of Beijing’s total land area. 51.6 per cent. that: “although Beijing…made venues. The city also established efforts to ’green’ the city through reforestation goals as part of its reforestation projects to provide a

66 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © XINHUANET

Student volunteers from schools across Beijing planted trees in Beijing’s nearby mountains.

© Getty Images undertaken in Beijing are sustained. The long term survival of the trees planted

remains a major concern. Additional © BOCOG efforts are needed to document the survival rates according to species and habitat. more livable urban space and these Documenting the impact of Beijing’s efforts are to be commended, this greening projects on carbon dioxide (CO ) cannot be substituted for policies 2 levels is important as such activities will be that conserve ancient forests and vital in future attempts to document and complex ecological systems”. manage net (difference between carbon sources and offsets) CO emissions. Greenpeace also sites a report 2 which raises concern that planting Therefore, an estimate of the carbon activities may have introduced footprint associated with the various exotic species to the region, greening activities is recommended. namely Rhus typhina L. They It is also important to build upon the point out that in any landscaping lessons learned in Beijing and to capture plan it is important to pay close the experiences through establishing attention to the selection of green coverage guidelines that can be species, irrigation requirements, used to institutionalize best practice in use of pesticides and fertilizers, the integration of greening efforts with and the impacts these choices city planning and construction. will have on the environment.

Another important challenge is to ensure greening efforts Citizens of all ages took part in greening the host city.

67 68 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Sinopictures/Ma Wenxiao/Still Pictures

69 © StillPictures

Chapter 6 WATER

Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2008 placed additional demands on Beijing’s limited water supply and added pressure to improve water resource planning and management.

Beijing made commitments to improve and protect the city’s water resources.

70 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

71 WATER

Water is the critical factor in FIGURE 6.1: BEIJING CATCHMENTS AND SURFACE WATERS This represents about 11 per cent Beijing’s continued development. of China’s national average, and 3 Decades of economic and per cent of the world’s average per population growth, coupled with capita availability of renewable limited water resources, have water resources. caused chronic and increasingly severe water shortages. Beijing’s groundwater table is depleted, and current A lack of water may ultimately withdrawal rates from the table limit the city’s population growth. are unsustainable. Compounding This reality led to sustained the problem, Beijing recently action by all levels of government experienced seven consecutive designated to better manage years of below-average rainfall, as Beijing’s water resources. Hosting shown in Figure 6.2. The city’s the Olympic and Paralympic historic annual average rainfall Games in 2008 placed additional is 585 mm per year. The average demands on Beijing’s limited annual rainfall between 2001 and water supply and added pressure 2007 was just 460 mm. to improve water resource planning and management. Fortunately for Beijing and the Games, in excess of 600 mm In its Olympic bid, Beijing made of rain fell during the first 11 commitments to: months of 2008, including during the Games, helping to replenish % ensure an adequate supply water supply reservoirs and of safe drinking water during provide additional water for the Games; Beijing’s lakes and rivers. % improve and protect the Surface Water: Miyun and water quality of the city’s Huairou reservoirs water supply reservoirs, and With a surface area of 188 % improve the city’s sewage network and wastewater square kilometers and total treatment system. storage capacity of 4.3 billion cubic meters, Miyun Reservoir The latter included treating at Organization (FAO) standard, constrained. Water availability in is Beijing’s largest reservoir. It least 90 per cent of the city’s if the availability of renewable Beijing has decreased from 1,000 was constructed in the 1960s to wastewater by 2008. water is below 1,000 cubic meters cubic meters per capita in 1949, assist with flood control and to per capita, social and economic to less than 230 cubic meters per supply water for Beijing, local Staging the Games and striving development and environmental capita in 2007. agricultural irrigation and power to meet these commitments gave protection will be severely generation. Beijing authorities an opportunity to initiate many projects and FIGURE 6.2: BEIJING RAINFALL, 2000-2008 activities designed to improve the sustainability of the city’s strained water resources.

6.1 WATER SOURCES

Beijing relies on surface water, groundwater and water from the South-North transfer project. Currently, about two-thirds of the city’s water comes from groundwater and one-third is from surface water and the South-North transfer, as shown in Figure 6.1.

According to a United Nations Food and Agriculture

72 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

TABLE 6.1: CHINA’S ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STANDARDS FOR SURFACE WATER

Class I Mainly applicable to Headstream water and National Nature Protection Zones.

Mainly applicable to First-class Protection Zone of Surface Water Resources for Drinking Water, Class II Rare Aquatic Organism Habitat, Spawning Grounds for Fish and Shrimp, Swimming Areas

Mainly applicable to Second-class Protection Zone of Surface Water Resources for Concentrative Class III Drinking Water, Wintering Grounds, Migration Channels

Mainly applicable to Water Resources for General Industry, Water Resources for Entertainment Class IV without Direct Human Contact.

Class V Mainly applicable to Water Resources for Agriculture and General Landscape

Due to the region’s low rainfall and protect its catchment area, source waters. The “Master Plan Specific measures to protect pattern, only about one billion including dividing the reservoir of Sustainable Use of Water surface waters included: cubic meters of water currently into two parts. As a result, one Resources in Beijing in the Early remain in storage. The annual part, Guanting Reservoir, was 21st Century” was adopted to guide % Establishment of protective inflow to the reservoir is about 200 reclassified as Class IV in 2006. upstream local governments on zones around the reservoirs cubic meters, while the outflow The other part, Sanjiadian Lake, water management and planning and relocation of residences approaches 300 cubic meters. supplies water to users and was matters. from Class 1 zones; Thus the water level continues to changed to Class III. Guanting % Protective fencing around Measures to protect Miyun, decline. Huairou Reservoir also Reservoir no longer plays an reservoirs; supplies some water to Beijing. important role in supplying Huairou and Guanting Reservoirs Beijing with water. were implemented throughout % Prevention of erosion; Surface Water: Guanting their catchments. A concept Reservoir The Ming Tomb Reservoir in the of ’clean sub-watersheds’ % Removal of agriculture and Changping District of northern was initiated with the goal of conversion of farmland to The Guanting Reservoir, in the Beijing was the venue for the protecting water supplies while forest and other natural northwest part of the city, was Olympic triathlon. The swimming improving the livelihood of local lands; constructed in 1954 for the took place in the reservoir, while communities by promoting % Relocation of animal farms; purposes of flood control, water cycling and running were held economic development. The supply, agricultural irrigation, around the main dam. effort, carried out in 547 small % Promotion of phosphate-free and power generation. It has a catchments, focused on domestic detergents; storage capacity of 4.16 billion 6.2 SOURCE WATER wastewater treatment, solid cubic meters. Because of water PROTECTION waste management, water way % Elimination of fish-farming shortages and pollution in its and environmental remediation, in the reservoirs; catchment area, by 1997 water Beijing authorities have taken water quality protection, and % Seasonal restrictions on quality in the reservoir was so significant action over the past 20 economic development. recreational fishing in the degraded that it was reclassified years to protect the city’s surface reservoirs; as Class V, suitable only for and groundwater resources. In the The initiatives were designed so agricultural use. However, a 1980s, the municipal government that the surface waters would % Promotion of biological pest number of actions were taken launched a series of policies and meet water quality standards, management; and to improve its water quality regulations designed to protect even under low-flow conditions.

TABLE 6.2: WATER QUALITY IN MIYUN AND HUAIROU RESERVOIRS, 2001-2007

Parameter Water Quality Standard mg/L Miyun Reservoir mg/L Huairou Reservoir mg/L CODMn Less Than 4 2.98-3.50 2.30-3.80- BOD5 Less Than 3 1.10-1.20 1.00-1.30 NH3-N Less Than 0.5 0.046-0.151 0.02-0.083

73 WATER Sinopictures/CNS/Still Pictures Sinopictures/CNS/Still

Olympic sailing at Qingdao.

% Retro-fitting sanitation establishment of protection % Installation of monitoring Well before this commitment facilities. zones in groundwater recharge and protection wells; was made, Beijing authorities areas supplying Beijing. Action % Relocation of graves; and had worked to increase the As a result, water quality has undertaken within these capacity and capability of its % Relocation or strict regulation improved in Miyun and Huairou protection zones included: water treatment plants. Three of polluting industries. reservoirs. The standards for major drinking water plants three main indicators of water % Limitations on construction; 6.3 WATER TREATMENT were upgraded and, as a result, quality are shown in Table 6.2, AND DISTRIBUTION the capacity of Beijing’s plants along with the range of annual % Improvements to the to supply potable water to the average concentrations in the sewerage network; The city of Beijing committed to core area of the city increased reservoirs from 2001-2007. providing an adequate supply of from 2.4 million cubic meters % Upgrading or shutting down safe drinking water to residents, per day to 3.0 million cubic of oil storage centers and Groundwater protection athletes, and visitors during the meters, which exceeded petrol stations; measures included the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Beijing’s bid commitment.

74 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

In 2007, China adopted new com reported that in 2007 Beijing at the plants, the Beijing Health Wastewater treatment drinking water quality standards became the first Chinese city with Department samples drinking that conformed to those tap water safe to drink without water quality in the city by taking Between 2001 and 2007, Beijing recommended by the World Health boiling. samples at the tap in houses and made large investments in sewage Organization. They included businesses. In some cases, water treatment plant capacity. In this 106 parameters, expanding the There was no shortage of potable quality in homes is worse than period, the number of plants number of regulated parameters water during the Olympics. at the plant, due to the materials increased from four to nine, with in China by 71. The Beijing Water Authority used and age of portions of the a combined treatment capacity of confirmed that all residents of water distribution system. To 2.5 million cubic meters per day. According to the Beijing Water Beijing had safe drinking water address this problem, Beijing This capacity was sufficient to Authority, the drinking water by the end of 2008. authorities have initiated a provide treatment of 92 per cent plants now produce potable programme to replace old, of the sewage produced in 2007, water that meet all of the new While water treatment plant substandard pipes in parts of the thereby meeting the Olympic bid standards. Moreover, Chinagate. operators sample water quality distribution system. commitment to treat 90 per cent.

75 WATER

The plants meet the discharge water to the sites where it would 6.5 SURFACE WATER excellent demonstration of what standards shown in Table 6.3. be used, including all of the QUALITY can be accomplished through Olympic venues. an aggressive and creative water Over this period, Beijing also The health and capacity of management strategy. The facilities treat wastewater paid increasing attention to Beijing’s lakes and streams have effluent to a high standard so it management of sludge from suffered due to 25 years of low Water use was minimized by can be used for urban, industrial, wastewater treatment plants. rainfall and the heavy demands equipping Olympic venues with and agricultural purpose. For Facilities were built to ensure upon surface and groundwater water-saving facilities, such as example, the Qinghe treatment safe treatment and disposal, supplies. Many lakes and streams no-flush toilets. Rainwater was plant reclaims more than 30 composting, incineration, and now contain little natural flow and captured and used for onsite million cubic meters of water brick production. Beijing plans suffer from degraded ecological irrigation as well as augmenting per year. This facility serviced the to develop more such facilities in conditions. The city adopted water flow in local waterways. main Olympic precinct, including the near future. improving the water quality and the Olympic village, providing The Olympic Green and Olympic ecological health of its surface Forest Park were designed 6.4 WATER CONSERVATION, water for flow augmentation, waters as a goal, with an initial to capture large volumes of RECYCLING AND REUSE landscaping and irrigation. focus on the city center. The city rainwater. The wetland in Water from the Qinghe facility occasionally used water from the Olympic Forest Park is fed by The size of the city of Beijing also supplies the Haidian and reservoirs to replenish important reclaimed water. Condensation may ultimately be determined Chaoyang districts for urban lakes in the central urban area, from air conditioners was also by water availability. Therefore, use, such as road cleaning and but wastewater effluent was collected and recycled. Porous policymakers recognize they watering roadside plants and increasingly being used for this bricks were used to recharge must promote water efficiency. flowers. purpose. groundwater. Water conservation, recycling, and wastewater reuse are crucial Wastewater effluent from the Municipal authorities also While the tap water at the tools the city’s government has wastewater treatment plants is recognized that restoring lakes Olympic Village met all water used to meet increasing water being used to augment natural and streams to healthy ecological quality standards, it received demand. flows in rivers and supply water conditions meant providing additional treatment onsite to to lakes. adequate water of sufficient reduce its hardness. More efficient use of water quality. by households and industries Close to 500 rainwater- Wastewater from the Olympic was encouraged and water collection projects have also been 6.6 WATER AT OLYMPIC Village was treated onsite by a consumption has dropped over established across the city, in VENUES biological system which used the past decade. Industries were residential and industrial areas. aquatic vegetation in small tanks. encouraged to recycle water to The projects capture rainwater for The construction of Olympic The system treated 2,400 cubic reduce their use of surface and use in watering urban landscapes facilities and renovation of meters of wastewater per day. which has added importance existing buildings to be used groundwater. It is estimated that The Games also drew attention given the significant growth in during the Games gave BOCOG 480 million cubic meters of water to China’s marine water quality green coverage in the city spurred and local authorities an was recycled in 2007—about following an algae outbreak at by the Games. The rainwater opportunity to incorporate state- 14 per cent of the total water the sailing venue, at Qingdao on collectors have the capacity to of-the-art water saving features usage—and it was forecast that China’s east coast. Reportedly provide approximately 40 million in venue designs. 600 million cubic meters would covering 12,900 square kilometers, cubic meters per year. be recycled in 2008. The design strategy included the outbreak in late June 2008, Water reclamation and reuse minimizing water demand, attracted international media was also given a high priority. efficiently using available water attention. To contain the algae, In addition to the wastewater resources - including potable officials in Qingdao reportedly treatment plants, Beijing built water and rainwater – and installed a fenced perimeter in four wastewater reclamation maximizing water reclamation the sea that was more than 50 km plants and new pipes to carry the and reuse. The features serve as an long.

TABLE 6.3: DISCHARGE STANDARDS FOR WASTEWATER EFFLUENT AT BEIJING WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

GB 18918-2002 Standards Parameter Class A mg/L Class B mg/L COD 50 60 BOD5 10 20 NH3-N 5(8) 8(15)

76 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

presented in this chapter and distribution system pipes. a review of recommendations The city should also consider the made by various environmental long-term sustainability of its NGOs. water supply strategy. As Beijing

© Associated Press Recommendations for the continues to grow, its rate of Beijing Municipal Government water withdrawals from aquifers and water supply reservoirs will The Beijing Municipal become unsustainable. The Government should consider the current long-distance water following: transfers may also not remain % Continue to build on water sustainable. management achievements Finally, the ecological needs of during the Games by Beijing’s natural surface waters ensuring that innovative should remain important. water-efficiency measures Beijing authorities and residents employed in Games venues – should strive to ensure that including stormwater capture local catchment management and reuse – are increasingly efforts balance both human and applied throughout the city, ecological needs. especially in all new buildings and developments; Recommendations for the International Olympic % The implementation of Committee water rate structures that would encourage water use In awarding future Olympic reductions; Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should promote Cleaning up an algae outbreak at the sailing venue at Qingdao was a % Requiring individual a wide application of state-of-the- community effort. metering at all households, art water management strategies businesses, and industries; and technologies throughout the The International Herald Tribune reservoirs, resulting in improved % Minimizing leakage in cities hosting Olympic events. reported that: “Water quality has water quality which met the main the city\s water-related The IOC should also strongly been a concern for the sailing indicators for water supply in infrastructure; and promote the adoption of water events, given that many coastal China. management strategies that are % Continuing and enhancing Chinese cities dump untreated sustainable in the long-term Beijing expanded and improved efforts to improve tap sewage into the sea. At the and will benefit host cities well its wastewater collection and water quality by replacing same time, rivers and tributaries beyond the staging of the Games. treatment system. In 2008, the old, substandard water emptying into coastal waters are city achieved the capacity to treat often contaminated with high 92 per cent of its wastewater. levels of nitrates from agricultural Water purification facility. and industrial runoff.” Many of the water-related measures taken by BOCOG 6.7 FULFILMENT and Beijing authorities set high © BOCOG OF OLYMPIC BID standards for efficient water use. COMMITMENTS They serve as an international The commitments relating to example of creative and aggressive water that Beijing made as part measures that can be taken to of its Olympic Games bid were minimize water use, maximize all met. the efficient use of existing water resources and protect the water There were adequate supplies of ecosystems. The measures drinking water during the Games. taken at Beijing Games sites The drinking water produced stand out in this regard, with by the city’s treatment plants the Olympic Village design in met China’s new water quality particular advancing urban water standards, consistent with World management. Health Organization guidelines. 6.8 COMMENTS AND Substantial and permanent RECOMMENDATIONS source-water protection measures were implemented The following recommendations in the catchments of Beijing’s are based on information

77 © Associated Press

78 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

79 CH 7 WASTE © Agence France Presse

80 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Chapter 7 SOLID WASTE

Beijing was upgrading its aging waste management system well before the city was awarded the Games in 2001.

Over the past three decades, investment in solid waste treatment and classification facilities combined with new regulations, policy frameworks, technology and education campaigns have transformed the city’s approach to solid waste management.

A Beijing canal with visible pollution photographed on 2 August 2008, the same week as the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

81 SOLID WASTE

In UNEP’s 2007 Environmental contribution towards achieving incineration and composting programme, waste-generating Review, waste management was the commitments. An additional facilities. Figure 7.1 indicates areas pay 50 yuan (US$7) to identified as an area where Beijing section discusses waste the number of waste treatment waste-disposing areas for every was close to achieving its goals set management in Olympic venues. facilities, including composting tonne of waste to be treated. during the candidature phase. Of and incineration facilities, note in the interim is that Beijing 7.1 DOMESTIC SOLID increased from 17 in 2003 to 32 Technological improvements experienced its fastest population WASTE in 2008. and education campaigns also growth for the past five years in contributed to advancements in 2007, largely due to an influx of The Beijing bid committed In addition, the city invested in waste management. Research migrant labourers recruited to to the establishment of a safe waste classification facilities. conducted in preparation for work on infrastructure projects urban domestic waste disposal Two waste sorting lines were the Games resulted in a series for the Olympic and Paralympic system capable firstly of sorting, recently completed in downtown of technological breakthroughs, Games. or classifying, 50 per cent of all Chaoyang District—one, built including ultra-fine powders domestic solid waste in the city, in Xiaowuji transfer center, is a produced from rubber tires and The efforts of planners to achieve and secondly, able to recycle 30 spectral imaging-based sorting chemical paints produced from the city’s waste management per cent of all domestic solid waste line with a daily capacity of plastic wastes. goals, including supporting produced within the city by 2008. 150 tonnes, and a second, built the sanitation demands of new in Datun transfer center, is an Education programmes and arrivals before and during the Infrastructure and automatic sorting line with a campaigns included a Recyclable Games, provide many lessons programmes daily capacity of 100 tonnes. Both Waste Collection Day that which can inform similar exercises centres are situated within 3 km showcased successful recycling in areas that are also facing waste Beijing’s waste management of the Beijing National Stadium, experiences, a creative Olympic management challenges due to system has been transformed the ‘Bird Nest’. public service advertisement that rapid population growth. from traditional open-air storage encouraged people to do small to a system of sanitary landfills and New regulations and policy things on a daily basis to protect This chapter provides a final integrated treatment facilities. frameworks compliment the the environment and school overview of the efforts made in improvements to Beijing’s environmental programmes that Beijing to keep the city’s waste- Solid waste treatment improved physical infrastructure. Certain allowed students to exchange related Olympic bid commitments substantially when A-suwei shops are now required to charge used paper for flower seeds, in two areas—domestic landfill opened in 1991. A-suwei for plastic bags, which has led pencils and notebooks. solid waste and medical and was influential in ending open-air consumers to reuse cloth bags. radioactive hazardous waste. Bid waste storage and established a A domestic waste compensation Fulfilment of Olympic bid commitments are listed for each new waste management standard mechanism, introduced in 2007, commitments area, and existing and planned which triggered the construction has made solid waste collection Beijing made progress towards programmes and infrastructure of several other landfills, more efficient. Under the developing a safe urban domestic are evaluated according to their waste disposal system. The rate of safe disposal (i.e. landfill, incineration and composting) declined sharply in 2003, but has since increased as shown in Figure 7.2). FIGURE 7.1: WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES IN BEIJING MUNICIPALITY, 2003-2008 In 2004, approximately 81 per cent of waste generated in the city was disposed of safely, while 93 per cent was disposed of safely in 2007. However, the amount of safely disposed waste exceeded designed treatment capacity because safe disposal capacity remained constant from 2005 levels while waste production continued to increase. This has resulted in a gap between the treatment capacity and actual treated amount. For example, the designed daily capacity in Liulitun landfill is 1,500 tonnes but the facility accepts up to 2,500 tonnes on a daily basis. The Source: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau

82 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

FIGURE 7.2: SOLID WASTE SAFE DISPOSAL Games, formed a joint effort to send all waste beverage containers generated in the venues to Yinchuang waste treatment plant for recycling. All garbage containers in the venues were made of recyclable and biodegradable materials.

Approximately seven per cent of food waste was composted in on-site facilities through micro- biological processes, and the products were used as fertilizer, manure or animal feeds. The remainder of food waste was transferred to certified food waste treatment facilities outside the venues for safe disposal and Source: Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau reuse. Olympic organizers achieved lifetime of the Liulitun landfill has seven years. There are currently undergoing pilot tests and are their goal of 100 per cent waste been shortened by seven years as eight certified hazardous waste expected to be in full operation classification and 50 per cent a result. treatment plants in Beijing, of later this year. In total, there will recycling in venues. All competion which two are for medical waste be ten hazardous waste treatment and non-competition venues Nevertheless, Beijing surpassed and six for hazardous waste. facilities in operation by the end practiced 100 per cent solid waste the Olympic bid goals for waste of 2009. classification and 4,688 tonnes of classification and recycling. In In addition, the Beijing a total amount of 6,386 tonnes 2007, the waste classification rate Environment Protection Bureau 7.3 WASTE IN OLYMPIC of waste generated in the venues reached 52 per cent and the re- (EPB) conducts clean production VENUES was recycled. This is a 73 per cent cycling rate reached 35 per cent. audits at steel plants, funds the recycling rate. The achievement of this goal is processing of spent battery and In addition to domestic solid almost certainly related to waste exhausted commercial lights waste and hazardous waste 7.4 COMMENTS AND classification and recycling ef- at Eco-Island hazardous waste commitments, the city established RECOMMENDATIONS forts. By 2007, waste classification treatment plant and relocates a goal to classify 100 per cent and Beijing achieved its domestic and recycling services in 2,255 high polluting factories away recycle 50 per cent of all waste residential communities, high-rise from the city. generated in Olympic venues. solid waste, hazardous waste, and buildings and industrial areas cov- Beijing attempted to reach these Olympic venue classification and ered 27 per cent of the population Fulfillment of Olympic bid goals through initiatives led by recycling commitments. Waste of the city. commitments the city and Olympic sponsors. classification and recycling goals No information was available were exceeded by 2 per cent and 7.2 MEDICAL AND Of the 40,000 tonnes of about steps taken at Olympic 5 per cent, respectively. Further, RADIOACTIVE hazardous waste produced in venues outside Beijing. hazardous and medical waste HAZARDOUS WASTE Beijing in 2008, approximately treatment facilities were been 30,000 tonnes were incinerated Much of the progress toward expanded and updated, all solid The Beijing Olympic bid and 10,000 tonnes were recycled. achieving Olympic venue waste was sorted in venues, contained a commitment to This is a major accomplishment commitments occurred because and the in-venue recycling rate construct hazardous waste considering annual hazardous of the efficient processing of was 23 per cent higher than the management facilities, including waste treatment capacity was food waste. Upon signing an committed level. medical and radioactive waste 2,000 tonnes in 2001. agreement with the Beijing processing and disposal plants, Municipal Administration It is still difficult to determine with an annual disposal capacity The disposal capacity in 2008 Commission in 2007, 155 whether or not Beijing has a safe of approximately 10,000 tonnes. clearly exceeds the Olympic participating governmental urban domestic waste disposal bid commitment. However, organizations, Games contracted system. However, efforts by Infrastructure and authorities attest that the total hotels, and 31 venues committed city planners are resulting in programmes production of hazardous waste is to standardized food waste progress toward this goal. The much larger than the treatment collection and disposal practices. waste classification and recycling Beijing has invested heavily in capacity of certified facilities. rates for the city are expected to medical and hazardous waste In order to partially fill unmet The Coca Cola Company, a reach 60 per cent and 40 per cent treatment facilities over the past demand, two new facilities are Worldwide Partner of the respectively by 2010. It is further

83 SOLID WASTE

These goals will be met, at least classification, and recycling partially, by four new waste education programmes. One disposal plants expected to be possibility is to reform the completed by 2010. The first refuse disposal fee programme. two are located in Liulitun and Fees in areas practicing waste Gao’antun and will service the classification are the same as eight downtown districts. The areas that do not practice waste remaining two are located in classification. Since fees are

Nangong and Dongcun and charged based on the cost of waste Pictures © Sinopictures/CNS/Still will service the eight suburban transfer, the full cost of waste districts. treatment and management is not borne by the waste generators. Despite these estimates and new This leads to two problems: facilities, additional policies and First, the waste management infrastructure could be used department receives less revenue, to increase waste treatment and second, waste treatment is BOCOG passed the ISO 14001 efficiency and capacity. Planners not fully valued by the public. (ed.196) certification audit in should pay particular attention September 2005 and one year As a result, waste management later was also certified according to the suburban districts of improvements are slow to occur. to the new standard. Beijing municipality that have experienced rapid growth in recent Additional possible steps in years. The growing population the area of waste reduction, produces an increasing amount classification and recycling of domestic waste which strains include more comprehensive sanitation processing capacity. policies and regulations, expected that the safe disposal Even greater financial resources increased economic incentives rate for downtown and suburban may be needed to improve waste that facilitate engagement by districts will reach 99 per cent classification, recycling and safe more stakeholders, and better and 90 per cent respectively by disposal in these areas. performance analysis and 2012 and that the recycling rate evaluation methods. Beijing could Planners should also develop A cleaner rides a will reach 45 per cent. also increase safe disposal capacity special bicycle with economic incentives to of domestic and hazardous waste a recycled waste compliment waste reduction, within the city. container.

Beijing’s Beishenshu Landfill is the first in China to feature a Water-Biogas Associated Treatment System. © BOCOG

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85 86 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Sinopictures/CNS/Still Pictures

87 Chapter 8 OLYMPIC SITES Pictures © Sinopictures/CNS/Still AND VENUES

World-class venues provided the stage for world and Olympic record-breaking performances in seven cities during the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Games organizers dedicated special attention to environmental considerations during the design, construction and operational phases of the 37 competition venues and other Games sites.

With meticulous attention to detail, BOCOG ensured the Olympic spirit was on show at sites across Beijing.

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89 OLYMPIC SITES AND VENUES

Thirty-seven competition venues 8.1 VENUE PLANNING AND best be located. According to data energy-saving standards in China were used for the Beijing 2008 MANAGEMENT released by the 2008 Headquarters (DBJ01-621-2005) which were Olympic and Paralympic Games. Office, environmental impact released in 2005 but did not come Of these, 31 were situated in The Beijing Municipalassessments were carried out for into force until 2008. The standards Beijing while six venues – for Government set up a Project all Games venues. The venues imposed a 65 per cent reduction in football preliminaries, sailing and Construction Headquarters were spatially distributed in energy use for residential buildings equestrian competitions – were Office to oversee and coordinate Beijing according to a design (JGJ 24-86) and a reduction of close © AFP Photo/Teh Eng Koon © AFP Photo/Teh in other Chinese cities (Shanghai, construction of the venues and of ‘one centre plus three areas’. to 50 per cent in public buildings (JGJ 26-86). Hongkong, Tianjin, Qingdao, related infrastructure. The This design encompassed one 2008 Headquarters Office Qinhuangdao and Shenyang). central Olympic Green and three According to information from was responsible for designing, districts: the University District, BOCOG, a total of 168 measures Of the 37 venues, 14 were newly planning, managing venue the Western Community District were implemented to reduce built, 14 were renovated and nine construction, coordinating and the Northern Scenic District. energy demand in venues during were temporary structures. venue feasibility studies and the Games and beyond. Here are managing administrative issues Beijing’s ambitious venue some outstanding examples: The National Stadium (the in conjunction with BOCOG. construction programme began so called Bird’s Nest) and the in December 2003. Most venues % The Water Cube hosted National Aquatics Centre As outlined in UNEP’s 2007 were completed by the end of the swimming and diving (the so called Water Cube) Environmental Review, BOCOG 2007. competitions. A unique were stunning architectural developed three documents in heat circulation system was showpieces and quickly became close cooperation with the 2008 The post-Games use and installed, which collected the iconic Olympic venues. BOCOG Headquarters Office to ensure management of permanent heat generated from spectators dedicated special attention to the sustainability of the design sites and venues was considered and transferred it to a heat the environmental aspects of and building phases: in the early planning stages. exchanger to heat the water the Olympic Village design. Since the Games, the Beijing in the swimming pools. The Innovative technologies included % Environmental Protection Municipal Government has spectators were cooled as the heat pump system, photovoltaic Guidelines for the Olympic assumed control of the largest heat was siphoned off, and the panels, beam-pipe illumination, Projects; venues. The ownership and athletes benefited from warm solar collectors, water saving management of renovated water. In this way energy consumption was reduced. devices, and rainwater collection. % Environmental Protection venues passed to the State Sport Guidelines for the Renovated General Administration and % Reclaimed water from Qinghe Admired by athletes and or Expanded Olympic to various district government Sewage Treatment Plant spectators alike, these and other Projects, and administrations, such as the acted as an energy source new venues in Beijing created a Fengtai District Government and % Environmental Protection for cooling and heating the permanent legacy of the Games the Haidian District Government. Guidelines for the Temporary Olympic Village (a 400,000 on several levels. Beijing University and Beijing Projects. square metre area). The University of Technology were innovative recycling system Prominent in Beijing’s bid among several universities which was designed to save 45,000 commitments were the following The guidelines, which provided recommendations on venue also inherited venues. m3 of water in summer alone, goals for sites and venues: to reduce CO emissions by planning and design, focused on 2 (Refer to Table 4.1 in UNEP’s 8,600 tonnes compared to energy conservation in buildings, % Implementation of cutting- 2007 review for a list of venues coal-burning heaters. The eco-friendly materials, water edge environmental technolo- and their post-Olympic uses. energy produced equalled to resources protection, waste gies in the design of Olympic See also Table 4.2 for a list of 3,600 tonnes of standard coal, management and noise pollution. venues; environmental technology or about 2.7 million cubic They also contained information incorporated into Olympic venue meters of natural gas. % Use of natural resource- about the ongoing environmental designs). efficient, non-polluting and management of venues. % Where possible, venue designs recyclable materials for 8.2 OLYMPIC VENUES: focused on lighting indoor All newly-built competition facilities and equipment, and ENERGY areas with sunlight, creating an and non-competition venues, aesthetic connection between % Preservation of indigenous plus training grounds and other The application of energy saving the interior and exterior while vegetation and ecological affiliated facilities, had to comply design and the promotion of reducing energy consumption. ecosystems during the with the guidelines. The 2008 renewable energy in Games An example was the Water Cube where the ceiling and construction of venues. Headquarters Office controlled venues were impressive walls featured a translucent and monitored building site achievements for Beijing. This chapter reviews the compliance with safety, quality membrane to allow natural extent to which the design and and environmental standards, in Energy efficiency light in. By changing the construction of Olympic sites and conjunction with BOCOG. colour and thickness of the venues contributed to forming All construction projects were a sustainable legacy from the Considerable effort went into subject to an energy conservation The greening of venues is part of the Games. deciding where the venues could assessment based on national Games’ legacy.

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© Sinopictures/Ma Wenxiao/Still Pictures membrane, different shades Soil-source heat pump systems Energy efficient lighting of light were achieved to meet served an area of 99,000 m2 at the specific needs of each four venues, including the Peking Solar powered devices were event. University Gymnasium. The total chosen to light lawns, courtyards heat load from the systems at the and streets at several venues. % In other venues, such as the four venues was more than 7,800 Two systems were used: National Indoor Stadium and KW, and their cooling load was photovoltaic panels were placed the Laoshan Velodrome, the more than 7,100 KW. on top of streetlamps to power designers used transparent the light bulbs, and traditional Three projects established water- polycarbonate panels which streetlamps were connected were insulating, age-resistant source heat pump systems, serv- to the photovoltaic grid in the and anti-ultraviolet. ing an area of 34,000 m2. Their venues. combined heat load was 2,000 % In addition, beam-pipe KW, with a cooling load of 2,500 Solar energy was used at the illumination technology KW. In addition, geothermal en- Feng Tai Baseball Stadium, which was applied in the lighting ergy technology was used at two design of underground venues, including an inventive re- featured a 27 KW photovoltaic spaces. This technology used claimed water heat pump system system, and at the Bird Nest pipes to guide the sun’s rays at the Olympic Village. where a 130 KW photovoltaic into underground facilities, system powered the stadium. providing light for corridors, Solar panels were installed toilets and parking lots in in some Olympic venues The roof of the Olympic Village several venues including the to heat water for showers, bus stop also functioned as a Olympic Green. dressing rooms and swimming solar energy system to power the pools. All the apartments and air conditioning in the athlete’s Renewable energy auxiliary buildings, including dining hall. It provided an energy a kindergarten in the Olympic saving of 30 per cent. The Olympic Green Tennis Village complex, were connected Center and Laoshan Velodrome to a 6,000 m2 solar water-heating The Beijing Olympic Village is the were among nine projects which system. The vacuum glass-tube first Olympic Village to receive incorporated solar water heating solar collection systems installed LEED certification, and as part systems. Seven venues, including on the rooftops were an integral of the pilot programme, it is one the Bird Nest and National Indoor part of the housing design and of only eight developments – and Stadium, featured photovoltaic give an interesting and unique the first international project – power generation systems. look to the buildings. The 2008 to thus far achieve certification The systems had a combined Headquarters Office estimated under LEED for Neighbourhood generation capacity of more that this solar heating system Development. than 460,000 kilowatt-hours of would save nearly 2,400 tonnes of electricity per year. coal per year.

Bird’s eyeview of Beijing’s Fengtai softball field.

LEED Award for the Olympic Village

Last year BOCOG received a gold rating and the related certificate of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Neighbourhood Development Rating System, which was awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Rating system assesses a building’s performance in the categories:

- Smart Location and Linkage (19 from 30 points)

- Neighbourhood Pattern & Design (16 from 39 points)

- Green Construction and Technology (21 from 31 points)

- Innovation and Design Process (4 from 6 points)

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Martin Braud (left) and Cedric Forgit at Beijing’s new Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park.

8.3 OLYMPIC VENUES: (more than three million m3 t
Preferential use of rainwater venues were combined in one WATER annually). BOCOG also provided collected in dedicated tanks; facility - the Shunyi Olympic non-flush temporary toilets at Rowing-Canoeing Park - to t
Water-saving sprayer and Fifteen venues featured rainwater those sites without water supply economize building construction. collection and recycling systems, systems during the Games. micro-irrigation or drip- irrigation systems, and The inaugural 10 km swim for capable of collecting a total of men and women was also held In addition, a variety of one million m3 of water per year t
Night-time irrigation to at the venue, which is situated water-saving techniques were on average. Six projects included reduce evaporation. implemented in the Olympic next to the Chaobai River and independent sewage treatment and Village and competition venues. surrounded by forests and recycling systems, each capable of In some water sports venues, the These focused on saving and farmlands. treating more than one million designers used anti-penetration reusing water in the bathrooms, concrete designed to prevent tonnes of sewage annually. and in gardening and irrigation To minimize soil disturbance at water from leaking out and being 3 activities. Among other water the site, the nearly 2,000,000 m Nearly 2,400 m3/day of sewage wasted. Such material was used saving features in venues were: of excavated earth was completely was treated and reused in the to line the National Aquatics Centre and the Peking University re-used within the building site Olympic Green for landscaping t
Intelligent irrigation systems swimming pool. for backfill and landscaping. and irrigation purposes. The to control the irrigation time water for the Olympic Green was and frequency; For the first time in Olympic The water body has a total volume supplemented with grey water history, rowing and canoeing of about 1,760,000 m3 and had to

94 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © Guo Dayue/Xinhua Press/Corbis

Chantal Petitclerc victorious in the 1,500 m - T54 at the Bird’s Nest. be refilled through a pipe system used to pave outdoor spaces as a using water permeable bricks, sustainability of the Olympic since the Chaobai River, which way of collecting rainwater. The pipes and wells installed on the venues (new, renovated or runs close to the venue, was dry materials prevent and control building roofs as well as on roads temporary) provided the due to the drought. The water flooding from heavy rains while and green areas at the site. main framework for the had therefore to be supplied providing landscapers and choice of building materials. Other examples include Fengtai from the Miyun Reservoir, the gardeners with rainwater for They also included special Sports Centre Softball Field, current main drinking water future irrigation. recommendations for green which uses the water from the building materials. source for Beijing, representing swimming pool and rainwater a significant consumption of In the Olympic Green, a total area of 144,000 m2 was equipped with to irrigate the green belt in the Construction efforts focused on this precious resource. High- the environmental aspects of permeable rain water collection football ground and the softball density polyethylene (HDPE) ground. This measure saves painting and design materials. materials. In the National anti-penetration film was used to 50,000 m3 of water every year. For example, wooden panels Aquatics Centre, 10,500 m3 of line the water body of the Shunyi avoided the use of substances with Rowing-Canoeing Park. rainwater can be collected and 8.4 OLYMPIC VENUES: ECO- high contents of formaldehyde. reused every year through the FRIENDLY MATERIALS Alternative materials, such as 2 Rainwater collection and reuse 29,000 m collection area on the wooden and plastic composites building rooftop. In the Olympic The set of Environmental were considered in all phases of Water-penetrating materials, Media Village, at least 3,000 m3 Protection Guidelines issued construction in an effort to avoid such as permeable blocks, were of rainwater will be captured by BOCOG to guarantee the ozone-depleting substances.

95 OLYMPIC SITES AND VENUES

A composite material made of set requirements. In addition, for example to harden roads, in three different documents: wooden and plastic waste was ISO 14001 compliant systems and widely used in structures in the were established in all Olympic % The ‘Venue Cleaning and Olympic Village and the Olympic construction sites by multi-level % Cleaning vehicles at building Waste Management Strategic Green. Because of its anti- management organizations. site exits. Plan’ (February 2005); corrosive and weather-resistant characteristics, the composite Dust and noise control To control road dust pollution, % The ‘Venue Cleaning proved particularly suitable Beijing increased investment and Waste Management for decorating the facades of To reduce noise pollution, in road sweeping and cleaning Operation Outline’ (August buildings, lining floors and working hours in the building equipment. The Municipal 2005), and constructing window shutters. sites were restricted and Government published new It was also used as a substitute for high volume activities were standards for road sweeping and % The ‘Demonstration Venue wood, thus reducing timber use, prohibited from 10:00 pm to cleaning in the city: “to facilitate Virtual Plan’ (late 2005). and for picnic tables and shelters 6:00 am. In exceptional cases, the long-term development of According to the plans, the owners in the Olympic Green area, and for noise was authorized by the managing and controlling the of Olympic venues were directly lining concrete bridges. relevant Municipal Government dust of our city”. Departments, but with a given responsible for the cleaning and 8.5 ENVIRONMENTAL limit of 55 decibels. Contracted To further control dust in the city, management of waste generated MANAGEMENT AT building companies were also stringent administrative licenses by the Games, while the Beijing BUILDING SITES requested to use low-noise for solid waste transport vehicles Municipal Administration vibration machines and saws and were enforced, and solid waste Commission was in charge of In 2007, each venue was assigned to insulate loud machinery. transport activities were checked waste transport, processing and an environmental manager. BO- regularly. final disposal. All parties had to COG and the 2008 Headquarters Quarterly inspections were operate in accordance with the Office, together with the Beijing carried out jointly by the Office 8.6 ENVIRONMENTAL recommendations, policies and EPB and Beijing Municipal Con- of Municipal Construction MANAGEMENT DURING procedures issued by BOCOG. struction Committee, audited Commission, the Beijing EPB, and THE GAMES environmental practices at con- the BOCOG Construction and The strategy was tested during struction sites and in 2007 ap- Environment Department since BOCOG had direct responsibility the 11th World Softball proved qualification of all sites. 2001 to check that construction for managing the waste generated Championships held in companies implemented required in the venues during the Games. September 2006 at the Fengtai Relevant departments of the dust control measures. These Their goal was to have 100 per cent Sport Centre. Beijing Municipal Government, of waste sorted and 50 per cent of included: Algae bloom in close cooperation with waste recycled or reused. In order BOCOG, regularly inspected % Covering rubble and earth to achieve this, the Construction and monitored the construction heaps with matting; and Environment Department of In June and July 2008, BOCOG sites of the Olympic venues to BOCOG developed the ‘Olympic and Qingdao municipal guarantee that the environmental % Use of vegetation at Venues Cleaning and Waste authorities overcame an algae management guidelines were construction sites; Management Plan.’ outbreak which at one point implemented and the construction covered approximately one third materials corresponded to the % Watering the building sites, The overall strategy was outlined of the coastal waters designated

Anti-penetration concrete was among the water saving features at the Water Cube (below and right). © BOCOG © BOCOG

96 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

However, the achievements use of such technologies as demand which was not just for the Olympic sailing regatta. are hard to quantify as there is geothermal and photovoltaic Games-related. China’s official news agency, no systematic environmental systems represents a necessary Xinhua, reported that around footprint analysis available that and welcome shift from reliance However, in many cases, although 1,000 boats were deployed to makes it possible to assess the on polluting fossil fuels. water reuse technologies were scoop algae out of the Yellow Sea environmental benefits of the introduced into venues, they did off Qingdao. In addition a 50-km measures during the Games or All new buildings now meet the not go far enough to ensure that long barrier was laid out in the afterwards. most recent Chinese and Beijing the Games had a minimal impact sea to contain the outbreak. energy efficiency standards, on the city’s precious water There is data available for some which have been in force since supply. The issue attracted widespread environmental measures. These early 2008. A comparison The Shunyi water sports venue, international media attention, attempt to illustrate energy with older national efficiency the third largest Games venue, including this report from Agence savings, reduced greenhouse gas standards, from 1986 and 1995, emissions and water savings. As illustrates the achieved reduction is one such example. This France-Presse: “China’s pledge of the baseline of the calculations is rates of 65 per cent and 50 per venue was designed with water a ‘Green Olympics’ has taken on a often unclear, it makes it hard to cent for energy use in residential saving features yet still draws a worrying meaning at the sailing- assess the measures in a scientific and public buildings respectively. vast amount of water from the venue city of Qingdao, where way. Therefore it would be very Miyun reservoir. The planners an algae bloom has coated the helpful to have a foot-printing UNEP hopes the advances in of this large, water-demanding coastline, according to witnesses initiative in place from the very energy efficient design leave a venue should have done more to and Chinese media”. beginning of planning for an green legacy for future planning eliminate its reliance on precious Olympic and Paralympic Games, of urban infrastructure and sources which may lead to water The environmental hazard was to ensure that environmental buildings in Beijing and across shortages in other regions. completely cleared by late July. measures can be recorded and China. The achievements may Despite close scrutiny of the assessed throughout the process also inspire the organizers of Olympic venues: eco-friendly issue by the IOC and others, the and that such information is other mass events to introduce materials BOCOG website did not provide available to interested groups and cutting edge technologies in Beijing did not appear to have the public. venues. The Beijing experience information about the algae a stringent or mandatory set of bloom. should be a catalyst for China’s The use of quantifiable and building sector as well as for timber purchasing guidelines for its Olympic venues. An 8.7 COMMENTS AND reliable environmental objectives other host cities to take a more opportunity was missed to RECOMMENDATIONS would have been valuable, proactive approach to promoting building on the environmental the development and diffusion of demonstrate China’s commitment to sustainable forestry. Without a doubt BOCOG, bid commitments. clean renewable energy. in close cooperation with The lack of a binding procurement Beijing’s municipal authorities, Olympic venues: energy Olympic venues: water policy and independent auditing achieved remarkable results The incorporation of energy The Games gave Beijing a meant there was no third party in incorporating an array of confirmation of timber sources. environmental elements into saving design and the promotion great opportunity to improve of alternative energy are key the efficiency of its water BOCOG together with the the planning, construction and World Wildlife Fund for Nature management of Games venues. achievements for Beijing. The infrastructure to meet increasing

The Tianjin Olympic Centre Stadium resembles a water droplet. © BOCOG

97 OLYMPIC SITES AND VENUES © BOCOG © BOCOG

Wind-powered street lamps in Beijing. Stricter environmental building guidelines are recommended for future Games.

at a very early stage of venue of China’ construction industry. environmental policies and apply upgrades and public transport planning tested the processes to It is still too early to assess the innovative technologies used are all commendable steps. purchase FSC-certified timber whether the measures introduced for the Games more broadly However, in order to significantly for the kindergarten within the before the Games will become a across the city. This should reduce greenhouse gas emissions Olympic Village. Unfortunately common standard. be done for new buildings and and demonstrate a genuine this initiative was not extended to for environmentally sound commitment to environmental other venues. Environmental management at renovations. protection and clean energy venues after the Games alternatives, Beijing needs to The guidelines for purchasing Beijing should be commended move away from coal as its materials were in place and BOCOG was responsible for for its push to develop wind primary energy source. provided a good example for the the environmental management energy and for using solar Games. However, as they were only of the sites and venues until power and hot water systems in Water supply for Games venues is voluntary, the implementation the end of the Games. UNEP many venues. The promotion a huge burden for any city, even was weak. Greenpeace tried to recommends that future operators of energy efficiency measures even more so for a city affected validate their implementation such as the State Sport General such as: insulation, venue design by persistent water shortages . after the Games but due to a lack Administration and the Beijing and lighting also deserves merit. After the Games, Beijing should of information and third party Municipal Government introduce The new technologies, namely increase efforts to maximize auditing, was unable to do so. a thorough environmental the geothermal heat pump water efficiency, water recapture, management system for heating and air-conditioning treatment and reuse as well as Environment management at maintaining and improving the systems implemented during the improve existing infrastructure to building sites environmental aspects of the Olympics could taken up more ensure a secure future for water venues in the future. broadly beyond the Games. supply. With the vast amount of construction in Beijing and in Recommendations for Beijing The Games spurred Beijing to The Beijing Municipal China generally, the improved Municipal Government engage in major energy related Government is in a strong standards prompted by Beijing’s measures. Investment in position to further the legacy hosting of the Games may have a Beijing should continue developing alternative energy of the Games by adopting a knock-on effect on the governance to implement successful sources, energy efficiency green procurement policy for

98 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © BOCOG

Laoshan Bicycle Moto Cross venue.

all buildings. In this area, and Games should be applied widely building rating systems that can with independent assessors and others, much can be gained from to other Chinese cities, especially help them choose low or zero NGOs. standardized practice. Beijing in drought affected areas. emissions and energy saving may also use and further develop Furthermore, China’s northeast technologies. A further option is Olympic host cities should adopt the standards and monitoring region should take a critical look to provide a credible reporting clear, thorough and accessible systems for environmental at its water projects to ensure that and evaluation system to measure construction materials guides. The management at building sites attempts to supply urban centres results. guides should be made available which have been successfully will not affect access to water for prior to selecting contractors to implemented for the Games. rural areas, agricultural water, The IOC should promote a ensure environmentally sound water safety and security for wide application of state-of-the- materials are widely used. Recommendations for China future generations. art technologies to minimize demand on water resources in all As China’s economy continues Recommendations for future future Games venues. Further, to grow, it is imperative for cities Games it should encourage host cities across the country to follow to consider applying sustainable Beijing’s lead and reshape energy The IOC should encourage future water management techniques in structures and to introduce Olympic host cities to invest new infrastructure and buildings successful energy saving in new, innovative approaches in and around host cities. technologies such as those used in energy efficient design and for the Games. technologies, such as micro Cities bidding for or hosting the renewable energy generation; Games should also be required National building standards could co-generation; radical energy to adopt mandatory purchasing also encourage the integration efficient design; rooftop gardens; policies for Games-related of energy saving and clean vertical gardens and smarter construction materials. These energy features into design and building shading. procurement policies should building standards. Successful be made public, involving open water treatment, re-use and rain The IOC should also recommend and transparent communication collection technologies used at the host cities use existing green

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101 © Silke Reents / VISUM/Still Pictures Reents © Silke

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Chapter 9 CLIMATE NEUTRALITY

Climate change is one of the main challenges currently facing the global community.

The challenge for BOCOG — as for organizers staging other mass events — was to measure, offset and curtail the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere directly or indirectly as a result of the Games.

Energy efficiency measures at venues helped offset emissions.

103 CLIMATE NEUTRALITY

According to recent scientific in all phases of the Games, from The main focus of such a strategy international brokers, online studies, most notably by the the early planning stages to should be to reduce greenhouse retailers and trading platforms Intergovernmental Panel on Games-time. It should also cover gas emissions at the source. in the way that stocks, bonds and Climate Change, the reduction travel, in particular international Offsetting is only a second mutual funds are sold. of greenhouse gas emissions by travel, by athletes, officials, best option. Carbon offsets at least 50 per cent of 1990 levels spectators and the media. are activities that compensate Beijing’s Olympic bid by 2050 is critical in order to limit for carbon or greenhouse gas commitments global warming at up to 2°C by the emissions in one area by reducing A strategy towards achieving Beijing did not explicitly refer to end of this century. them in another, ensuring climate neutrality for the Games that there is no net increase in climate change in the Olympic bid 9.1 CLIMATE NEUTRALITY involves: emissions. it submitted in 2000. However, AND SPORT some of its commitments t
Measuring the carbon Projects that generate carbon and goals addressed climate footprint of the event; The amount of carbon released offsets typically reduce protection. These included: greenhouse gas emissions by into the atmosphere directly or t
Reducing energy demand; t
Increase in energy indirectly as a result of all the improving energy conservation, development of renewable efficiency; activities associated with the t
Increasing energy efficiency; sources of energy (including wind, t
Use of cleaner technologies Games is what we are challenged solar, small hydro, geothermal and fuels in housing, industry to measure, offset and curtail. t
Expanding the use of and biomass) and tree planting and transport sectors; Arguably, the measurement of renewable energy, and (which increases CO2 removal t
Adoption of green the climate impact of an Olympic commuting policies and t
Compensating or offsetting through photosynthesis). They and Paralympic Games should “unavoidable” emissions. are bought and sold through practices; and include the activities undertaken

The use of cleaner fuels in the transport sector was factored into calculations of greenhouse gas emission reductions for the Games. © UNEP

104 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES t
Reforestation and greening of the city. © BOCOG 9.2 BEIJING 2008 GAMES CARBON FOOTPRINT

As a consequence of UNEP’s recommendations regarding climate change in its 2007 Environmental Review, BOCOG and the Beijing authorities adopted the following approach and measures:

They commissioned a study* to calculate the additional (incremental) greenhouse gas emissions caused as a direct result of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games to analyse the expected negative impact on global warming. The study then estimated the positive effects of the environmental measures on the climate and then calculated whether the net balance is positive Games-linked art competitions helped heighten awareness of climate change and other environmental issues. or negative. (Note calculations for the Beijing Paralympic Games were not included on this Reform Commission of China, operation of new venues, According to these figures, occasion). the Geography Institute of the emissions from the activities of the total incremental carbon Chinese Academy of Sciences athletes, officials, spectators and footprint for Beijing Olympic The study was done by a and Tsinghua University. The related services for the Games. Games was about 1.18 million team of researchers from final results are currently not It also included emissions caused tonnes of greenhouse gases. the Administrative Centre publicly available. as a result of the torch relay (see for China’s Agenda 21, the Figure 9.1). It should be noted that up Energy Research Institute of The study considered emissions until now, none of the major the National Development during the construction and international sport events

TABLE 9.1: CARBON FOOTPRINT OF BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Emission (1,000 tonnes of Sources Percentage in total Green House Gas) Construction of venues 24.0 2.0% Operation of venues 77.0 6.5% International spectators 680.0 57.5% International flight trips Media and others 44.5 3.8% Athletes, Olympic family 33.6 2.8% Domestic flight trips 139.0 11.8% Other domestic trip and in-city trips 29.0 2.5% Operation of BOCOG 0.4 0.03% Accommodation 144.0 12.2% Waste treatment 1.5 0.1% Torch relay 8.9 0.8% Total 1,181,900 100%

Source: Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission

*Note: The study presented above was commissioned by the Beijing Environment Protection Bureau. However, the EPB has not fully endorsed the findings of the study.

105 CLIMATE NEUTRALITY

TABLE 9.2: AVOIDED EMISSIONS DURING THE GAMES PERIOD, AUGUST 2008

Measures Avoided GHG-emissions (1,000 tonnes of Greenhouse Gas) Clean fuel used in public transportation system 19.7 Clean fuel buses used in Olympic Green 0.63 Solar energy power generation 0.07 Solar energy hot water system 0.67 Green lighting system 0.83 Geo-thermal (wastewater) heat pump 0.45 Total 22.3 Source: Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission

included all the above parameters These figures indicate that Games on reducing greenhouse above, it can be deduced that in their calculations, particularly, greenhouse gas emissions savings gas emissions. The results of that the 2008 Olympic Games were the impact of international flights of about 22,300 tonnes for the calculation are listed in Table 9.3. climate neutral. This may have taken by spectators, athletes and Games’ period. been one of the reasons why various officials. The results of this calculation Beijing may not have felt the need Overall carbon footprint shows that approximately 1.2 to implement additional climate 9.3 CARBON FOOTPRINT reduction million tonnes of greenhouse protection or compensation REDUCTION MEASURES gases was saved by the measures measures to reach the objective In addition, the authors of the study which were related to the Beijing of “climate neutrality.” This includes the emission also calculated the anticipated Games bid commitments. reductions created by the effects of all ‘Green Olympics‘ application of renewable energy measures and campaigns by Based on the calculations, and energy efficient products at BOCOG and Beijing municipal comparing the carbon footprint the sites and venues during the authorities during the preparation of the Games with the reductions Games. and hosting of the Olympic from the measures presented

TABLE 9.3: TOTAL IMPACT OF BID COMMITMENTS ON GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION

Measures Emission reduction (1,000 tonnes of Greenhouse Gas) Clean fuel vehicles – Solar energy power generation 11 Solar energy hot water – Green lighting 17 Application of Geothermal (wastewater) heat pump – Pollution control in industries 166 Traffic control during the Games 802 Greening of Olympic venues 2.5 City wide greening 65 Boiler conversion 119 Total 1,182,500 Source: Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission

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9.4 COMMENTS AND gas emissions reductions raise Olympic Games and the impact RECOMMENDATIONS questions about whether this of the measures to mitigate Efforts to mitigate and was done in accordance with and offset those emissions, it Beijing’s climate neutrality offset emissions should be international standards. will need to review the study programme has, for the first time a collective responsibility taking into account the above- for a global sports event, taken The results presented in the tables of the organizers, suppliers, mentioned observations and seek into account the carbon emissions above were released in May 2008, contractors, sponsors, independent verification. UNEP from international flights. Based before the Games. Therefore, the spectators, countries and is ready to help Beijing check the on the calculations by the authors data might not reflect the actual organizations participating in extent of its climate footprint and of the study, international flights carbon emissions during the 2008 the event. accounted for over 64 per cent Olympic Games. the impact that the environmental of the emissions of the Games. measures for the Games had in The study raised the following reducing the footprint. The authors of the study should Organizers and countries hosting therefore be commended observations: Organizers of upcoming major mass events are encouraged to for taking a very progressive look for creative ways of engaging approach to the issue of carbon t
UNEP could not ascertain sports events (the Olympic the scope of the emissions all stakeholders, including the neutrality in sport. Games, the FIFA World Cup, the included in the study. Rugby World Cup) and sports above-mentioned groups, in efforts to reduce their emissions. However, the calculations that the organizations in general, should t
UNEP could not be sure of authors of the study used to arrive be encouraged to seriously look the extent to which primary As the issue of carbon neutrality is at its conclusions do not provide at their carbon footprint and data was used for the study likely to be increasingly important sufficient basis for an in-depth seriously analyse primary data as the findings were released for future Olympic Games, evaluation. They do not provide from events. It should be noted before the Games. UNEP would offer to assist the any detail of the methodology that any activity that claims to be International Olympic Committee used. The calculation of the If Beijing wishes to assess the climate neutral should have a zero and other sport organizations impact of the environmental climate footprint of the 2008 net impact on climate change. to come up with a harmonized measures on the greenhouse standard for addressing this issue in sport.

Beijing Capital International Airport. © Sinopictures/Ma Wenxiao/Still Pictures Wenxiao/Still © Sinopictures/Ma

107 © GettyImages

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109 110 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Chapter 10 ROLE OF GAMES PARTNERS

Success in staging a ‘Green Olympics’ in 2008 also depended on how well BOCOG cooperated with key partners. Recognising the importance of achieving a collective effort, BOCOG set out to engage Olympic Worldwide Partners, other sponsors, suppliers and contractors in its environmental programmes.

Worldwide Olympic Partner, Panasonic, supplied a range of technology and was praised for the high energy efficiency of its recording equipment for Olympic broadcasters.

111 ROLE OF GAMES PARTNERS

Success in staging a ‘Green Olympics’ in 2008 also depended on how well BOCOG cooperated with key partners.

10.1 ROLE OF SPONSORS

The sponsorship strategy for the © BOCOG 2008 Games was comprehensive and involved various tiers of support. The IOC managed the relationships with the 12 Worldwide Olympic Partners. The Beijing 2008 Sponsorship Programme, designed by BOCOG to support the Games at the national level, was comprehensive and comprised the following:

% Beijing 2008 Partners – 11 for the Olympic Games, 19 for the Paralympic Games;

% Sponsors – 10 for the Olympic Games, 10 for the Paralympic Games;

% Exclusive Suppliers – 14 for the Olympic Games, three Representatives of BOCOG and the Beijing Yuanpei Century Translation Company at a joint announcement of the Official for the Paralympic Games, Translation and Interpretation Supplier of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. and

% Suppliers – eight for the which brought national and global the committee’s Marketing methods and business activities Olympic Games, three for sponsors together to coordinate Department seeking an complied with the relevant national the Paralympic Games. environmental initiatives. The environmental assessment of or industrial environmental group’s aim was to make sure potential partners from the standards. Sponsors also had to The Games sponsors and suppliers sponsors adhered to environmental Construction and Environment commit to maintaining a good were integral to promoting laws and regulations, delivered Department. For example, the environmental public image and Olympism throughout China. environmentally-friendly paper-making industry was to providing environmentally They contributed technology, technologies, products and excluded from the sponsorship friendly products for the Games. products and services to support services, and developed programme because of BOCOG’s operations and helped communication and education environmental concerns, 10.3 SPONSOR INITIATIVES promote environmental issues to programmes. even though numerous paper AND CAMPAIGNS the general public. Other partners manufacturers had expressed included contractors, such as The members also wanted to interest in sponsoring the Eliminating HFCs in hotels, caterers and 59 licensed use their collective strength Games. refrigeration and air- manufacturers. to enhance public awareness conditioning of environmental issues, help After an initial evaluation, Cooperation on environmental One Worldwide Olympic Partner, promote BOCOG and sponsors’ potential sponsors had to initiatives for the Games involved Coca Cola, was part of a coalition environmental records and present their environmental close liaison between Chinese called ’Refrigerants, Naturally’, support the ‘Green Olympics’ certifications, either local or environmental regulators, which was launched in 2004. The concept. However, the reality national. According to BOCOG’s BOCOG, the IOC and partners initiative was supported by UNEP was that time was limited for this Marketing Department, 51 of at all levels. and Greenpeace to promote group to make significant inputs the 55 Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsors possessed environmentally-friendly cooling Olympic Sponsor Environment to BOCOG’s greening efforts. local or national environmental technologies. Coca-Cola ensured Group that all of its soft-drink coolers 10.2 SPONSOR SELECTION certification of some kind. (5,658 in total) in the Olympic In July 2007, an Olympic Sponsor PROCESS Finally, to be accepted as a Games venues were free of ozone Environment Group was sponsor, each organisation was depleting hydrofluorocarbons established as a non-permanent According to BOCOG, a requested to ensure the materials (HFCs). working body and platform preliminary step in selecting national sponsors involved it procured, its manufacturing

112 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

Coca-Cola’s coolers and vending – free of polyvinyl chlorides Volkswagen, a 2008 Olympic tonnes compared to conventional machines were instead powered (PVCs) and brominated flame and Paralympic Games partner, video recording equipment. also supported an Olympic tree Beijing Olympic Broadcasting’s by carbon dioxide (CO2). retardants (BFRs). Samsung, also planting campaign in Inner Chief Executive Officer, Manolo Ironically, while CO2 is a potent a Worldwide Partner, launched greenhouse gas, when used as their new phone at the Games. Mongolia. Romero, said: “The highly refrigerant it has a negligible In support of Beijing’s ‘Green environmentally conscious impact on the climate especially Olympics’ goal, Samsung also Creativity Competition for the performance of this [equipment] when compared to the impact promoted its global plan to Environment will help achieve the goal of making of HFCs on the ozone layer. In phase-out in its products BFRs the Beijing 2008 ‘environmentally In early 2008, China Mobile May 2008, Coca-Cola announced from 1 January 2009, and PVCs conscious Olympic Games’.” launched a creativity competition that by 2010, the company would from 1 January 2010. with environmental protection deploy 100,000 CO refrigerators 10.4 ROLE OF SUPPLIERS 2 and energy efficiency as worldwide. A national-level Partner, China AND CONTRACTORS Mobile, initiated a Green-Box its themes. Through the Greenpeace recognized Coca- Environmental Protection competition, Beijing residents To improve the overall Cola’s efforts to take on the Programme, whereby consumers could suggest environment environmental performance of environment-friendly cooling could recycle used mobile phones protection tips by sending text the Games, BOCOG involved issue beyond the Beijing Games and accessories. This was one messages. Unfortunately there other business partners, namely but has maintained that Coca- example of a sponsor initiative was little information available to suppliers, caterers, contractors Cola needs to do much more, as which transferred the ’Green determine the impact and success and hoteliers. 100,000 coolers represents less Olympics’ into everyday life. of this sponsor initiative. Games suppliers than 1 per cent of the company’s Reducing the carbon footprint 11 million refrigeration units. The Green Class Tour The Olympic Logistics Centre of Olympic broadcasters was responsible for assessing The Centre for Environmental More eco-friendly air Innovative high definition video BOCOG’s entire purchasing Education and Communications conditioners recording equipment provided needs. The Centre worked joined with the Green Volunteers for the Games by Panasonic, with the Construction and China’s largest home appliance from Volkswagen Group China to another Worldwide Partner, Environment Department to manufacturer and a Beijing 2008 arrange the Green Class National was praised for its high energy verify that potential suppliers sponsor, Haier, provided more Tour. Launched in June 2007, it efficiency. The new technology complied with environmental than 30 products for the Games. was part of the Volkswagen Green helped each Olympic broadcaster laws and regulations, giving Haier was praised for promoting Future Environmental Education cut CO emissions by around 2 preference to companies with prototypes of climate-friendly Initiative. 2 and energy efficient solar-based air conditioners. BOCOG and Worldwide Olympic Partner Coca Cola launched a joint water saving campaign involving Haier also provided Coca-Cola students at more than 1,000 primary schools with HFC-free coolers. These prototypes, which used water for cooling, were showcased in several venues including the © BOCOG Olympic Village and Olympic Tennis Centre. However, Haier continued to provide commercial coolers using HFCs to other providers, thus most of the Haier coolers used in the venues still relied heavily on HFCs.

General Electric, another Worldwide Olympic Partner, provided solar-powered and water-filtration air conditioning systems for Games venues.

More eco-friendly mobile phones

The official Beijing 2008 Olympic mobile phone was Samsung’s

first more eco-friendly model © BOCOG

113 ROLE OF GAMES PARTNERS

ISO 14001 or similar standards resource protection, pollution guidelines suggested hotels star-rated hotels against the certification. control and waste management. increase the temperature of their Green Travel Hotel standard. By air conditioning systems by 1°C the end of 2006, 77 hotels were Merchandise For example, the guidelines in the summer and decrease the ranked as Gold Leaf and 57 hotels The Games licensing sub- suggested that preferential temperature of heaters by 1°C in were awarded Silver Leaf status. programme contracted selection of catering companies the winter. Hotels were urged to companies to manufacture and would apply to companies with use energy saving light bulbs and BOCOG and the China National sell merchandise which featured ISO 14001 certification. Potential were given energy information Travel Administration were the Beijing 2008 Olympic contractors were asked to comply cards to distribute as part of an determined that hotels which Games and Paralympic Games with existing environmental laws initiative by environmental NGO, met the Green Travel Hotel logos. Potential licensees were and regulations; to use food with Global Village of Beijing. standard should also be certified requested to provide evidence of green labels, and to take care of as complying with the BOGOC any environmental certifications. their environmental impact, for The guidelines were an appendix guidelines. In February 2007, The baseline requirement was example by avoiding open air to BOCOG’s standard Agreement the environmental protection a certificate issued by the local barbecues. on Olympic accommodation efforts by Olympic contracted government that guaranteed the The guidelines also provided and reception services. Again, hotels were audited. According manufacturer complied with energy efficiency advice, the environmental guidelines to advice provided to UNEP, all all environmental regulations suggesting that Games caterers were voluntary, not compulsory. contracted properties met the applicable to its products and should minimize the use of However, to promote their uptake, Green Travel Hotel standard. manufacturing processes. disposable tableware, cutlery and BOCOG provided training for 10.5 COMMENTS AND wooden chopsticks. hotel managers and their staff According to BOCOG’s about environmental aspects of RECOMMENDATIONS Marketing Department, all 59 The above environmentalthe accommodation sector. licensed manufacturers complied requirements were met on a As discussed in UNEP’s 2007 En- with at least one of these voluntary basis, if at all. There Green Travel Hotel standard vironmental Review, environmen- requirements. is little evidence to confirm tal performance was part of the In 2006, the China National selection process for Games spon- BOCOG included an how many caterers adopted the Travel Administration launched sors and other partners. environmental clause in its guidelines. Furthermore, there a new environmental standard, licensing contract which stated was no mechanism in place to called the ‘Green Travel Hotel (LB This is not common practice that: “the manufacturer must monitor the impact before, during /T007—2006)’ which applied to for major sports events. For provide licensed products or after the Games. hotels contracted for the Games. example, Official Partners of that meet the governmental Greenpeace stated publicly that It was designed to strengthen the the FIFA World Cup are not and BOCOG environmental due to a lack of information BOCOG guidelines and increase assessed on the basis of their requirements and guidelines”. they were unable to assess the environmental performance environmental performance. The In addition, BOCOG asked its whether catering companies used of the hotel sector. use of environmental guidelines licensed manufacturers to re- disposable chopsticks, which by BOCOG was therefore an duce the packaging for licensed would have been against the spirit In October 2006, the Beijing Green important development. products and to use more envi- of the environmental guidelines Hotel Assessment Committee ronmentally friendly materials in for caterers. began assessing the 637 Beijing their production processes. Accommodation Catering One of the main tasks of the To support the sustainability BOCOG Games Services of catering services during Department was to contract the Games, the Construction the hotels required to welcome and Environment Department the Olympic Family (i.e. developed guidelines entitled, the International Olympic Environmental Protection Committee and the International Guidelines for Beijing 2008 Sport Federation). Catering Services. The guidelines In 2004, the Construction and were implemented in cooperation Environment Department with the BOCOG Games Services developed guidelines for hotels, Department which managed the Environmental Protection accommodation and catering Guidelines for the Beijing 2008 services. Hotel Services. The guidelines included suggestions to improve The guidelines provided energy efficiency and water useful suggestions for catering conservation at contracted hotels. contractors in the areas of environmental management, For instance, the BOCOG

114 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © transit / Thomas Roetting / Thomas © transit

The “Green” Beijing Hotel

However, the overall considera- are already eager to promote their within the procurement or about the product than the tion of environmental creden- environmental profile. This could selection process (as most production process; tials during the selection of lo- be a good signal for encouraging of them definitively were not cal sponsors for the Beijing 2008 all sponsors to follow suit. mandatory); % Merchandisers - Compare Games was weak, with no man- products and services datory requirements for potential As part of the selection criteria % which partners did meet the of various suppliers and sponsors. Because of this, some for national sponsors and requirements, and ensure that licensing rights sponsors missed an opportunity partners for the Games, future include strict environmental % what was the overall impact to reinforce their reputation as organizing committees should benchmarks; be encouraged to reinforce the on their products and socially and environmentally environmental criteria that services? % Caterers – Encourage the responsibly companies. This ul- were used for the Beijing Games approach of BOCOG and timately diminished the role of and, where possible, include There was, unfortunately, no ensure better monitoring sponsors in contributing to the some mandatory or baseline comprehensive monitoring processes, and ‘Green Olympics’ and was coun- environmental requirements for process to evaluate whether tered only by proactive environ- sponsors and other partners. partners adhered to these % Accommodation providers - mental campaigns initiated by measures. Based on the available The guidelines for hotels and individual sponsors. BOCOG released a information, no systematic other accommodation pro- comprehensive set of guidelines assessment is possible. viders should include more Recommendations for for an environmentally sound quantifiable performance sponsors screening for the procurement of Recommendations for suppliers indicators and a comprehen- products and services discussed and contractors sive monitoring process. The IOC should be encouraged earlier in this chapter. There is to formalise the way in which however, insufficient information Future Olympic Games Such guidelines should include Worldwide Olympic Partners to assess the following: Organizing Committees are incentives for companies to integrate environmental encouraged to develop mandatory comply with sustainability considerations into their % how ambitious the required guidelines on the following requirements and a transparent, operations and provision of standards were compared to processes: reliable process for assessing services for the Games. As international standards; the environmental impact of the observed in Beijing and at previous % Suppliers - The focus of these wide range of contractors and Games, several of these partners % what role they played guidelines should be more suppliers.

115 © Frauke Scholz / Still Pictures

116 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

117 Chapter 11 NGO PERSPECTIVE

Consistent with the experience at previous Olympic Games — in particular since the environment became a pillar of the Olympic Movement — there was enthusiasm on the part of environmental non- governmental organizations to support sustainability initiatives in Beijing. © Getty Images

Cleaner transport was part of the NGO agenda for the Games.

118 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

119 © UNEP

120 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

A wide range of stakeholders Cooperation between NGOs authorities to the media. BOCOG on the use of timber had an interest in contributing and BOCOG When negative international that had gone through to the preparation and staging media coverage of Beijing’s the Forest Stewardship of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Environmental NGOs were air quality emerged, various Council (FSC) certification and Paralympic Games or were involved with BOCOG on NGOs came out in support in the construction of impacted in some way. These numerous issues, including the of the city’s environmental venues. Some local NGO groups ranged from the Chinese following examples. performance, becoming representatives were public, civil society and non- vocal allies for BOCOG. requested by BOCOG to act governmental organizations % NGOs participated in Drawing on their in-depth as environmental advisors. (NGOs) to sponsors, suppliers, the development of some local knowledge, NGOs BOCOG also requested contractors and other diverse guidelines. For example, the expressed their support for help from Conservation Games service providers in China guidelines for regulating air BOCOG in areas where International to calculate and around the world. conditioning in hotels were they believed the organizers the carbon footprint of the developed by Global Village and authorities had done a Games. However, several As the involvement of sponsors, Beijing. The guidelines commendable job. NGOs were concerned suppliers, hotels and other required hotels to limit their advice was not taken contractors is discussed in chapter the temperature of air % Several NGOs advised seriously. 10, this chapter focuses on the conditioners to 26 degrees BOCOG on specific issues. role of environmental NGOs. in a bid to reduce energy For example, WWF advised consumption. The guidelines 11.1 NGO INVOLVEMENT were later endorsed by the government which According to the Beijing issued a policy regulating Organizing Committee for the air conditioning in public

Olympic Games (BOCOG), more buildings to 26 degrees. © BOCOG than 30 environmental NGOs were involved in the organization % NGOs worked with BOCOG of the Games. These included to implement environmental Chinese and international education programmes and to NGOs such as Global Village promote public participation Beijing, Green Earth Volunteers, in the protection of wildlife. Greenpeace, World Wildlife NGOs also engaged schools Fund (WWF), Conservation in greening programmes. International, the World They worked with Olympic Conservation Union (IUCN) and sponsors, partners and Friends of the Earth. well-known athletes on programmes designed Serious engagement between to raise environmental NGOs and BOCOG only began awareness. For example, in 2006, after UNEP organized Greenpeace organized a to bring BOCOG and NGOs series of energy saving light- together at a roundtable in bulbs promotional activities Lausanne, Switzerland. Many in schools with Deng Yaping, NGOs had previously approached a former ping-pong world BOCOG with ideas of how they champion and Olympic NGOs used the Games to take sustainability messages to a wide could help realize the ‘Green gold medalist. Also, UNEP’s audience. Olympics’ vision. However, first ever Environmental several NGOs initially found Champion, Yao Ming, a BOCOG cautious and reluctant star of America’s National to engage with them. Basketball Association and captain of China’s Olympic As flagged in UNEP’s 2007 basketball team, was a review, there was no clear policy spokesman for WildAid within BOCOG concerning the China’s shark fin campaign. engagement of NGOs. This led various NGOs to use their % NGOs played a role as personal rather than official intermediaries, promoting connections to establish working the environmental activities relationships with BOCOG. of BOCOG and government © BOCOG

Basketball superstar and UNEP environmental champion Yao Ming stands tall during the Games.

121 NGO PERSPECTIVE

© UNEP BOCOG’s environmental efforts, making it difficult for these NGOs to reach accredited media or observe the environmental programmes under way in venues during the Games.

NGOs also highlighted their disappointment that environmental measures taken for the Games did not have a holistic approach. Several measures were short-term with no clear indication of what would happen after the Games. These included initiatives implemented to guarantee better air quality during the Games, such as limiting car use and construction work, and the temporary or partial closure of heavy polluting factories situated in Beijing and neighbouring provinces.

NGOs felt that although some UNEP Executive Director, Achim Steiner (left), meets Greenpeace China’s Campaign sponsors were eager to be Director, Lo Sze Ping. engaged on environmental issues, BOCOG did not make a concerted effort to ensure that this 11.2 NGO FEEDBACK impact of plastic bags. The Games with BOCOG found it difficult happen. There was no incentive also generated mass public to obtain information on most for sponsors to incorporate In general, NGOs were positive participation in the greening of environmental issues. On some environmental considerations about Beijing’s environmental Beijing. topics, such as carbon neutrality, into their activities. performance. They acknowledged renewable energy and Forest that BOGOC and the municipal Challenges for NGOs and Stewardship Council certified Some NGOs worked with authorities did a commendable job BOCOG timber, many NGOs felt BOCOG Games sponsors and partners, to improve air quality. The feeling was not genuinely interested in such as Coca Cola, Samsung, among NGOs was that the traffic Overall, NGOs had mixed taking their views into account, China Mobile and McDonalds, and pollution control measures, feelings about their involvement nor open to providing information to implement awareness raising such as reducing emissions from in the Games. While some NGOs on how the committee was projects and other activities heavy polluting industries in said they had maintained regular dealing with such issues. prior to, and during, the Games Beijing and nearby cities and contact with BOCOG on specific but believed these programmes halting some construction, were issues, others indicated they were NGOs also felt BOCOG’s could have been more effective bold but highly successful. only consulted by BOCOG when Construction and Environment had BOCOG taken the initiative the committee needed them Department did not have sufficient from the outset. For example, NGOs also noted the development to speak to the media or to an profile or influence to effectively among the several sponsors of Beijing’s infrastructure had international audience in support coordinate environmental issues providing cooling equipment improved the lifestyle of its of Beijing’s environmental therefore could not ensure that or facilities for the Games, only residents. The improvements record. environmental consideration were Coca Cola responded positively had made public transport more fully entrenched in BOCOG’s to Greenpeace’s call to install convenient and heating system Some NGOs also believed activities. The department had ozone and climate-friendly for homes more efficient. In BOCOG did not create sufficient very few staff working exclusively refrigeration in the venues. Some addition, the Games led to better scope for NGO participation or on environmental issues – a total NGOs believed that if BOCOG water treatment and, to some take full advantage of the strong of 14 during the Games out of had played a more pro-active degree, a reduction in reliance on support NGOs could have offered 8,000 staff – and the BOCOG and facilitative role earlier, more fossil fuels. from the early stages of Games Deputy Director responsible for sponsors could have been actively planning. The committee only environmental issues was himself involved in this and similar Another feedback from NGOs decided to engage NGOs towards given the responsibility of running initiatives. was that the Games helped to the end of 2006, less than two a venue, leaving no one in charge raise awareness of environmental years to the Games. of coordinating environmental Most NGOs believed BOCOG issues amongst the general public issues during the Games. in China. For example, the Games NGOs also cited problems could have done more on the issue of carbon neutrality. They raised awareness of air pollution with the flow of information Furthermore, the department was expressed skepticism about the issues and the environmental and a lack of transparency. A unable to provide accreditation figures BOCOG provided on its majority of NGOs who worked for NGOs who were supportive of

122 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES carbon footprint and thought the The Games left an important on the expertise and networks issue was generally treated in a legacy for the city of Beijing, of environmental NGOs will superficial way. NGOs found it for the rest of China and for provide the hosts of future major difficult to confirm the facts and future host cities and organizers events with valuable information methodology BOCOG used to of mass events. Documenting and experience in their efforts to arrive at the figures. the successes and missed address environmental issues. opportunities in terms of drawing 11.3 COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Consistent with the experience Long the focus of NGOs, biodiversity conservation was part of the ‘green’ Olympics vision. at previous Games – since the Jingjing the panda was a mascot of the Games. environment became a pillar of the Olympic Movement – there was enthusiasm on the part of NGOs to support BOCOG with its sustainability initiatives.

BOCOG missed an opportunity to fully engage NGOs and benefit from their expertise from the outset of Games preparations. BOCOG only began engaging NGOs from the end of 2006, when the construction of most Games facilities was nearing completion and many policies were already in place.

It would be useful for the Beijing Municipal Government to engage NGOs in discussions on how to carry forward and reinforce the full range of environmental measures undertaken for the Games. NGOs possess specialised knowledge and have emerged from the Games with good experience. The creation of a sustainability forum with representatives from NGOs and various sectors of the public to advise Beijing’s Municipal Government could be a positive step.

Despite no evidence of a comprehensive programme to engage the general public on the extensive suite of environmental measures implemented for the Games, Beijing authorities could still take advantage of heightened public environmental awareness from the ‘Green Olympics’ to seek the views of citizens on © Fritz Polking / Still Pictures the way forward for the city’s environmental activities. A public survey on this issue is recommended.

123 © Getty Images

124 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

125 Chapter 12 © Agence France Presse France © Agence COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION

Working in close cooperation with a range of partners - among them the Beijing Municipal Government, UNEP, environmental NGOs, sponsors and schools - BOCOG mobilized communities on a grand scale to promote the ‘Green Olympics’ vision, even engaging more than 400 million students in one programme alone.

The Beijing mascots in London spreading Olympic fever.

126 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

127 COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION

To promote the ‘Green Olympics’ % Beijing 2008: Environmental the environment – through art reducing pollution, waste sorting concept and raise awareness of Protection, Innovation and projects. The Construction and and green consumption. The environmental issues, BOCOG Improvement report; Environment Department of campaign was launched in Beijing instigated various projects in BOCOG coordinated much of the and, according to BOCOG, more the domains of communication % Environmental Protection education and outreach activity. than 886 communities and 300 and education. Working in Guidelines for the Olympic families were involved. close cooperation with a range Projects; 12.1 COMMUNICATION of partners – among them the CAMPAIGNS The ‘One Day, No Engine Environmental Protection Beijing Municipal Government, % Sounds’ Campaign Guidelines for the Temporary BOCOG developed several ini- UNEP, environmental NGOs, Projects; tiatives to spread environmental sponsors and schools – BOCOG The campaign encouraged values among the general public mobilized communities on a Beijing citizens to use any means % Environmental Protection and generated the enthusiasm of grand scale and even engaged of transport other than cars. This Guidelines for the Beijing Beijing residents who wanted to more than 400 million students raised awareness of air and noise 2008 Hotel Services; in one programme alone. have an Olympic Games experi- pollution which are caused and can ence. Highlights of the public in- be curtailed by individual choice. % BOCOG Environmental BOCOG incorporated informa- formation and outreach activity 504 institutions, including 407 Reports for the years 2003, tion about the ‘Green Olympics’ are listed below. car clubs, joined the campaign. 2004 and 2005/2006, and into general Games information The Forum on China-Africa Co- The Green Community and and other publications, such as A series of six leaflets on operation in late 2006 was used as % Green Home Campaign the China Environment Year- environmental aspects of the campaign springboard. book, and also produced a range the Games, jointly produced The project was aimed at raising of guidelines and other publica- Beijing Green Map Initiative with UNEP. environmental awareness among tions dedicated to environmental Beijing families and communities. topics including: In addition, BOCOG showcased This project, developed by the three pillars of the Olympic It developed initiatives related BOCOG and the Beijing Movement – sport, culture and to water and energy saving, Environment Protection Bureau,

Olympic promotional posters.

128 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES involved an initiative whereby and their uniqueness to their Television advertisements areas such as water conservation, Beijing residents participated in particular ecosystems. renewable energy, air quality the labelling of the environmental The Centre for Environmental and green coverage – plus steps and cultural facilities around Internal communication Education and Communication by BOCOG to address them, their city. According to BOCOG, of Beijing, the United Nations including during the design and BOCOG also actively engaged its the project involved 8,000 people Development Programme construction of Games venues. staff in contributing to achieving in developing China’s first ever (UNDP), UNEP and BOCOG The leaflets were distributed to the vision of a ‘Green Olympics’ developed a series of television visual guide on environmental, the media and spectators during by providing information advertisements to promote ecological and cultural landscapes the Games. sessions, updates on progress public awareness on various of the country’s capital city. with environmental innovations environmental issues. The spots 12.2 EDUCATION and opportunities to get involved The Fuwa Exhibition used famous Chinese sport in campaigns. BOCOG reported personalities to communicate to BOCOG targeted China’s younger that more than 1,000 of its The ‘Close to the Nature Hand the public. They were aired on generation by organising projects staff received environmental in Hand with Fuwa Exhibition’ several TV channels in China and in primary and secondary schools protection training. Every year, around Beijing and across the was a travelling display created on the Beijing metro prior to and BOCOG staff members also took country. The major educational by BOCOG and the Beijing during the Games. part in a public Tree Planting initiatives included: Association for Science and Day and helped motivate other Joint BOCOG and UNEP leaflets Technology. The exhibition raised citizens to help in the greening of The Beijing Primary and awareness about the four Olympic Beijing. UNEP and BOCOG cooperated Secondary School Olympic animal mascots, namely the fish, to develop a set of six leaflets Education Programme and the the Tibetan antelope, the flying A proposal for a Commuter on the environment and the Green School Project swallow and the panda. Several Challenge was a joint initiative Games. Written in Mandarin environmental NGOs joined the of BOCOG, UNEP and the and English, the brochures exhibition, which enlightened Vancouver Olympic Games contained information on a range Communicating the message: viewers on each animal’s habitat Organizing Committee. of environmental issues – in collaboration was key.

129 COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION

Children at schools across China learnt about environmental issues through Olympic-linked programmes.

China’s Ministry of Education The project aimed to develop autonomous regions and nearly 12.3 COMMENTS AND implemented, at national level, a water saving initiatives while 8,000 drawings were received RECOMMENDATIONS project that involved 400 million communicating the importance of from students. The selected students. The aim was to establish water saving. It was implemented paintings were exhibited and used In the important area of Olympic Model Schools, where in primary schools around Beijing’s to decorate the Olympic Village. environmental education and the Olympic values were taught, 18 districts and counties. The communication, it is clear practised and promoted. The driving forces behind it were the The Green Olympics, Green BOCOG’s efforts contributed project encouraged students to Youth League, Beijing Municipal Action Team to raising awareness of the adopt more sustainable lifestyles. Committee, the Young Pioneers links between sport and the Members of this team held Up to October 2006, 556 schools Beijing Working Committee, environment through actively lectures and implemented in China were nominated Olympic Coca-Cola and BOCOG. engaging the public. Model Schools, including 200 promotional initiatives in schools from Beijing. ‘Green Dreams, Colourful different places such as in schools, Local communities were Olympics’ Painting Competition factories, universities, libraries encouraged by BOCOG, the In addition, a Green school project and communities. The Team was Beijing municipal authorities was initiated. Green schools are In 2005 and 2006 BOCOG, established in 2004 by BOCOG and Games sponsors to take those that take environmentally in partnership with the China and the Beijing Environmental part in tree planting, energy friendly measures in their day- National Youth Palace Association, Protection Bureau to promote saving and other Olympic-related to-day activities and teach organized a painting contest for Olympic environmental values, environmental programmes. The environmental values. The project students of Beijing’s primary sustainable development beauty of this approach is that was implemented in the city of and secondary schools. In 2005, principles, good energy saving it gave people of all ages and Beijing and by October 2006 more than 2,000 students, from and water saving practices and backgrounds an Olympic Games counted a total of 728 schools. about 100 schools, participated environmental awareness in experience regardless of their in the competition. In 2006, the general. sporting ability or access to event ‘Reserve a Barrel of Water this competition was extended to over tickets. Summer’ initiative 20 provinces, municipalities and

130 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES © BOCOG

BOCOG promoted its environmental messages largely to a domestic audience, with a focus on youth.

BOCOG demonstrated how detracting from this achievement, campaigns to a global audience. attitudes towards sustainability hands-on environmental activities there is room for improvement UNEP anticipates exciting initiatives for the Games, to help could harness the enthusiasm of for future Games organisers. possibilities for greater use of target environmental education citizens who wanted to contribute social marketing tools by Olympic campaigns and gauge the extent to the success of a major BOCOG did not have a Games Organising Committees. of behaviour change as a result. international event, and help comprehensive plan to engage market the event to an audience the media in its environmental BOCOG’s style of communication broader than sports fans. performance. Given that was appropriate, for example Beijing’s air quality attracted a providing environmental Given the sheer scale of public lot of negative media attention, information on the BOCOG UNEP anticipates exciting participation in Beijing’s BOCOG could have developed a website rather than relying on environmental programmes, this comprehensive plan to highlight hard copy information materials, possibilities for greater is a case study of which other the other aspects of its work on and arming Games volunteers major international sports bodies greening the Games. with information about BOCOG’s use of social marketing should take note, including sustainability initiatives so A perennial communication the Fédération Internationale they could answer spectators’ tools by future Olympic de Football Association, challenge for the Games is questions spectators face-to- meeting the information needs International Rugby Board and face. However, the website’s Games Organising International Cricket Council. of a worldwide audience within Environment section was not resource constraints. BOCOG’s kept up-to-date. Committees. UNEP concludes that increased efforts focussed on promoting awareness of environmental its environmental achievements A further recommendation issues in China, particularly to a domestic audience. There is for future Olympic Games among Beijing residents and scope to extend the reach of future Organising Committees is to businesses, is a powerful legacy Games-linked environmental conduct formal research to of the Games. However, without education and public awareness measure public awareness and

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133 INDEX

A F Agenda 20,105 Forest 64-66, 73, 76, 94, 97, 104, 121 Agriculture 14, 72, 73, 104 Forest Stewardship Council 121, 122 Air pollution index (API), 26, 27, 37 Forestation 15,28,60,65 Air quality 15, 24-27, 46, 53, 65, 96, 97,121,129 Fourth Ring Road 15, 26, 60 Algae 76 Fuel 14, 27-29, 34-36, 42-46, 52-53, 97,122 Asuwei landfill marsh 54 Furnaces 52 Fuwa exhibition 129 B Beijing Coke & Chemical Plant 28 G Beijing Environment Protection Bureau 29, 130 Gas 17,28,33,43,52,54,84 Beijing Environmental Monitoring Center 29 General Electric 113 Beijing Municipal Government 53, 77, 90, 98, 123, 128 Geothermal heating 14, 52, 54 Biomass 104 Global Village Beijing 121 Bird Nest Stadium 82, 93 Green belt 15, 60, 63-65, 95 Blue Sky Days 13, 26, 37 Green coverage 15, 59-60, 63-67, 76,129 BOCOG 16, 18, 25, 29, 53, 96, 112, 121 Green economy 10 Brominated flame retardants (BFR) 113 Green Lighting Project 54 Buses 14, 29, 44-45, 52, 105 ‘Green Olympics’ 13, 16, 42, 51, 60, 97,111-115,121-123,128-129, Greenhouse gases 97-98,104-106,113 C Greenpeace 54, 66, 98,112-114,121-122 Capital Iron and Steel Company 28 Guanting Reservoir 14, 73 Carbon dioxide (CO2) 54, 67, 113 Carbon footprint 67, 105-107, 113, 121 H Carbon monoxide (CO) 26, 42 Haier 113 Carbon offset 104 Hazardous waste 14, 82-83 Catering 114 Health 18, 26-27, 36, 75-77 China Mobile 113, 122 Heating 14, 17, 26-27, 30, 52-54, 90, 93, 98,122 Chinese Meteorological Agency (CMA) 33 Hong Kong 19 Clean fuels 14, 26, 42, 46, 52 Hotels 54, 83, 112, 114-115, 121 Climate change 36, 104-105 Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) 113 Climate neutrality 103-107 Coal 13, 26, 27, 51-55, 90, 98 I Coal-fired boilers 29, 30 Industrial pollution 14, 53 Coca Cola 83, 112, 122, 130 International Olympic Committee (IOC) 13, 20, 76, 96-98, 106, Community participation 65 112-114 Conservation International 121 Industrial areas 26, 76, 82 Construction 14, 26, 45, 60, 74, 82, 90-97 Contractors 106, 112-115 J Journalists 18-19 D Desulphurization 28 L Dust 14-15, 26, 29, 35, 52, 76, 83, 97, 104, 112, 122 Lillehammer 13, 20 London 20,126 E Low sulphur coal 27 Economy 52, 53, 99 LOW-E double glazing 53 Ecosystem 15, 60, 64, 77, 129 Education 16, 126-130 Energy efficiency 27, 52, 53, 55, 90, 97, 103, 104, 113, 114

134 INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: BEIJING 2008 OLYMPIC GAMES

M S Mascots 16,126,129 Samsung 113, 122 Media 18, 26, 53, 76, 95, 97,104-105,121-122,129-131 Sand storms 30 Merchandise 114-115 Sewage14, 17, 53, 72, 75, 90, 94 Ming Tomb Réservoir 73 Shark fin campaign 121, 134 Miyun Réservoir 14, 64, 72-74, 95, 97 Shijingshan district 15, 26, 52 Mobile phones 113 Silt 14, 134 Montreal Protocol 29 Stakeholders 84, 107, 121 Standard Ambient Air Quality Standards 26 N Sulphur dioxide (SO2) 26, 34, 46, 55 Natural gas 13-14, 27, 29-30, 36, 43, 52, 90, Suppliers 107, 111-115, 121 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 26, 29-34, 42, 46 Sustainable development 16, 130 Noise 17, 43-44, 90, 96,128 Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) 13, 16, 77, 99,121- T 123,126,128 Taxis14, 42-44, 52 Torch relay 19, 105, 132 O Trains 47, 84, 134 Offsetting 104 Transport 14-18, 26-30, 41-47, 55, 98, 105, 122, 128 Olympic (bid commitments) 13-14, 16, 44, 77, 82-83, 90, 97,104-106 Travel 104, 114, 129 Olympic Games and the environment (history of) 13 Olympic Park 44 U Olympic Venues 15, 53-54, 60, 66, 76, 82-83, 90, 93-96,106,113 UNEP 29, 42, 47, 66, 82, 90, 97, 105, 114, 121, 126, 129, 131 Olympic Village 20, 44, 53, 76-77, 90, 93-96,113,130 Organizing committee 13,16-18,115, 121,129,132-133 V Ozone 15, 26, 29,32-34,36,113,122,132 Vehicle Environmental Labeling System 129, 134 Ozone depleting substances (ODS) 15,26,29,95 Vehicle registrations 134 Venues 15-20, 29, 52-55, 60, 64, 66, 76, 90, 93-97, 103, 112, 122 Veolia 54 P Paralympic Games 18,32,43,59,70,72,74,82,88,90,97,104-105,112- W 113,121, Waste management 73, 81-84, 90, 96, 114 Particulate matter 26,30,42,65, Waste treatment 17, 81-84, 104 Photovoltaic 54,90,93,97 Water 13-18, 53-60, 70-76, 90-95, 98, 106, 113, 130 Polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs) 113 Water Cube 90, 96 Population growth 26, 72, 82, 134 Water saving 14, 76, 90, 94, 97, 113, 130 Power generation 28, 72, 93, 106, 134 Water supply 70, 72, 77, 98 Primary Industries 52, 134 Wetlands 17, 60, 64, 66 Protected areas 14, 26, 56, 64-66 World Health Organization (WHO) 26, 27, 37, 122, 128, 131, 133 Public transport 14, 18, 28, 41, 98, 106, 122 Worldwide Partners 111

Q Qingdao 18, 28, 74, 76

R Radioactive waste 14, 83 Railways 44, 60, 64 Rainfall 30, 33, 73 Rainwater-collection 135 Recyclable waste 82, 134 Refrigeration 28, 112, 122 Renewable energy 52, 54, 90, 98, 104, 122, 128 Reservoirs 14, 72, 74, 77 Roads 13, 41, 60, 64, 76

135 UNEP promotes environmentally sound practices globally and in its own activities. This publication is printed using 60% sugarcane bre. Recycled content is 15% pre-consumer waste with 25% FSC certi ed mixed source bre, the inks are vegetable based. Our distribution policy aims to reduce UNEP's carbon footprint. The Phoenix is the king of birds and symbolizes humankind’s constant striving spirit.

It has deep significance in Chinese culture because it represents hope.

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