The recent Summer Olympics was not only an opportunity to showcase the amazing prowess of the world’s greatest athletes and the stunning beauty of Paris. It also demonstrated a full-scale, global commitment to renewable energy—an initiative that resonates strongly with BEI Construction’s focus on innovation and collaboration.
Working toward a brighter energy future in the City of Lights
Perhaps the most impressive Olympic feat of all was a comprehensive shift to sustainable energy. The network infrastructure supporting the Games was 100% powered by renewable energy generated in France, sourced from six wind farms and two solar installations. This included the infrastructure to illuminate the stadiums, welcome the spectators, time the athletes, and broadcast the events worldwide.
“When the International Olympic Committee (IOC) put together the reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020, our ambition was to make the Games more sustainable, more responsible, and useful for the host population,” said Tania Braga, IOC Head of Impact and Legacy, speaking at a joint IOC-Paris 2024 press briefing dedicated to sustainability and legacy. “This translates into reducing the footprint and minimizing any negative impacts of the Games while creating positive benefits for the hosting population well before the Games start.”
All of the Paris 2024 Olympic facilities were designed to be more energy-efficient:
- The installed lighting systems all featured LED technology, delivering an 80% energy reduction compared with standard lighting.
- The electrical equipment was limited to the essentials, resulting in fewer plugs and printers and smaller screens.
- The Aquatics Centre was designed with a concave-shaped roof featuring photovoltaic panels that reduced the volume of air to be heated by 30%. The water in the pools was kept at 28°C by a special heating system that recovered heat generated by a neighboring data center.
- All Olympic structures were equipped with better insulation and geothermal power or heat recovery technology.
- A photovoltaic carport was set up at the bus station and served as an energy source for the international delegations’ reception and information center.
- A floating mobile solar farm on the Seine generated power for 30 two-bedroom apartments in the Olympic Village, housing that will be reused now that the Olympics events are over.
Through these and other sustainable measures, the recent Summer Olympics saw an 80% reduction in energy-related carbon emissions compared with standard sporting events that generally rely on power from diesel generators.
Driving Innovation and Collaboration in Renewable Energy
As one of the country’s leading providers of design and installation services for renewable energy infrastructure, BEI Construction believes that true progress happens when forward-thinking technology meets collaborative partnerships.
“It’s this kind of visionary thinking and innovation that drives the renewable energy industry forward,” says Dominic DiMare, Principal at BEI Construction. “We’re seeing similar efforts in California, as the state aggressively works toward its goal of zero-carbon energy by 2045. BEI offers engineering expertise across all aspects of renewable and clean energy infrastructure, and we’re proud to be partnering with energy companies to build the solutions that will achieve a greener future.”