The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were the first Games to fully align with the climate goals of the Paris Agreement. What lessons can we learn for Brisbane 2032? Two specialists in mega events, GHD’s Brad Wood and Max Goonan, share their insights.

The Paris 2024 Games were an opportunity to set a transformative precedent in the world of global events, marking a significant step forward in sustainability and environment, social and governance (ESG) strategy. 

Some of the sustainability initiatives in Paris proved controversial: overambitious aspirations for the Seine water quality; miscalculating the demand for plant-based food; confusing reusable cup processes at venues; and the decision not to install air conditioning in the Athletes' Village residences.

 
Despite this, Paris shows how a host city can emerge from the Games with significant enhancements to its sustainability. The city-wide transformation aimed to upgrade existing infrastructure, accelerate active travel and address residents' needs with a focus on local communities.

Less built, lower carbon

The world adopted the legally binding international treaty on climate change, the Paris Agreement, in 2016. In 2017, in a tight race with Los Angeles, Paris won the bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, largely due to its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half, when compared to London 2012 and Rio 2016.

The biggest sources of emissions during mega events are traditionally the transport of participants and spectators, as well as the construction of buildings and infrastructure. For the 2024 Olympics, it is estimated that these two sources will each account for one-third of the carbon footprint, with the final third attributed to operations (such as catering, accommodation, logistics and security). 

The most significant contribution to the Paris 2024 Games sustainability goals was the decision to limit new construction to only 5% of total venues. This signalled a shift from previous Games, which involved large-scale building projects with significant economic and environmental impacts. Since 2020, Olympic Games host nations have prioritised reusing existing infrastructure to lower their carbon footprints. This new approach means fewer builds and more sustainable practices. It is not always about building more, but rather about building better.

A four-part sustainable venue strategy

The Paris 2024 organisers developed an asset transition strategy that can be divided into four categories: existing, temporary, new modular and new permanent.

What are the implications for Brisbane?

For Brisbane’s Olympics, strategic asset management planning will need to ensure that existing infrastructure not only serves visitors during this global event – but communities afterwards. By effectively repurposing assets, Brisbane can deliver a more environmentally and economically sustainable Games. 

Brisbane 2032 plans to hold events outside of the host city, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and other locations across Queensland. This will be the first time that a broader ecosystem of regions will collectively host the Games. Importantly, venues constructed for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will also serve as key Olympic and Paralympic venues.

For a truly sustainable mega event to be delivered in Brisbane, we must do more than restore the environment to its pre-Games state – we must actively improve it. Although the Brisbane 2032 Games are still years away, it is important to begin selecting infrastructure projects now, with an emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Prioritising low-carbon, resilient and adaptable solutions will help address climate change and meet evolving community needs. 

Beyond the financial and environmental benefits, renewing existing infrastructure across Queensland for the Brisbane 2032 Games can breathe new life into old structures, honouring the legacy of previous generations while embracing the future. In addition to celebrating Brisbane’s heritage, it can also provide an opportunity to showcase Queensland’s capacity for innovation and adaptability. By harnessing and maximising the potential of what’s already in place, the Brisbane 2032 Games can be a shining example of creating a sustainable legacy. 

Paris 2024 has helped contribute to a new sustainable urban vision that promotes the use of existing venues, expands transport infrastructure, lifts active travel, builds community legacy. Without doubt, the Paris Games represent a significant evolution in the way the Olympic and Paralympic Games are planned and executed.

Future host cities won't be able to replicate every element of Paris 2024, and it will be crucial for Brisbane (and Los Angeles in 2028) to evaluate how they can establish their own distinctiveness. As one of the smallest cities ever to host the Olympics and Paralympics, Brisbane and the respective host regions have a real opportunity to design and implement something truly unique – and sustainable.

Download GHD’s Paris Legacy Lessons e-book or contact bradley.wood@ghd.com or max.goonan@ghd.com