Green Makeover for London 2012
Posted : February 14, 2012 by John G, Category: Sustainability
The 2012 Olympic Games are almost upon us, and once again sustainable building is being woven into this year’s host city. During the 2010 Winter Games, we highlighted the LEED certified Olympic Village and the redesigned, eco-friendly Olympic medals. And it looks like we’ll see more of the same in London this year!
An article published on CNN.com highlights how London plans to cut back on energy consumption, even when it comes to iconic landmarks. Take Tower Bridge, for example. One of the city’s most famous structures is being retrofitted with an LED lighting system that will reduce energy use by 40 percent. The goal? Host the most environmentally-friendly Olympic Games ever.
As the director of policy at the UK Green Building Council points out, these types of projects can really help shape the sustainable building industry as a whole.
“These high profile projects can highlight the importance of retrofitting and cause people to think about installing renewable energy systems on the micro level,” says John Alker. “Relatively speaking, Tower Bridge will save a small amount of energy but this could translate into a quite significant proportion if people can be persuaded to follow.”
While much of the spotlight will be on the athletes and the competition this summer, the Olympics might very well give the green building market a boost as a result. Increased sustainability exposure for the millions that tune in will definitely prove beneficial.
What London 2012 sustainable initiative has caught your eye?
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