The Munich 2018 bid committee announced Tuesday that in addition to its compact “Two Park” concept, sustainability is an integral aspect “at the very core of planning for the Munich 2018 bid”.
The bid committee said the impact of the venue concept on nature is tending to zero, and the financial support required is minimal.
Munich’s bid is focused on sustainable use of all venues once the Games are over, and there is real demand. The Munich Olympic Park has welcomed more than 500 million visitors since the 1972 Summer Games, said a press release.
Michael Vesper, head of Munich 2018’s Advisory Board said, “the sustainability concept of the Munich 2018 bid will set new standards when it comes to creating a lasting Olympic Games legacy. In cooperation with many environmental associations and institutes, we have been able to develop and enhance a ground breaking sustainability concept. This has always been, and will remain, a crucial part of Munich’s plans to host the Winter Games in 2018”.
Professor Dr. Ralf Roth of the German Sports University in Cologne said, “99 per cent of land required for all venues in the Munich 2018 bid is currently used or is temporarily in use for sports. The only additional land we require is 0.48 hectares of meadowland and 0.65 hectares of forest in total, not even the size of a football pitch.
“Only one per cent of all areas will be modified purely for the Olympic Games. That would represent truly world class standard in sustainability. Should Munich be selected to host the Winter Games in 2018, we look forward to being involved and contributing to a major event that will provide a wealth of lasting benefits for Germany and the Olympic family”.
Thomas Urban and of the German Alpine Association said, “as a representative of the German Alpine Association I am absolutely convinced that Munich’s concept will enable them to host an environmentally friendly and sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. We have been evaluating the concept for the past 19 months and we will work hand-in-hand with the Munich 2018 bid committee to bring it to life in the best possible way.
“The benefits of cooperation with numerous environmental associations and experts in the respective areas speak for themselves. We now have an industry-leading ecological concept which goes far beyond the current requirements for major sports events. This ambitious plan will set new global green standards in sustainability and environmental protection for global sports events”.
