Tokyo 2020 unveil Pre-Games sustainability report

Tokyo 2020 has published its Sustainability Pre-Games Report, showing details of how it plans to deliver a sustainable Tokyo 2020 Games and highlighting progress on some of the initiatives undertaken throughout 2019.

The Report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: Core option, a set of international standards governing sustainability reporting.

Key activities and achievements covered in this report include:

Activities promote the use of 100% renewable energy during the Games: Tokyo 2020 is targeting to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy for electricity used to power the Games, via procurement from renewable energy sources and the use of a tradable green certification system.

The use of hydrogen energy in line with Japan’s transition to a hydrogen-based economy: In addition to 500 fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) that will be used at Games-time - provided by Worldwide Olympic Partner Toyota - hydrogen will be used as the fuel for the Olympic and Paralympic Cauldrons and the Torches during part of its journey through Japan. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government will also use hydrogen energy in some of the Olympic/Paralympic Village facilities.

Reduction of CO2 emissions: The Tokyo 2020 Games’ carbon footprint is estimated at 2.73 million tonnes. This represents a reduction of 280,000 tonnes of CO2. “Towards Zero Carbon” is the message of Tokyo 2020’s “Climate Change” themed initiatives and encapsulates the collective efforts by Tokyo 2020 and its multiple delivery partners.

Participation by Tokyo 2020 in the Sports for Climate Action Framework and various activities to raise awareness of climate change: en cooperación con las Naciones Unidas y otras organizaciones, Tokyo 2020 has observed the "International Day of Sports for Development and Peace" to raise awareness of climate change and the UN Sustainable Development Goals..

The “Victory Ceremony Podium Project”: Tokyo 2020, in collaboration with TOP Partner P&G, will implement an initiative to manufacture the Tokyo 2020 medal podiums from post-consumer plastic packaging collected throughout Japan. After the Games, the podiums will be utilised. With plastic waste and marine plastic pollution becoming key global concerns, this project will showcase circular economy principles and a sustainable society that makes the most of available resources.

The promotion of the 3Rs concept ("reduce, reuse, recycle"), at the Tokyo 2020 venues: recyclable paper containers for serving meals will be provided to spectators to encourage their use over single-use plastics. Tokyo 2020 will also promote proper waste sorting to achieve its target of reusing and recycling 65 per cent of Games-time waste.

Promotion of “Diversity & Inclusion”: Tokyo 2020 strives to increase awareness of Diversity and Inclusion in society through creative initiatives including the launch of its various licensed merchandise of D&I Collection.

Implementation and third-party certification of ISO20121 Event Sustainability Management Standard;Implementation of multifaceted initiatives in new permanent venues and facilities: In addition to ensuring accessibility and using energy-saving technologies, the newly reconstructed Olympic Stadium features passive design such as large eaves and terraces that control wind flow and let in the summer breezes, and thus harmonises with the natural environment, bringing together the latest technologies.

The full sustainability report can be found on Tokyo 2020's website