Paris Olympics Athletes' Village: A Model of Sustainable Construction

The Paris Olympics athletes' village, inaugurated on Thursday, embodies a groundbreaking vision of sustainable construction, showcasing a myriad of innovations designed to minimize its carbon footprint.

Naturally Cool

The village boasts a unique cooling system that eliminates the need for air conditioning. High-performance insulation, sun shades, and a geothermal power plant that circulates cool water in summer and heat in winter maintain a comfortable temperature inside, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Concrete Improvements

Builders employed innovative techniques to reduce emissions by 30% per square meter. Wood replaced carbon-intensive concrete in many structures, including core support, facades, and floors. Low-carbon concrete and recycled concrete were also extensively used.

Low-Carbon Concrete

Low-carbon concrete, which uses less energy-intensive materials and processes, was widely employed throughout the site. This innovative material significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the buildings.

Recycled Concrete

Recycled concrete was used as ballast and mixed with compost to create a base layer for the gardens, further reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Real Greenery

The village features extensive gardens, covering 40% of the total land space, with 9,000 trees and shrubs. This greenery provides relaxation areas, reduces heat, and promotes biodiversity.

Water Works

The site has its own water treatment center that purifies wastewater for use in the gardens. An experimental building, "the Cycle building," uses purified rainwater for toilets and separates urine and feces for conversion into fertilizers.

Circular Economy

All 300,000 household items in the village are destined for a second life. Suppliers were required to demonstrate their ability to recycle or reuse materials. Bed bases are made of reinforced cardboard, mattresses from recycled fishing nets, and street furniture from reclaimed wood.

Tags: #ParisOlympics, #Sustainability, #GreenConstruction, #LowCarbon, #RenewableEnergy