Paris 2024 Olympics sets a new benchmark in sustainable procurement, raising the bar for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in awarding contracts worth €5bn. This move could redefine future games’ sustainability standards.
Paris 2024’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy
Paris 2024, the host of this year’s Olympics, is set to spend approximately €2.5bn on goods and services necessary for the games. This figure doubles to €5bn when considering contracts awarded by Solideo, public contracting authorities, and private customers. Paris has set ambitious targets in its procurement process, particularly in terms of environmental and social standards.
In comparison, the 2020 Summer Olympics aimed for optimal sustainability by accumulating 4.38 million tonnes of carbon credits, covering 150% of the games’ emissions. However, a report from the University of Lausanne suggests that Tokyo may be one of the least sustainable Olympics in recent history. The report assessed all Olympics since 1992, taking into account economic, ecological, and social factors, including budget balance, venue viability, and minimal displacement.
Inclusive Procurement and ESG Commitments
Paris 2024 has made it clear that organizations of all sizes are eligible to apply for the games’ contracts. Through platforms like ESS2024, in collaboration with Les Canaux, the organizers have strived to inform SMEs about these opportunities, ensuring equal opportunity for all businesses.
This inclusive participation was guaranteed through the publication of a procurement map, the allowance of joint ventures, and the reservation of certain contracts for organizations supporting those with disabilities or job-seekers.
Paris 2024 has also encouraged supplier applications from organizations that emphasize five key ESG commitments: carbon neutrality & environmental protection, social innovation, inclusion of people with disabilities, and local value creation.
Creating a Legacy through Circular Economy
The organizing committee’s role is not just to host the games but also to envision the aftermath. Paris 2024 has to consider the fate of the purchases once the games are over. Will they be returned, resold, donated, transferred, or transformed?
The circular economy is crucial to Paris’ games as it reflects its aspiration for a “legacy for the people”, aiming to create second lives for as many products as possible. This approach is already taking shape in the Pulse building, Paris 2024’s HQ. Paris 2024 has a strict set of specifications for the furniture at its new head office and was the first to include the price to buy back the furniture after the games in its call for bids. This innovative approach encourages us to consider the cost of using something instead of the cost of owning it.
