The target of our Olympics providing low-carbon energy from their waste by the 2012 games seems destined to fail.
The ODA’s sustainability policy was recently released and while the event looked like being on course in many key areas, the document does state that the progress on waste infrastructure has been slower than first expected.
The original policy spoke of the games being “a catalyst for new waste management infrastructure in East London and other regional venues” and spoke of the London Development Agency being able to “ensure that the Olympic Park infrastructure is able to deliver zero carbon heat and very low carbon energy by 2016 at the latest, but preferably by 2012…to supply fuel derived from organic waste combined with the renewable energy solutions provided by the ODA.”
This week has seen a major turn around, with the report saying it knew that the targets set would be ‘challenging’ and even put some of the blame on the waste industry itself.
The report also admits it is yet to know how waste from the games will be handled.
“As a result of the difficulties in managing waste in London and the failure of the waste industry to come up with credible schemes, we have seen little evidence of this happening,” it said.
“We are disappointed to report that the opportunity to do this in time for the games has been lost and that any project starting now would be unlikely to be completed and able to supply a reliable source of energy during the Games.
“This is due to a combination of factors including lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities, inadequate response from the waste industry leading to delays in developing and securing funding for projects through the London Waste and Recycling Board.”