London 2012 launches sustainable buying code

Organisers of the London 2012 Olympics have published a code which aims to ensure they buy green, ethical products and services for the Games.


The London Organising Committe of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), which is also responsible for the Paralympic Games, published its first Sustainable Sourcing Code.

The document is mainly aimed at those working inside and for the LOCOG, to help them meet the ambitions set out in the London 2012 Sustainability Plan, which was launched last year.

LOCOG and its suppliers will have to follow four basic principles:

  • Sourcing goods and services that are produced under internationally acceptable environmental, social and ethical guidelines
  • Maximising the use of materials with recycled content, minimising packaging and designing products that can be reused or recycled
  • Maximising resource and energy efficiency
  • Using non-polluting and non-toxic materials and substances
  • London 2012 CEO Paul Deighton said: “Our ambition is to set new sustainability benchmarks for the way large-scale events are staged. The Sustainable Sourcing code is a key part of this.

    “One of the most important aspects of this for me is that we are able to develop this as we progress. This is just the first edition.”

    The code has been backed by the Fairtrade Foundation. Executive director Harriet Lamb said; “We are delighted that LOCOG, at this early stage, has made clear its position on the importance of securing products which have been sourced sustainably, including those independently certified to international Fairtrade standards.”

    She added: “How great if one of the legacies [of London 2012] were to be that London, which recently became the world’s largest Fairtrade city, could enable many more producers in developing countries to sell their products under Fairtrade terms.”

    It is anticipated that procurement for the Olympics will generate about 5,000 direct business opportunities, creating about 25,000 supply chain opportunities, mainly between 2010 and 2012.

    Kate Martin

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