Green Olympics

As part of their bid for the 2012 summer Olympics which open tomorrow, London made a commitment to host the greenest Olympic games in the tournament's recent history. According to the official website for the London 2012 games, organizers are quoted as saying, "When we bid to host the 2012 Games, we made a radical proposal to the International Organising Committee. We weren’t only going to put on the biggest sporting event in the world; we were going to hold the world’s first truly sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Games, leaving a legacy far beyond the departure of the Olympic Flame."

The most energy efficient venue in Olympic Park is the velodrome, an indoor arena with banked tracks for bicycle racing.The energy efficient features of the velodrome include:

·         A lean building shape and curved roof that rises toward the ends, which allows heat to escape upward and adds extra seats.

·         Windows that illuminate the track with daylight and minimize need for electric light.

·         A 100% natural ventilation system that eliminates the need for air conditioning.

·         A "smart" building management system that controls the venue's many mechanical, electric and plumbing systems for optimal energy efficiency and water efficiency.

·         Special insulation in the building exterior that will keep heat in during the winter.

For more information on the sustainability of the London games and to see the official countdown to the opening ceremonies, click here.

Click here for a complete schedule of all the events.

GO Team U.S.A.!