As the 2010 Winter Olympics wrap up, it’s time we recognized some of the achievements in Vancouver, and we’re not talking about gold medal performances. The Canadian city is notable for its efforts to set new standards of sustainability by making this year’s games the greenest yet.

The athletes’ village, situated near False Creek (see images), has been fitted with solar panels and green roofs, and will collect and recycle rainwater. Even the Olympic torch is 90% recyclable, and the award medals are largely made from re-purposed electronic waste. With all of the new buildings meeting or exceeding LEED standards, future Olympic host cities will have large footsteps to follow.

[LATimes]

Images:
footloosiety/Flickr
kennymatic/Flickr

Filed under: e-News, Environmental