A new carbon-reduction scheme is being introduced around the Olympic Park, along with plans for photovoltaic (PV) cells to be installed on the Main Press Centre (MPC).

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) will invest more than £1m in carbon reduction measures for local housing and schools in four of the Host Boroughs. This will include installing low energy lighting, insulation, and standby switches.

The scheme will help the ODA move towards its challenging target to reduce the carbon emissions of the Park by 50 per cent.

The ODA has submitted a planning application for PV cells to be installed on the MPC to deliver renewable energy to the Park. These cells will mean that around nine per cent of the Park’s energy will come from renewable technology after the Games.

-- Advertisement --

The ODA's original, and challenging, 20 per cent target was made more difficult by the not installing a wind turbine on the Park. This decision was made in June 2010 to after an extensive process of research and industry engagement by the ODA.

Further work has determined that other renewable alternatives would not be value for money so PV cells are now being proposed as an alternative source of renewable energy.

ODA Principal Sustainable Development & Regeneration Manager Richard Jackson said: "From the outset of the project, the Olympic Park has set new standards in sustainability including the delivery of lightweight venues, the recycling or reuse of waste materials, using concrete with a high recycled content, and delivering materials by rail or water.

"Beyond the huge sustainability benefits already delivered, we also set ourselves challenging targets on carbon-reduction and renewable energy. Despite exhaustive efforts we have not been able to find a cost-effective solution to deliver a large percentage of renewable technology on the Park but the plans for PV cells will still make an important contribution."

(CD/GK)