One-Planet Olympics: Energy

– July 31, 2012

The Olympic Park’s efficient, low-carbon heating and cooling systems are powered by a brand-new Energy Centre. It features a 3 megawatt biomass boiler that uses both natural gas and sustainably sourced wood chips to generate power. The combined cooling, heating and power plant captures the heat generated by electricity production and recycles it to generate domestic hot water and heat the Aquatics Centre and other venues and buildings. This system uses less fuel than traditional energy systems and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Having the Energy Centre on site rather than transporting energy from distant plants saves energy, too.

Transport

This is a 100 per cent public transport Games, so there will be no spectator parking at any of the venues. Dedicated coaches will provide transport from within Central London, park-and-ride sites have been established around the city, and specially discounted train tickets and all-day travel cards are available. Spectators can even get to some venues via the Thames, by riverbus.