London 2012 will be low carbon games

The London 2012 organisers have outlined a series of initiatives under a new sustainability framework, that they say will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimise the Game's carbon footprint.

One key element to this pledge is the Olympic Games' first low emission, so-called 'green flame'.

EDF Energy, London 2012's first Sustainability Partner, will be working with the games organisers to find the best ways to achieve the lowest emitting flame possible.

Other priorities involve a groundbreaking carbon footprinting study to measure the climate change impact of the Games and identify and prioritise areas for reducing emissions.

The plan, Towards A One Planet 2012, will not only focus on climate change but is intended to be a wide ranging look at how London 2012 is ensuring that all aspects of its preparation and staging of the Games are undertaken in a sustainable way.

From recycling or reusing demolition waste, to creating a sustainable food strategy during Games time to promote healthy living, the plan goes beyond being 'green' to include key socio-economic issues such as leaving skills, employment and business legacies in east London.

London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe in discussing the plan said: "We hope to use the power of the Games to drive change – behaviourally and in the way big events are staged in the future. Sustainability was an important element of our bid and underpins our preparations and our vision for the legacy of London 2012."

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London said: "We have set ourselves two very challenging aims - to stage not only the greatest Games ever but, as importantly, those Games in 2012 must be the most sustainable in the history of the modern Olympics.

This demonstrates our commitment to meet those challenges and leave a legacy which shows that even the largest regeneration projects can build-in measures to tackle climate change."