Other website sections

»Jobs in sport

»Tenders

»Directory

»Conferences

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games can be the most sustainable multi-sports event ever held – with the help of the Scottish public.

Interim Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Derek Casey said on Saturday in a speech to the Ramblers Association Scotland annual conference in Stirling that in the early stages of planning for the Games there are huge opportunities to “meet the challenge of environmental issues – just as our athletes, our city and our country are getting fit for the Games there is an opportunity for our environmental credentials to be in a winning position as well.”

He said: “During the Bidding Phase we had the help of an expert Environmental Forum, including the Ramblers Association. From that we formed our submission on environmental issues around the Games which are included in the Bid Document.

“However these are the minimum standards we are committed to – what we want to see now is the public getting really involved, giving us their ideas, and connecting with the potential of the Games.

“Scotland is gaining a global reputation as a country that can host big events like the Commonwealth Games, the Ryder Cup, and large-scale conferences. I believe there is capacity for our environmental record to shine as well. We can leave a very positive environmental legacy through innovation and careful planning. We are, for example, using brown field sites for new venues, we have a clear commitment to using sustainable materials and recycling, and to enhance the biodiversity of the area in terms of wildlife.

“But for real innovation to happen we need individuals, the public and the private sector to share their ideas with us so that we truly can be an exemplar of good environmental practice.”

Mr Casey added that carbon generated by the athletes and spectators arriving by plane for the Games will be offset by a fund from the Scottish Government, as detailed in the Bid Document. He said: “No major Games can avoid athletes having to travel to compete, and we will finalise the offset plans over the coming years when travel arrangements are being made. We will also raise environmental issues in regard to travel with the 71 Commonwealth Games Associations when they are in Glasgow in June for the 2nd Commonwealth Sports Development Conference.”

Green issues form an important part of the Scottish Government’s consultation paper – “Glasgow 2014 – Delivering a Lasting Legacy for Scotland”, which the First Minister launched in February. Mr Casey said he is keen for the public to share their ideas on a legacy for the environment through that public consultation, which is open to written submissions until 9 May. The public can join in with the Legacy process by sharing their ideas at www.scotland.gov.uk/glasgow2014legacy. A series of public meetings will also be held throughout Scotland in May and June.

Mr Casey said: “What I want to see now is much more public engagement on events and the environment. The Games are not purely about sport - we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make the Commonwealth Games as sustainable and responsible as they can be.”

Dave Morris, Director of Ramblers’ Association Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Derek is coming to our conference to set out the green agenda for the Games. The Ramblers worked with the Glasgow Bid Team to promote walking as an integral part of the 2014 Games, now we will play our part in helping to deliver a Commonwealth Games that inspires everyone to new heights.

“The Glasgow Games can set the Gold Standard for placing environmental quality alongside sporting excellence. We must raise the bar for sporting events worldwide. Our generation and those to come will expect Glasgow and Scotland to rise to the challenge.”

(Source: Glasgow 2014)