🍃 What manufacturing leaders can learn from the 2024 Olympics

598 words | 2 mins, 58 secs

Did you know?

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games set a new standard for sustainability. With over 13 million meals served and 16,000 athletes in attendance, the event became the most sustainable Olympics yet.

How did they do it? By halving emissions, using existing venues, and powering the games entirely with renewable energy.

(Source: Paris 2024)

The big idea:

Sustainability is becoming a necessary component of MAJOR global events - and manufacturing can learn a lot from this approach.

The Paris 2024 Olympics achieved its sustainability goals through innovative methods that manufacturing leaders can apply to their own businesses.

1. Cutting emissions in half: The Olympic committee set a goal to halve emissions compared to previous games.. and succeeded. For manufacturing leaders, this demonstrates the power of setting ambitious, measurable sustainability targets. Whether it's reducing emissions from your production line or improving energy efficiency across facilities, ambitious goals can drive meaningful change.

2. Reusing existing resources: Instead of building new venues, the Paris Olympics used existing stadiums and infrastructure. Similarly, manufacturing leaders can rethink how they use materials and equipment. Can you extend the life of your machinery or repurpose existing resources? This not only reduces waste but can also lower costs.

3. Embracing renewable energy: The entire Olympic event was powered by solar and wind energy. Imagine the impact if more manufacturing facilities switched to renewable energy sources. This move could significantly cut operational costs in the long term while aligning with global sustainability efforts.

4. Eco-friendly design: From recycled seating made from 100 tons of plastic to low-carbon concrete in athlete housing, the Olympics showcased how innovative, eco-friendly design can be both practical and effective. Manufacturing leaders can look into sustainable materials and design innovations for their products and operations to reduce environmental impact.

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What is it?

It's a programme for senior sustainability leaders who want to put sustainability at the top of the agenda in the organisation, so they get approval for the desired high-impact projects.

You can read more about it here and join the waitlist!

If you’ve read this far... imagine the impact you could have on the world:

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Tip of the week:

Set clear sustainability targets

Just like the Olympic committee set clear goals for halving emissions, manufacturing leaders should establish concrete sustainability targets.

These can include reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, or transitioning to renewable energy.

The key is to make these goals actionable and measurable.

For example:

• Energy efficiency: Aim to increase the energy efficiency by 10% over the next year by upgrading to more energy-efficient machines.

• Waste reduction: Set a target to recycle or repurpose 50% of your waste materials by the end of the quarter.

• Renewable energy: Explore options to power a percentage of your operations with solar or wind energy by partnering with local energy providers.

Clear targets not only provide direction but also help track progress and celebrate successes along the way.

If you need to chat to someone about this, you know where to find me!

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Every step we take together makes a bigger impact tomorrow!

Best,
Jasper