TORINO 2006: Europe greens the winter in Olympic

The opening of the Winter Olympic Games, the 10th of February 2006 in Turin (Italy) will mark a first in the history of international sports events: the successful implementation of a totally integrated approach aimed at reducing the global environmental impact of the event. For these Winter Games, which are taking place in Europe, environment was taken into account since the early planning, and the organisers made full use of all voluntary EU tools available: The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS); The European Eco-label; Green Public Procurements. The results are impressive: a full commitment of all stakeholders (municipalities, tourist accommodation, sponsors,...), and a sustainable use of resources in all fields (energy and water supply, waste management, building, housing, transport,…). These are living proofs that organising large scale one-off events and taking care of the environment can, and must, go hand in hand. This integrated approach will also have continuous positive effects on the long term for the whole region. This “European touch” can be considered as a best practice at international level and will serve as a reference for future events. www.torino2006.org Interviews Luca Mercalli, climatologist Paolo Revellino, Torino 2006 Organising Committee Ugo Pretato, Torino 2006 Organising Committee Roberto Serra, mayor of Cesana Torinese Fabio Caltabiano, Torino 2006 Organising Committee Elisa Pecar, mountain refuge Daniele Arlaud Valentino Castellani, President Torino 2006 Organising Committee Stavros Dima, European Commissionner for Environment

European Commission | January 1, 2006

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