London Olympics 2012 - Green Facts: Sustainable Cycling Stadium

The Velodrome Park is one of the most iconic and sustainable venues of the London Olympics 2012 Games. The 12,000 seat stadium was constructed mainly using timber and covered with a lightweight roof. The design allowed limited use of steel for construction. Rainwater harvesting capability of the arena is a plus to the design. These design considerations are very good example that can inspire change toward sustainable living.

The Olympic Cycling stadium’s, design incorporate sustainable aspects whenever possible. The timber used for the track and for the external cladding as well, come from certified sustainable sources (certified by the Forest Stewardship Council).

The lightweight cable-net design of its roof, allowed lesser amount of materials required and significantly reduced construction time by 5 months. Overall, these considerations reduced the carbon emission which could have been produced on a typical stadium.

The Olympic stadium’s design also incorporates natural ventilation. It lets in an abundance of natural light and flow of air. Reducing the amount of energy needed for artificial lighting and eliminates the need for air conditioning.

A plus to the whole design is the roof’s capability to collect rainwater that will provide 75 percent of the Olympic stadium’s water usage.

And what happens after the games? Well, legacy was at the forefront of the design and build of the Velodrome. After the Games, the venue will be handed over to the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and form the heart of a new VeloPark for use by the local community, clubs and elite athletes.

The VeloPark will also include the reconfigured BMX track, a new mountain bike track and a new road cycle circuit, as well as a cafe, bike hire and cycle workshop facilities.

source: London2012