Madrid 2016 wants to capitalize on its title as the sunniest 2016 bid city by harnessing solar energy to power the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016, said a press release.
During the month of July the city has an average of 12 hours of sunshine a day, and the bid committee says this natural advantage provides Madrid with an important source of renewable energy, helping to reduce the environmental impact of hosting the Games.
Madrid says it is committed to delivering a Happy Green Games in 2016 and has worked with experienced stakeholders to ensure that all plans meet with the highest environmental standards. The city will guarantee that 100 per cent of the energy consumption in the Games venues and the Olympic Village will be renewable at origin, with a large part being harnessed from the sun.
According to the press release the Olympic Village has an innovative and sustainable design, meeting standards set by the Green Building Council. Thermic and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels will be installed throughout the Village, and the internal fleet of vehicles will be powered by electricity produced from the PV solar panels installed in the Olympic Park grounds.
Should it host the 2016 Games the bid team plans to use the Games to educate people about the importance of being environmentally friendly by establishing several initiatives, including Madrid Plays Green. Plans for the 2016 Games have been presented to schools to raise awareness of the importance of integrating environmental measures in sports practice. This year the Madrid Marathon also promoted environmentally friendly practice, said the press release.
