London 2012 Olympic Games

This activity explores how by integrating environmental and social considerations into project management you can deliver projects that are environmentally sound and contribute to the sustainable development.

Over recent years environmental considerations have become a significant part of all major infrastructure projects. In today’s world when we consider environment we not only consider biodiversity, pollution prevention, air and water quality, habitat and species protection, land use and visual amenity, but we now add to the list a wider range of issues incorporating impact on communities now and in the future, climate change considerations, efficient resource use, source of materials, whole life considerations, waste management and future proofing.

We have moved from a time environmental considerations on projects sat firmly in the compliance space to a time when the proactive and responsible management of the natural environment is a key factor in best practice project management.

Winning the right to host the Olympic Games stirs a great deal of national pride, which explains why governments are so keen to support Olympic bids. But another, equally important, reason is the long-term benefits that the hosts enjoy. These are not just quick-fix boosts for tourism and inward investment; the Games can be a springboard for regeneration and development.

While Sydney and Athens have both complained about the cost of maintaining little used venues, a more positive example can be found in Barcelona, where a successful Olympic Games revitalised the city and helped define Spain as an economic force in Western Europe.

Now the spotlight has turned to London, specifically the area of East London that will host the 2012 Olympic Village and the bulk of the competitions.

East London was a logical choice. As one of the most disadvantaged areas of the English capital, it will benefit immensely from hosting the Games. Also, the area was already the recipient of investment in areas such as transport and housing such as the Thames Gateway scheme, which will help support the Olympic project.

As a consultant you are required to:

i) Identify some of the key project sustainable issues that can affect this project.

ii) Explain the concept of project sustainability management. What purpose does it serve?

iii) What are some of the principal reasons why project sustainability management has become such a popular business tool in recent years?

iv) Describe the basic elements of a sustainable management framework.


(i) Identify some of the key project sustainable issues that can affect this project.

The Brundtland Report which was released by the United Nations in 1987 defines sustainable development as “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
Sustainable development is an holistic approach to improving the quality of life of the people in three dimensions namely: Social, Economical and Environmental. The sustainable development postulates that there are intrinsic links among economic, social and environmental well being of the people.
Sustainable development was at the forefront of the bid for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Identifying the sustainable development issues means communicating the benefits of the bid to the people in the three dimensions of sustainable development mentioned above.
In the London Olympic project, the key sustainable issues are in terms of
1. Waste- the Olympic project will be a zero-waste games project in the sense that material waste will be reduced at source by reusing and recycling activities.

2. Biodiversity-it is also expected that wildlife and natural habitats will be conserved. This will make sure that nature is brought closer to the people.

3. Transport-by reducing the need to travel by providing alternatives to private car. This will reduce emissions from private vehicles.

4. Climate change-in terms of minimising greenhouse gas emissions
Other areas include healthy living by inspiring people to take up sporting activities, transform the heart of East London, making the UK, a work leading sports nation.

ii) Explain the concept of project sustainability management. What purpose does it serve?

Project sustainability management is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present but also for future generations (Wallace, 2005)
The purpose of project sustainability management in the London 2012 games is in creating venues, facilities and infrastructure for the London 2012 Games that leave a lasting social, economic and environmental legacy for East London and the UK in general, while minimizing any other adverse impacts during the design and construction of the Olympic venues, infrastructure and housing.

(iii) What are some of the principal reasons why project sustainability management has become such a popular business tool in recent years?

Project sustainability management (PSM) has become a popular business tool in recent years because it has been ascertain that most projects execution cause more harm than good. In a bid to improve the quality of life of the people during and after the project, PSM is being adopted to ensure that the projects don not compromise on the existence of future generations.

iv) Describe the basic elements of a sustainable management framework.

The three basic elements of a sustainable are Economical, Social and Environmental. According to Schaltegger (2000), these basic elements interact to produce positive or negative impacts.