To preserve the unique nature of the region during the construction of Olympic venues in Sochi, for the first time in Russia a system of “green” standards will be used. "Green" construction involves the use of environmentally friendly building materials and renewable sources of energy, waste minimization and recycling, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as sustainable water and energy use.
Issues of environmental protection have become a priority in the design and construction of Olympic infrastructure. During the construction of Olympic facilities, a system of “green” LEED and BREAM standards was adopted which use innovative technology for the collection, recycling and reuse of waste (the principle of “zero waste”).
The principal of observing "green" standards is a contract obligation for SC "Olympstroy" investors and contractors. Construction is performed using environmentally friendly materials. Purchased goods must be approved in advance in accordance with environmental requirements in respect to energy consumption equipment. At venues, systems of satellite observation to facilitate constant environmental monitoring are installed.
Each Olympic structure accounts for ten “green” innovative solutions. The projects of Olympic venues provide for the equipping with innovative technologies in the area of economic use of energy and resources (heat recovery systems, water reuse systems and rainwater use systems, dual-function heating/cooling technology, energy-saving lighting etc.). 10 venues at the Olympic construction site will go through compulsory certification for compliance with international LEED and BREEAM "green" standards, including the "Bolshoy" Ice Dome, the Adler-Arena and the Main Media Center.
In total, approximately 200 venues, included in the Olympic construction program, are planned and equipped by SC "Olympstroy" taking into account "green" construction standards.
The Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee is actively communicating with the leading international experts in the area of environmental protection and "green" construction, as well as international environmental experts. Among them are the UNEP (the UN environmental protection program, the cooperation with which was initiated by the organizers of construction), the UNDP (the UN Development Program) and UNESCO (The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization). The Sochi 2014 environmental programs are designed for the protection of rare types of flora and fauna in the region, the improvement in the condition of water and forest resources, as well as to increase the level of environmental responsibility in the country.
The task of developing a national "green" construction standard has been set by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment of the Russian Federation. The development and integration into construction activity of a Russian national "green" construction standard is being carried out with the participation of SC "Olympstroy", NP "Russian Green Building Council" and NP "Center of environmental certification - Green standards". A three party memorandum has been signed by the parties. A series of venues are currently going through certification for the new national standard.
