Meng Xiangsheng, Deputy Director of Environmental Sustainability Department HAGOC, stated at the “Green Asian Games” themed press conference held in Hangzhou on September 26 that the goal of the “Green Asian Games” is to integrate green, low-carbon, and sustainable concepts into the Asian Games and work to create the first large-scale “waste-free” event.
The construction of the venues incorporates the “green” idea. Only 12 of the 54 sites for the Hangzhou Asian Games are brand-new construction; the remainder are temporary or refurbished venues, according to Qiu Peihuang, director of HAGOC’s venues department, who spoke at the conference.
Additionally, clean energy and renewable resources are fully utilized by the venues. For instance, the atrium, fountain, and irrigation of the venue are all powered by rainwater collected on the roof of Fuyang Water Sports Center, which, on average, can save 1000 tons of water per day and 35% of water per month.
In addition, the swimming pool, gymnasium, and Lin’an Sports and Exhibition Center all use non-electric light tube lighting systems to provide everyday lighting, saving up to 30% of lighting energy annually.
In terms of green energy, all venues are powered for the first time by solar or wind energy, and the main torch tower is powered for the first time by methanol rather than natural gas, as reported by Meng Xiangsheng.
After the competition, the Asian Games venues can be used effectively for national fitness competitions. For instance, 13 national fitness programs, including basketball, tennis, and swimming, have been merged and made available as part of the Huanglong Sports Center’s remodeling project. This facility can accommodate more than 6,000 people daily.
