LA28 Olympics Face Scope 3 Emissions Challenges

The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Organising Committee is gearing up to host one of the world's largest events, but with it comes the significant challenge of managing Scope 3 emissions.

The emissions, which are indirect and occur across the value chain, pose unique challenges in the context of such a massive and complex event.

Challenges of Olympic proportions

One of the most significant challenges in managing Scope 3 emissions for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics is the supply chain's complexity and diversity.

Hosting the Olympics requires an enormous range of goods and services, from construction materials to transportation and catering. Each element contributes to emissions that are difficult to track and reduce due to the intricate web of suppliers and subcontractors.

The vast array of products and services needed, combined with the global nature of the supply chain, makes emissions management a formidable task.

Accurately measuring and reporting Scope 3 emissions is another major hurdle, because these emissions are indirect. Gathering reliable data requires extensive collaboration with suppliers, contractors and other partners.

The challenge lies in consistent, transparent and accurate data reporting across all these stakeholders. These can be difficult to achieve, especially when dealing with numerous suppliers with varying levels of sophistication in their sustainability practices.

Engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from suppliers and sponsors to local communities, is crucial for aligning everyone with the sustainability goals of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

However, coordinating such a wide range of interests and ensuring everyone is committed to reducing emissions can be challenging.

The organising committee must foster strong relationships and encourage active participation from all parties to implement their sustainability strategies.

“We are working closely with civic and non-profit organisations and their subject matter experts to ensure diverse voices are included as we plan the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” comments LA28 Vice President of Impact, Erikk Aldridge.

“We have a unique opportunity to use the Games as a catalyst for progress, co-creating benefit for the region that will be around well after the Games are over.” 

Strategies for improvement

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have developed guidelines and online toolkits to help Olympic organisers deliver sustainable events.

The Los Angeles 2028 committee can leverage these resources, which include best practices from previous Games, to address Scope 3 emissions effectively. By adopting and adapting these guidelines, the committee can create a robust framework for sustainability that addresses the specific challenges of the Los Angeles event.

Building on the sustainability strategies developed for previous Olympics, such as those outlined in the IOC's Sustainability Strategy, can provide a solid foundation for Los Angeles 2028.

The strategies cover everything from procurement practices to waste management, offering a comprehensive approach to integrating sustainability across all aspects of the event. By implementing these strategies, the organising committee can reduce emissions and set a benchmark for future Olympic Games.

While relying solely on carbon offsets has shown mixed results, combining offsets with genuine reduction initiatives can yield better sustainability outcomes.

The Los Angeles 2028 committee could focus on proactive measures like improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable transportation options and implementing robust waste reduction programs. The efforts and targeted carbon offsets can significantly lower the event's overall carbon footprint.

Collaboration is key to achieving shared sustainability goals. The Los Angeles 2028 committee should engage local governments, businesses and communities in reducing Scope 3 emissions.

By encouraging suppliers to adopt greener practices and ensuring that sponsors and partners align with emission reduction targets, the committee can foster a collaborative environment that supports its sustainability objectives.

Learning from Paris 2024: A blueprint for success

The Los Angeles 2028 committee can learn valuable lessons from the Paris 2024 Olympics, which prioritised sustainability and legacy planning. Key takeaways include:

• Strategic venue selection: Paris 2024 minimised environmental impact using existing infrastructure and temporary venues. Los Angeles 2028 can adopt a similar approach to reduce costs and emissions.
• Environmental focus: Paris 2024 set a high bar for environmental sustainability despite some challenges. Los Angeles 2028 can build on these efforts by addressing potential ecological risks early and developing robust contingency plans.
• Urban transformation and legacy planning: Paris 2024 used the Games to drive urban development. Los Angeles 2028 can similarly leverage the event to improve infrastructure and community facilities.
• Stakeholder engagement: Paris 2024 emphasised collaboration, supporting over 1,100 social projects. Los Angeles 2028 should prioritise partnerships that promote inclusivity and long-term social benefits.

By adopting these strategies and learning from Paris 2024, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Organising Committee can set new standards for sustainability, effectively manage Scope 3 emissions and create a lasting positive impact on the city and its communities.

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