Delivering Success: Engagement, Legacy and Vision Olympic Winter Games 2026 Case Study Lillehammer 1994 The sustainable development programmes of the Olympic Winter Games Lillehammer 1994 set new environmental standards for major sporting events and led to it becoming known as the “Green Games”. Over two decades later, the town is now to protect a bird sanctuary. Games organisers an established winter sports destination. heavily promoted recycling and the use of Its positive legacy developed even further public transport. And volunteer and staff with the hosting of a successful Winter Youth uniforms were made from recycled materials. Olympic Games 2016. Energy-ef昀椀cient Games venues were built Lillehammer’s pioneering approach in 1994 with a strong focus on their post-Games use was rooted in the 昀椀ve “green goals” it set for and constructed using predominantly local the Games: materials. For example, the construction of • To increase international awareness an underground ice hockey venue, the Gjovik I can remember the amazing atmosphere, the Olympic Cavern Hall, reduced energy needs. of ecological questions The arenas were planned with community fantastic weather and the crazy amount of • To safeguard and develop the region’s and elite use in mind; today, they regularly people that gathered in our small city. I also environmental qualities host major sporting events as well as concerts remember the environmental programmes… • To contribute to economic development and other cultural and commercial meetings. and sustainable growth The 1994 Games de昀椀nitely set new standards A recent study by Timothy Kellison and in the technical aspects of sustainability. • To adapt the architecture and land use Jonathan Casper explores the history of Tomas Holmestad to the topology of the landscape environmental sustainability in event hosting, Chief Executive Of昀椀cer, including during several Olympic Games. • To protect the quality of the environment Youth Olympic Games Lillehammer 2016 and of life during the Games The study stresses the importance of More than 20 sustainability projects were having these elements central to a Games initiated. Reclaimed stone from the delivery plan. It is this approach that made Read the full study here construction of the ski jumping venue was Lillehammer so successful and led to future used to create the Olympic medals. The events following its lead with environmentally speed skating arena in Hamar was relocated sustainable projects. Sustainability 24