With all the furore over that logo, attention has been distracted from the business opportunities relating to the delivery of the 2012 Olympic Games. Well, if the Olympic Delivery Authority’s sustainable development commitments are anything to go by then it certainly will be a green games:

• Aiming to minimise the carbon emissions associated with the venues through a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide by 2013.
• 90% of demolition material to be reused or recycled and at least 20% of materials used to be recycled.
• 40% reduction in the demand for potable water in permanent venues and a 20% reduction target for residential development.
• Aspiring to transport 50% of construction materials, to the Park by water and rail.
• Protecting and enhancing the biodiversity and ecology of the venue locations.
• Maximising timber from sustainable sources with all timber used from known, legal sources, with clear supply chain evidence.

This sets a challenge for everyone looking for a slice of the action. And with £4bn of contracts going, these games will be the biggest single public procurement exercise in the world, ever.

In the bidding documentation, “the Environment” is listed as one of the five key criteria against which bids will be assessed, with particular reference to waste minimisation and energy use – and the criteria above will be expected to be read across into contracts as appropriate. Anybody wanting to bid will certainly need to get their environmental credentials in order.