London's Green 2012 Olympic Bid

Energy conservation and the use of renewable energy will be promoted across Olympic venues, coupled with a public education campaign to raise awareness of these issues.

One of the most significant projects is already underway with the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which will host all sailing events if London wins the right to host the Games.

Working with solarcentury, the UK's largest solar integrator, The Sailing Academy is now generating a significant proportion of their electricity from renewables. The new construction at Osprey Quay, Portland includes a photovoltaic (PV) system. Solarcentury helped the sailing academy apply for a 60 percent government grant for the project. This was awarded by the Department of Trade and Industry as part of the Major Photovoltaic Demonstration Programme (MDP).

Solarcentury designed and managed the installation at the Sailing Academy, which consists of photovoltaic panels attached to the roof generating 19,000 kWh of power each year - enough to power approximately 33 three-bedroom houses for a year.

"This is a fantastic first step to contribute to a 'low carbon Games', and we are delighted to lead the way in helping to achieve this target at such a important international event," said Jeremy Leggett, CEO of solarcentury.

A large electronic display in the foyer of the Sailing Academy shows the instant electricity being generated, the total amount generated and the cumulative savings in CO2 emissions. As the project is used by large numbers of people, particularly children, it is hoped that the display will heighten awareness of the need for energy conservation.

This project also contributes to the Government's aim to generate 10 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2010. This complies with recent legislation changes which provide guidance to councils regarding renewable technology projects, and encourages new build projects to incorporate renewables. As concern over global warming increases, this project will prevent approximately 20 tons of CO2 emissions, a major greenhouse gas.

"The project is the first major building in Weymouth and Portland to use solar energy and we very much hope it will be an exemplar for other similar projects," said John Tweed, Director of Development at the Sailing Academy. "The Academy has employed a number of other energy and resource conservation measures, including the re-use of rainwater collected from the roof of the building, and we will continue to improve and promote these measures."