Procurement meets Olympics

The procurement planning and execution for the Olympic Games is a complex and multi-year process that requires meticulous planning, coordination, and execution to ensure the success of the event.

For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the IOC implemented a responsible procurement approach by which the sourcing of its products and services is carried out with environmental, social and ethical considerations.

 

The Olympic Games are a one-of-a-kind procurement project! The 2024 Games in Paris will see purchases of €2.5 billion from 8,000 suppliers. These Games aim to set new standards in terms of sustainability, social responsibility, and local value creation, offering valuable ideas for organizations worldwide.

Let’s dive into the key pillars of this year’s Olympics, which could not be delivered without the help of Procurement. Discover key learnings to elevate your own organization’s strategy.

 

Did you know that the Athletes’ Village will be powered by geothermal and solar energy, featuring beds made from recycled fishing nets and cardboard?

 

Additionally, 95% of the Olympics infrastructure is temporary or pre-existing, and 90% of the equipment will be repurposed after the Games. By focusing on reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling, the Paris 2024 Olympics aim to eliminate waste and maximize resource efficiency.

 

Find out how you can create value with sustainable procurement.

 

Sustainable procurement

Paris 2024 is setting a benchmark in carbon footprint reduction, aiming to cut emissions by 50% compared to those of London 2012. By utilizing renewable energy, low-carbon construction techniques, and a fleet of electric vehicles, the Paris Games demonstrate the impact that sustainable procurement can have.

 

Watch our video series to find out about our approach for reducing a company’s carbon footprint.

 

Video series on decarbonisation

Another pillar of Paris 2024’s procurement strategy emphasizes local sourcing from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and very small enterprises (VSEs). With 75% of suppliers being small enterprises and 80% of food sourced locally, the Games are boosting regional economies. However, nearshoring is not only a trend that serves sustainability interests, it is also an important aspect of risk management and boosting an organization’s resilience.

 

Learn more about the advantages of nearshoring and whether regionalization is worthwhile despite volatile logistics costs.

 

Advantages of nearshoring

With its decisive link to the supply chain, procurement can help foster social innovation and inclusion, as demonstrated by Paris 2024. The organizers of the Games have committed to social and environmental standards, including 500 Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) suppliers and dedicating 10% of working hours to jobseekers. They have also ensured accessibility for people with disabilities and included social inclusion clauses in contracts.

 

Embedding these pillars into your procurement strategy can transform regulatory requirements into value drivers – delivered by a truly diverse community of employees.

 

Procurement Facts around the Olympic Games in Paris 2024