Olympics Go Green

by user ActiveSports

With fewer than 500 days to go until the 2008 Games in Beijing, the International Olympic Committee ( IOC) has expressed satisfaction with the city's plans to improve air quality and provide an efficient transport system.

Beijing transport authorities plan to replace more than 2,500 air-choking buses with new-generation, clean, alternative buses before next year's Olympic Games. Additionally, transport authorities will add another 160 electric-powered trolleybuses to the new, green fleet.

China’s plan of attack also includes planting 13 million hectares of Jatropha trees by 2010, from which 6 million tons of biodiesel can be extracted every year as a source of clean energy, according to the State Forestry Administration.

In terms of architecture, outside layer engineering, environmentally friendly material, energy and water resources, Beijing’s National Aquatics Center, or the " Water Cube," is potentially the most sustainable Olympic venue.

Check out more on the " Water Cube " and what's going on in the swimming world.