Abstract:
The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to examine the
interpretation of environmental sustainability (ES) within the Olympic
11
Movement. Two research questions guided the inquiry - first, how has the concept
of ES been defined by the International Olympic Committee (lOC), and second,
how has the concept of ES been defined and enacted by the Organizing
Committees ofthe Olympic Games (OCOGs)? During the past two decades, the
International Olympic Committee (lOC) established several policies and
programs related to ES. Its actions reflect a broader trend of environmentalism
within economic and social spheres around the world (Milton-Smith, 2002).
Despite the numerous initiatives, the Olympic Games continue to cause
significant environmental damage. Frey, et al. (2007) argued that the Olympic
Movement contradicts the fundamental premises of ES because the Games are
hosted in a two week time period, are situated in a confined area, and accumulate
operating and infrastructure costs in the billions of dollars. Further, Etzion (2007)
stated "there is positive and significant correlation between firm siz~ and
environmental performance" (p. 642) and in the context of the Olympics the sizeimpact relation is striking. Since 1972, the year the UN launched its international
environmental awareness efforts, the Summer Olympics grew to 201 nations
(39% increase), 10,500 athletes (32% increase), 28 sports (30% increase), and 302
events (43% increase) (Johnson, 2004; Girginov & Parry, 2005; Upegui, 2008).
The proliferation of Games activities counters the ES principles that exist within
many of the IOC declarations, policies and programs.
