ODA 'exceeding recycling targets'

05 February 2008

THE Olympic Delivery Authority claims it is beating its targets for recycling and reclaiming materials being cleared at the Stratford site for the 2012 Games.

A year after setting out its sustainable development strategy, the organisation said it is exceeding its goal to reclaim 90 per cent of demolition material for recycling or reuse.

Materials will be reused in the designs of venues and parklands, while complete buildings will be recycled by being reassembled off-site.

Among the items that have been reclaimed are 18 square metres of clay and slate roof tiles, two tonnes of red bricks, 100 tonnes of cobble and granite, 41 tonnes of paving bricks and 35 tonnes of paving slabs.

Dan Epstein, from the ODA, said: "Our aim is to make this an exemplary project which sets new standards for sustainable development and leaves a lasting legacy.

"The commitment to reclaiming as much demolition material as possible is key to our strategy and, so far, we are exceeding our 90 per cent target.

"This is unprecedented for a project of this size and scale.

"Much of these materials will then be integrated into the designs of the new venues and parklands, ensuring there is continuity between the history of the site and its future as the largest new urban park in Europe," he added.

An extensive ecology programme also began last year to identify and relocate a range of wildlife to new habitats and ensure that feeding and breeding habitats are not disrupted by construction work.

The ODA is creating a small nature reserve near the northern perimeter of the Olympic Park along the banks of the River Lea.