Macao committed to hosting 'green Games'
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-28 05:51

Very much in line with the Olympic spirit, it is one of the aspirations of the Macao 4th East Asian Games Organizing Committee (MEAGOC) to encourage greater environmental awareness in the city during the course of a large-scale regional sports event.

A "green Games" will highlight the positive impact of the event on the overall development of the host city.

Drawing on the experience of countries that have hosted environmentally friendly international sports events in the past, MEAGOC has pledged to organize a "Green East Asian Games" and to promote the idea of harmonious co-existence between humankind and nature - among the general public as well as participants in the events.

MEAGOC proposed the concept of a Green East Asian Games through the following:

Minimizing any negative impact on the environment during the East Asian Games;

Acting as a showcase for environmental protection in the city;

Championing harmonious co-existence of humankind and nature while raising the awareness of environmental protection among the public, especially among university and secondary school students;

Providing the East Asian Games with a new "harmonious environment;"

Adopting sustainable development as the ultimate target, with environmental protection as the driving force for the city's sustainable growth;

Encouraging a "greener" and healthier lifestyle, so as to enhance the quality of people.

Sports facilities

Such ideas are demonstrated in the design and construction of environmentally friendly facilities.

The Macao Special Administrative Region Government hopes to use the opportunity of hosting the 4th East Asian Games to enhance Macao's overall sports facilities.

A comprehensive approach has been taken towards designing and building sports venues in order to establish a practical plan for the facilities, taking into careful consideration the number, type and scale of these facilities.

With a limited number of facilities available in Macao, the bulk of the budget of the East Asian Games has been allocated to building new sports venues and facilities, where considerations have been made to ensure their long-term use, rather than temporary use.

Four approaches have been taken by Macao in building sports venues and facilities:

Making use of existing facilities, including the Sport Complex of the University of Macao and the Dom Bosco College Sport Complex;

Renovating and upgrading some of the existing facilities, including Taipa Macao Stadium and the Macao Forum;

Building new sports facilities, including the Macao Olympic Aquatic Centre, Macao East Asian Games Dome, IPM Multisport Pavilion, Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion, Macao International Shooting Range and the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre;

Improving the surrounding environment.

In hosting big international games, the most important criterion for a "green Games" is whether the environment is considered an important factor when designing and building the sports facilities.

Each of the new sports facilities and venues has its own unique features. Nevertheless, they all testify to Macao's commitment to environmental protection. These facilities are the foundation for a successful "green Games".

More than 10 sports facilities will be used for competitions during the Macao East Asian Games. These facilities all satisfy the following criteria:

Corresponding with Macao's urban planning;

Making use of natural energy, such as natural illumination, ventilation and advanced air-conditioning systems. During daytime, there should be no essential need of electric lighting. The advanced air-conditioning system will also help save energy;

Utilizing rubbish sorting waste bins and reducing the use of nondisposable materials;

Including green areas inside and outside the facility, based on the principle of humankind's harmony with nature and the concept of green communities;

Setting priority over the needs of the people and adopting the strategy of sustainable development.

Environmental highlights

The Macao East Asian Games Dome, covering a total area of 140,000 square metres, is a multi-functional complex. It includes a main pavilion, an auxiliary pavilion and a convention and exhibition centre.

The convention and exhibition centre has been designed for the East Asian Games Dome's post-games use.

It can be used to hold large-scale sporting events or entertainment activities, banquets, exhibitions and trade fairs.

Large green areas will be built around the centre to enhance its natural environment.

An ozone water treatment system is used for the Macao Olympic Aquatic Centre to lower waste water discharge and reduce water pollution.

It is also equipped with an advanced air-conditioning system. In summer cool air can be sent from the bottom of every individual seat and in winter the heat generated by the engine can be sent to the hall to warm the roof.

The external glass walls of the aquatic centre allow natural illumination.

The environmental highlights of the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion are the external glass walls to be used to provide more natural illumination, and advanced air-conditioning system used to save energy.

As for the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, efforts have been made to improve water quality by removing the lake's muddy sediment and replacing it with a layer of two to three metres of sand on the lake's bed so that the water can clean itself naturally. This step will treat pollution and greatly improve the environment of the lake.

(China Daily 10/28/2005 page16)