Taken from Event Magazine - 12 July 2011
Directorof EcoEvents Sam Wilson has written an open letter to the industry warningsuppliers their sustainability practices must stack up if they want to get aslice of the Olympic pie.
In theletter, Wilson revealsshe is consulting several companies appointed to supply services for the London2012 Games whose policies are currently under scrutiny by Locog.
She believesthis is a "critical time" for the industry to develop its reputationas one that "means business'.
Hereis the letter in full:
"I haveheard a number of industry commentators confidently say that Locog wouldn't bechecking on a supplier's environmental risk management and sustainabilityperformance. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news - but they were wrong.
"I'mworking with several companies who have been appointed to work for Locog, andtheir sustainability practices and related sustainability performance is indeedbeing verified - both in the form of documented evidence and site visits.
"Whetheryou take sustainability seriously is up to you, but if you are hoping to get apiece of the 2012 action then I hope you take note and gear yourself up formeeting Locog requirements in a timely manner. Otherwise prepare yourself for arocky ride. "Locog is taking this extremely seriously and we as an industry have tosit up and take note. It's easy to criticise Locog, but their dedication tosustainability performance is admirable and it may just be the push we need asan industry to pull our socks up and take action. "There is much talk of the Olympic legacy but the biggest impact theLondon 2012 Olympic Games will have on our industry will be to ensuresustainability practices are here to stay in the form of an InternationalStandard (BS8901 will in time become an International Standard).
"Thisis a critical time for us and an opportunity to develop our recognition as asector that means business - let's not let our industry down byde-professionalising ourselves, self-certifying and not taking thisseriously."