Economic aspects and the sustainability impact of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games

Abstract

The terms of growth and environment are historically proven not to be compatible in principles, methods and targets. Economic investments are usually accompanied by actions that could not easily be characterized as environmentally friendly, while the strict application of environmental directives often results in halting development. Moreover, the tendency to constant economic growth is a desirable and inherent characteristic of human nature, which is apparently not to be changed in the near future. In this context, the pressing need for a bundle of approaches that could tie the objectives of economic growth and protection of environment had led to the field of sustainable development. The compatibility of each investment project with the principles of sustainable development should therefore be a matter of high priority. This text addresses the sustainability and the impact of the Olympic Games that were held in Athens in summer 2004. The Olympics comprise the biggest of events and their preparation extends to a scale capable of restructuring various spheres of economic activities. The sustainability issues that arise are therefore of major importance. This paper concerns the impact assessment of Olympic investments, in terms of properly selected and modified sustainable performance indicators focusing mainly on economy and environment.