Beijing's improving energy efficiency and air quality were a priority for the 2008 Olympic Games organizers, according to a newly published post-Games assessment report on Wednesday.
The report, released in Nairobi by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said the Olympic Games accelerated the introduction of energy-efficient infrastructure in Beijing, and the Games' showcasing of best practices in clean energy and energy efficiency "provided a basis for the organizers of other mass events to learn from."
The UNEP assessment, conducted by independently appointed assessors, said protecting Beijing's limited water supply was a key objective of the organizers, and the report concluded that the measures they took "serve as an international example of creative and aggressive measures that can be taken to minimize water use, maximize the efficient use of existing water resources and protect water ecosystems."
To build on these achievements, the report recommended that the Beijing Municipal Government ensure that innovative water-efficiency measures (including storm water capture and storage) be increasingly applied throughout the city, especially in all new buildings and developments.
According to the report, Beijing achieved all of its commitments in the area of waste -- waste classification and recycling goals were exceeded, and the in-venue recycling rate was higher than the committed level.
The report also praised Beijing's "remarkable results in incorporating an array of environmental elements into the planning, construction and management of Games venues."
"In several areas, particularly efficient design and renewable energy use, the Games pioneered technologies and planning that leave a green legacy for further planning (not only) across China, but also for the organizers of other mass events," said the report.
"For the first time for a global sports event, Beijing's climate neutrality program took into account the carbon emissions from international flights," it added.
The IOC should encourage future host cities to invest in new and innovative approaches in energy efficient design and water-saving technologies, and to adopt mandatory purchasing policies for Games-related construction materials, the report said.