ISO 14001 for environmental management is another ISO standard on the winner's podium. The Sochi Game Organizers have committed themselves to the use of environmentally friendly building materials and renewable sources of energy, waste minimization and recycling, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as sustainable water and energy use.
The President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, Dmitry Chernyshenko, noted: "Environmental recognition, received by the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee, is proving that we have been able to create the necessary conditions for environmental protection programmes development."
This is one of several special environmental initiatives from the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee. Other initiatives include the development of green belts in the city and reforestation of the Sochi National Park, as well as numerous eco-awareness events in other Russian cities.
Earlier this month, the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee announced that they have fulfilled their Bid Book obligation to mitigate the direct carbon footprint of the Games in Sochi in 2014. The direct carbon footprint includes all the emissions associated with the travel and accommodation of athletes, staff, and volunteers, as well as the operation of the sports venues and the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee’s activities from 2007 until the Paralympic Games’ Closing Ceremony.