London is the first summer Host City to embed sustainability in its planning from the start. The London Summer Olympics in 2012 will incorporate sustainability on a broad scale into almost every planning and logistical aspect of the event.

Source: Shanghai Manual: A Guide for Sustainable Urban Development in the 21st Century (2010)
London embedded sustainability into its official bid for the 2012 games and committed to using already existing venues throughout the UK where possible and to only build permanent structures that will have long-term use after the games.

The Sustainability Plan focuses on five key themes:
1. Climate change: minimising greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring legacy facilities are able to cope with the impacts of climate change.
2. Waste: minimising waste at every stage of the project, ensuring no waste is sent to landfill during Games-time, and encouraging the development of new waste processing infrastructure in East London.
3. Biodiversity: minimising the impact of the Games on wildlife and their habitats in and around Games venues, leaving a legacy of enhanced habitats where we can, eg the Olympic Park.
4. Inclusion: Promoting access for all and celebrating the diversity of London and the UK, creating new employment, training and business opportunities.
5. Healthy living: Inspiring people across the country to take up sport and develop active, healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

Upon completion of the 2012 Olympic games, the Olympic Park will be transformed into one of the largest urban parks created in Europe in more than 150 years. Plans for the park include the restoration of natural habitats and marine estuaries and a gathering place for the local community. The Athlete?s Village will be converted into homes upon completion of the Games and will be the focal point of the development of a new community which will include riverside housing, shops, restaurants and other new amenities for the community.