London 2012 'most sustainable' Olympics, watchdog says
London 2012 was the most sustainable Olympic Games ever held, a watchdog has said.
The Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 (CSL2012) said ambitious targets such as not sending any waste to landfill were on track.
The watchdog said London 2012 had "raised the bar for sustainability".
But it criticised the London Olympics' refusal to allow spectators to bring in their own food to big screen events showing the action.
Management of the live sites and London 2012's slow development of a comprehensive energy plan were all also criticised.
CSL2012 noted in its review, entitled London 2012 - From Vision to Reality, that sustainability targets, such as 70% of waste to be reused, recycled or composted, were on track.
Transport at the Games, which included the availability of a fully comprehensive mobility service for the first time, was also deemed a success.
The watchdog called for future British-based festivals and sports competitions, such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the 2017 World Athletics Championships, to follow the Games' lead.
But the CSL2012 said it was "disappointed" some live sites refused to allow spectators to bring their own food, which it said compromised "affordability and the principle of creating an event for all budgets".
Games-time carbon savings are on track to be met but London 2012's slow development of a comprehensive energy plan meant "opportunities were missed for even further carbon reductions", the report said.
CSL2012 chairman Shaun McCarthy said: "I have no hesitation in confirming that London 2012 has delivered the most sustainable Games ever, and we congratulate the delivery bodies and all those who contributed to this excellent achievement.
"But we mustn't rest on our laurels - more could be achieved if London's lessons, both the good and the challenging, are heeded by others.
"I call on the organisers to pick up the sustainability baton and carry it forward, demonstrating to the UK public that we can rely on them to meet the spirit of London's sustainability achievements."