Continuing now with the latest on Beijing's bid for the 2008 Games. "Green Olympics" is the bidding committee's slogan. In keeping with that theme, it has approved renovation projects using environmental protection methods for several sports stadiums.

The Beijing Olympic Bid Committee checked the progress of the reconstruction works at Capital Gymnasium, the Olympic Sports Center and the Workers' Stadium on Tuesday.

The newly refurbished sports facilities all adopt the latest technology in nano-materials. At Capital Gymnasium, the 1600 square meters water-proof, sound-absorbing floor is also oil proof.

All kinds of solar energy products can be found around the sports venues. Solar lights, solar electrical energy generation and solar irrigation systems will all be available to serve the Olympics.

The facilities have also been equipped with high-tech smoking rooms where nano-air-filters will break down cigarette smoke into normal air.

The construction projects, incorporating environmental protection measures, were all authorized by the Beijing Olympic Bid Committee. Later, the committee will consider more new projects involving environmental protection methods, such as geothermal heating and wind power generation.

(People's Daily 02/15/01)