Beijing has applied a wide range of green technologies and clean energy in building venues and facilities for the upcoming Olympic Games, according to a press briefing in Beijing on Sunday.

These advanced technologies, including water recycling, rainwater utilization, solar photovoltaic power generation, and reclaimed water source heat pumps, could help environmental protection while encouraging technology innovation, said Tan Xuxiang, deputy director of Beijing Municipal Planning Commission.

Altogether 26 innovations were achieved during the Olympic preparation period, he added.

To fulfill the bidding pledge of "Green Olympics," the Games' organizers used environment-friendly materials in building key venues such as the Olympic Green, the Olympic Village and the Olympic Forest Park, Tan said.

A total of 31 competition venues and 45 training venues have been built for the impending Games. They are mainly located in five areas, namely the Olympic Green, the west community, the northern scenic spot area, the university area, and the east community.

Special attention was paid to the protection of cultural relics throughout the construction of all Olympic projects, Tan said, citing the protection and repair of ancient architecture in the Olympic Green zone, such as the Goddess Temple and the Dragon King Temple.

Both the location of Olympic stadiums and the selection of competition routes have avoided important water resource conservation areas and natural reserves, he said.

The official said that the concept of "Green Olympics" mainly has three implications -- a green environment, "green stadiums" with energy saving features, and the "green consciousness" for the public that endorses environmental protection and a healthy lifestyle.

All efforts relating to the promotion of "Green Olympics" will leave a precious heritage for Beijing when the Games are over, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency July 27, 2008)