The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games will employ a carbon dioxide refrigeration system with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions, according to the Beijing organizing committee.

A carbon dioxide refrigeration system will be used in some ice rink venues of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, which will reduce overall carbon emissions. The technique will be used for the first time during Winter Olympics events at the speed skating, figure skating, and short track speed skating venues, as well as ice hockey training venues. It is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 26,000 tons-roughly the same as getting 3,900 vehicles off the road or planting 1.2 million more trees.

Liu Yumin, head of planning and construction at the Beijing organizing committee, said that the committee attaches great importance to environmental protection and sustainable utilization during the construction of venues. For example, refrigerants are required for ice making, and most refrigerants contain large amounts of Freon, which can cause adverse impacts on the atmosphere. 

After communications with the IOC, the organizing committee has decided to use new carbon dioxide refrigerants in the National Speed Skating Hall and the newly rebuilt Capital Stadium, and to use refrigerants that have less impact on the atmosphere in other ice venues. 

"These new types of refrigerants have never been used in the Olympic Games, so this will be a major contribution to the global environment," Liu said.

Zhang Jiandong, vice mayor of Beijing and executive vice chairman of the organizing committee, said that the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will fully implement the "Olympic Agenda 2020" along with its "new norms," and "will strive to create a frugal, intelligent, and green Olympic Games."

"All preparations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games are being carried out in a smooth and orderly manner. I would like to reiterate that all venues will be completed by 2020, and a total of 15 winter Olympic events will be held to test those venues and facilities," Zhang said. "I hope and believe that this event will be the highest level of participation in the history of the Winter Olympic Games."

The vice mayor said that in addition to making full use of the heritage of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the organizing committee has developed a post-competition utilization plan for each Winter Olympic venue. "We are promoting the concept of low carbon and environmental protection throughout the country. By hosting the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, we are also motivating hundreds of millions of Chinese, especially young people, to participate in ice and snow sports," Zhang said. "Let's work together to present a wonderful, extraordinary and remarkable Olympic Games."

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