MP: Olympics a good opportunity for low-carbon development

The 2012 Olympics could provide a number of opportunities for sustainable, low-carbon developments, an MP from Chatham has asserted.

Kent Online reported that Chatham MP and regional minister Jonathan Shaw told the Buying Greener trade fair that development projects intend to build on the "existing strengths" of the south-east with the aid of "a thriving and innovative environmental technologies sector that can contribute to deliver the commitment to a low-carbon Games".

It is thought that around £10 million in new business will be generated for the region through the South East Partnership for the 2012 Games, with Mr Shaw estimating that 52,000 new workers will be needed to develop housing and transport projects in anticipation of the international event.

Last month, the Get Set London Roadshow was launched at Trafalgar Square. Over the coming months, the travelling event - run by London 2012 and the London Development Agency - will move through the capital to provide information on how the Games will benefit regeneration projects, jobs, culture, business and sports in the city.