Olympics Go Green

With fewer than 500 days to go until the 2008 Games in Beijing, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed satisfaction with the city's plans to improve air quality and provide an efficient transport system.

Beijing transport authorities plan to replace more than 2,500 air-choking buses with new-generation, clean, alternative buses before next year's Olympic Games. Additionally, transport authorities will add another 160 electric-powered trolleybuses to the new, green fleet.

China’s plan of attack also includes planting 13 million hectares of Jatropha trees by 2010, from which 6 million tons of biodiesel can be extracted every year as a source of clean energy, according to the State Forestry Administration.

In terms of architecture, outside layer engineering, environmentally friendly material, energy and water resources, Beijing’s National Aquatics Center, or the "Water Cube," is potentially the most sustainable Olympic venue.

Check out more on the "Water Cube" and what's going on in the swimming world.