Sustainability has become the compass guiding major sporting events, and the Olympic Games are no exception. While Los Angeles 2028 seeks to project a vision based on Californian innovation and reducing impact through the use of existing infrastructure, Milano Cortina 2026 faces the challenge of blending Alpine tradition, new works, and environmental demands in a completely different context: the European winter.

The differences are significant. In Los Angeles, the heat, drought, and urban footprint are the major challenges; in Milan and Cortina, on the other hand, the legacy revolves around artificial snow, energy consumption in mountainous areas, and the need to build or renovate facilities that ensure the viability of competitions. Both projects speak the same language —sustainability— but each faces unique dilemmas.

An alpine plan driven by efficiency

The Italian Minister of Sports, Andrea Abodi, confirmed that the master plan for Milano Cortina will be completed on time and that the Games will be held under an environmentally and economically efficient model. The announcement came at the Rimini Meeting, where the minister highlighted that essential works have already been completed, leaving until after the Paralympic Games those that can be postponed without compromising the Olympic event.

Beyond construction, Italy is pursuing a comprehensive approach: the creation of a Forum for Sustainability and Olympic Legacy will measure energy efficiency, water conservation, the use of recycled materials, and proper waste sorting. But sustainability is not limited to the environmental aspect; it also extends to social and economic dimensions, with a balanced budget that, according to Abodi, will prevent the Games from leaving a negative financial burden, as has happened in past editions.

Contrasts with the californian model

In parallel, Los Angeles has chosen a radically different path: there will practically be no new construction. Its strategy is to take advantage of existing stadiums and arenas, with an impact plan focused on local culture, sustainable mobility, and technological innovation. Instead of building tracks or sliding centers from scratch, LA28 presents itself as the example of a “low impact” Summer Games, where reuse is the driving force behind the legacy.

This contrast reveals the essence of each host. Milano Cortina seeks to address the challenges of a Winter Games —specialized infrastructure, extreme climatic conditions, and the modernization of historic venues such as the Eugenio Monti Sliding Center— while Los Angeles frames sustainability in terms of a global city, with no major new works but a strong cultural and technological approach. Two different paths, but with the same goal: to prove that the Olympic Games can leave a positive legacy beyond the sporting spectacle.