Athletes compete in a qualification round for curling at the Winter Olympics. WEI XIAOHAO/CHINA DAILY

For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, Beijing will use carbon dioxide in its ice-making procedures. Removing ozone layer-harming Freon as a refrigerant in ice making during the Games is expected to help reduce carbon emissions equivalent to that of 3,900 cars per year, and cut emissions from the activity to nearly zero.

The new ice-making technology will also significantly save electricity.