Sustainability at the core of Dow’s Rio 2016 efforts

Building on the success of the “Sustainable Future” programme that enabled the mitigation of the direct carbon footprint of the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014, Dow was selected as the Official Carbon Partner of Rio 2016 in September 2014.

Since then, Dow has committed to delivering third-party-verified greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions of 500,000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents (CO2e) by 2026 to balance the footprint of hosting and staging of the Olympic Games Rio 2016, while also aspiring to generate an additional 1.5 million tonnes of climate benefits to address associated emissions, such as spectator travel. Through work with customers in Brazil and across Latin America, Dow is implementing projects in food packaging, agriculture, industrial processes and building and construction that will achieve this goal and continue to deliver climate benefits well beyond the Games.

“Dow’s partnership with the Olympic Movement enables us to use the platform, of sport and the Olympic rings to demonstrate how our science and technologies can advance the adoption of lower-carbon solutions,” says Louis A. Vega, Dow global vice president of Olympic & Sports Solutions. “The Olympic Games Rio 2016 have provided us with a unique opportunity to start a new dialogue and collaborate with industry leaders within the region to introduce solutions that will benefit generations to come.”

Working with Rio 2016, Dow has designed a tailor-made programme to address the environmental and technology needs of Brazil and Latin America by introducing low-carbon solutions and practices within key sectors of the economy.

Dow’s portfolio of projects enables businesses to enhance productivity and conserve energy by switching from fossil to renewable energy sources, optimising resources in agriculture and livestock farming and building capacity for more energy-efficient infrastructure, leading to long-term changes in the market.

“Ensuring the delivery of Games with a minimal carbon footprint is one of the key highlights of our sustainability strategy,” says Tania Braga, head of sustainability and accessibility for the Rio 2016 Organising Committee. “Most importantly, we were able to create momentum by engaging key industries in Brazil and in Latin America towards a more sustainable way to operate. The collaborations inspired by the Olympic Games, and lead by our partner Dow, have already created a positive legacy in our region.”

In addition to its carbon mitigation initiatives, Dow is involved in nearly 20 projects connected to the Olympic Games Rio 2016, providing science-based technologies in multiple Olympic venues as well as enhancements to city infrastructure. These solutions and the implementation of the innovative carbon mitigation programme across the region will enable Rio 2016 to deliver a successful event and climate benefits well beyond the Games. 

To find out more about the Worldwide Olympic Partners, click HERE to access the Official IOC Marketing Media Guide.