By Mike Rowbottom

Dow introduced many technological innovations in Sochi and across Russia as a whole in the lead up to this years Winter Games. Now they face a challenge in Rio ©Getty ImagesRio 2016 today announced its estimate of the carbon emissions for which it will have to compensate - 3.6 million tonnes.


The Carbon Footprint Report of the Games, released today by Rio 2016, presents the estimated calculation of the Olympics and Paralympics carbon footprint and the technological reduction, compensation and mitigation actions.

The Games total estimated footprint, considering all emissions from the venues operations and construction, city and spectator infrastructure is 3.6 million tonnes of carbon.

A total of two million tonnes will be compensated through technological mitigation and for this the Committee is relying on the innovative solutions of Dow, Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games and Official Carbon Partner of Rio 2016.

Tania Braga, head of sustainability, accessibility and legacy for Rio 2016, explained that the first task is to avoid emissions.

"Our goal is to implement actions to minimise the emissions of greenhouse gases, i.e., to deliver low carbon Games and to create a beneficial and lasting legacy for the country's economy", she said.

Tania Braga, Rio 2016's head of sustainability, accessibility and legacy, pictured (centre) after the announcement in September of Dow Chemical Company as the Games's official Carbon Partner. Now Rio 2016 has put up its carbon emissions target in terms of mitigation ©Dow ChemicalTania Braga, Rio 2016's head of sustainability, accessibility and legacy, pictured (centre) after the announcement in September of Dow Chemical Company as the Games's official Carbon Partner. Now Rio 2016 has put up its carbon emissions target in terms of mitigation
©Dow Chemical

The company plans to operate in the agriculture, industry and infrastructure areas, using solutions that allow for higher energy efficiency, such as employing technologies aimed at reducing food waste or developing insulation panels which will reduce the need for air conditioning.

The State of Rio de Janeiro will be responsible for compensating 1.6 million tonnes of carbon. This amount will be partially offset through the planting of trees.

The remainder will be compensated through the development of restoration programmes of the Atlantic Forest biome and other solutions aimed at fostering the low carbon economy.

In addition, the Committee aims to concentrate its efforts in the planning of the operation to reduce emissions at source through several initiatives such as reduction of materials through intelligent design and sustainable procurement across the entire supply chain and replacement of fossil fuels by renewable and alternative fuels.

The full report may be accessed in Portuguese by clicking here. 

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September 2014: Rio 2016 names Dow as Official Carbon Partner to deliver "most comprehensive programme in Games history"