Carbon reduction from Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014 exceeds 2.7 million tonnes of CO2e

More than four years after the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014, the verified carbon reduction, from projects implemented by The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) to balance the carbon footprint of the event, has amounted to 2,752,803 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is more than five times the commitment originally made by Dow, the event’s official carbon partner.

Dow combines science and technology knowledge to develop premier materials science solutions that are essential to human progress. They were also named the official partnership for the Rio games in 2016, delivering the committed 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Dr. Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, Technology & Sustainability Director for Dow Olympic & Sports Solutions, said: “This report transparently highlights the results of our work – both successes and learnings – and outlines our aspiration for a global and even more impactful program. The legacy of these programs goes well beyond the verified results to create broader industry impact during the many discussions with customers and experts throughout the implementation of these projects. Dow’s partnership with the Olympic Movement is showing the world that science and innovation in collaboration can deliver substantial environmental benefits and compelling business cases.”

Following the success of these carbon reduction initiatives, in September 2017, Dow and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) signed an Official Carbon Partnership to balance the operational carbon footprint of the IOC. This partnership called on more businesses and communities to contribute to this sustainability effort to ensure a more global reach.

Marie Sallois-Dembreville, IOC Director of Corporate Development, Brand and Sustainability, said: “In December 2017, the IOC published our Legacy Strategic Approach to better capitalize on the tangible and intangible long-term benefits initiated or accelerated by the hosting of the Olympic Games. We recognize that strategic partnerships are an enabler in the implementation of this approach. The work published by Dow today is a proof point of the real long-term benefits such our partnerships can bring to the host geographies and the Olympic movement.”

Last month, Dow also shared the Collaboration Blueprint that underpins the collaboration, encouraging other events and organisations to adopt a similar approach to balance carbon emissions.

For more information, the Dow 2018 Carbon Report can be requested here

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Photograph: Markku Ulander/REX Shutterstock