Rio 2016 has named The Dow Chemical Company (DOW) as the Official Carbon Partner of the next Olympic Games, having the goal of creating climate benefits to mitigate the direct greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions from the organization and hosting of the event. Worldwide Olympic Partner Dow becomes the first partner of Rio 2016’s “Abraça (‘Embrace’) Sustainability”, the program developed by the Organizing Committee to promote and stage the Games with low environmental impact and a positive social legacy.

“For Rio 2016, sustainability is an imperative, being present from the early stages of preparation to the delivery and post-Games. Responsibility for the management of our carbon emissions is a commitment from the Games’ bid. Additionally, the technologies being implemented will create a legacy for strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy,” said Tânia Braga, head of sustainability for Rio 2016. “This is a big challenge, but I’m confident that we’ll achieve our goals with the most comprehensive carbon mitigation program in the history of the Olympic Games.”

As the Official Carbon Partner of Rio 2016, Dow will mitigate 500,000 tons of CO2 equivalents (CO2eq) from organizing and hosting the Games through 3rd party-verified emissions reductions. Dow and Rio 2016 will also work to generate an additional 1.5 million tons of CO2eq in climate benefits by 2026, addressing other Games-related emissions.

“More than being the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games, Dow is a global leader in low-carbon technology solutions, which makes Dow a natural fit as our partner in the ‘Abraça Sustainability’ platform,” says Renato Ciuchini, chief commercial officer, Rio 2016. “The guiding principle for ‘Abraça’ is to maximize sustainability within the Games. Our actions should be good for the environment, good for people and good for business. The partnership with Dow is fully aligned with our goals and expectations, as it opens doors for different businesses and industries to lower their carbon footprints and ultimately contribute to one of Rio 2016’s key sustainability goals, which is the mitigation of its own emissions.”


Building on the expertise and success of the “Sustainable Future” program implemented at the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Dow designed a tailor-made program to address the technology needs for Brazil while generating climate benefits for the mitigation of the carbon footprint of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“In a unique collaborative effort, we are working with customers and partners across different industry sectors to identify opportunities for the implementation of low-carbon and energy efficient technologies in the region,” said Dr. Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, global technology and sustainability director, Dow Olympic Operations. “We are looking at areas such as food packaging, agriculture, industrial processes and the building and construction sector to generate climate benefits and address the Games’ direct emissions.”

“The Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games represent unique opportunities to transform Rio de Janeiro through the infrastructure improvements already taking shape within the city and its surroundings,” said Sidney Levy, chief executive officer of Rio 2016. “Beyond generating local benefits, we want the benefits from the Games to be nationwide. Carbon is one of the best examples of ‘Abraça’s legacy for Brazil, as it brings technological advancements to important areas of our country’s economy while mitigating the Games’ GHG emissions.”

“We are honored and proud to join Rio 2016 as the first partner of the ‘Abraça Sustainability’ platform,” said George Hamilton, vice president, Dow Olympic Operations. “This is an additional proof of our commitment, as the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Movement, to help deliver higher-performing and more sustainable Games.”

“For Dow Brazil, the legacy that we deliver through our partnership with Rio 2016 represents the perfect way to commemorate our 60-year anniversary in the country – to be celebrated with the first-ever Olympic Games in Brazil, in 2016,” added Pedro Suarez, president of Dow in Latin America.