# Dow Olympic Games and Environmental Sustainability - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/dow-olympic-games-and-environmental-sustainability/ - Published: 2014-02-07T17:08:08-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy [⌊Dow Olympic Games cut carbon⌉⌊Dow Olympic Games cut carbon⌉[ ## Dow Takes Gold in Making Sochi 2014 Olympic Games Green I’ve got some exciting news to share about a groundbreaking initiative that’s making the Sochi 2014 Dow Olympic Winter Games truly revolutionary for environmental sustainability! As a green living enthusiast, I’m absolutely thrilled about Dow. Especially, they are a remarkable commitment to sustainability at this [historic sporting event](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/environmental-costs-of-sochi-a-deep-dive/). Moreover, this partnership represents a major milestone for both the Olympic movement and corporate environmental responsibility. ### Historic Carbon Neutrality Achieved for the First Time For the first time ever in Olympic history, the entire carbon footprint of the Games will be mitigated through innovative [energy-efficient technologies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/green-living-news-report-civilians-to-benefit-from-military-developed-energyfuel-efficiency-advances/)! Furthermore, Dow Chemical, as the Official Carbon Partner of Sochi 2014, is implementing a comprehensive program that will result in an overall decrease in greenhouse gas emissions across Russia for years to come. [OLYMPICS.COM](https://olympics.com/ioc/news/sochi-2014-and-dow-set-to-minimise-games-impact-on-the-environment) ![Dow Olympic Games. Cut carbon at Sochi ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/ wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IMG_0623.webp?resize=300%2C225&quality=50&ssl=1) We aim to be the most innovative [Olympic Winter Games](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/olympic-games-will-they-be-green-5-questions/) in history, and our long-lasting positive impact will leave behind an unparalleled heritage not only to Sochi and the Krasnodar Region, but to Russia and its people for generations to come,” explains Dmitry Chernyshenko, President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee. [OLYMPICS.COM](https://olympics.com/ioc/news/dow-named-official-carbon-partner-of-sochi-2014) ## Going Beyond Athlete Footprints to Include Spectators What makes this initiative truly revolutionary is that Dow isn’t stopping at neutralizing the Games’ direct carbon footprint. Additionally, they’re taking the unprecedented step of offsetting 100% of the estimated emissions from travel of [all spectators and media to the Games](https://corporateecoforum.com/sustainability-around-world-sochi-2014-olympic-winter-games/)! Consequently, this represents approximately 161,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions that would otherwise be released into our atmosphere. [OLYMPICS.COM](https://olympics.com/ioc/news/sochi-2014-and-dow-set-to-minimise-games-impact-on-the-environment) ## Russian Economy Gets a Green Makeover The genius of Dow’s approach is that they’re implementing solutions throughout Russia that will have benefits lasting far beyond the Games. For instance, they’re focusing on three key areas of the Russian economy that need sustainability improvements: 1. Building infrastructure upgrades with advanced insulation products 2. Optimized farming practices using sustainable agriculture techniques 3. Enhanced industrial processes with lower emissions [OLYMPICS.COM](https://olympics.com/ioc/news/dow-named-official-carbon-partner-of-sochi-2014) ## Buildings Lead the Charge for Carbon Reduction Did you know that buildings contribute to nearly 40% of human generated greenhouse gas emissions? Therefore, one of Dow’s primary strategies involves implementing more energy-efficient insulation products and techniques in construction projects throughout Russia. As a result, these improvements will prevent at least 300,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions [over the next decade](https://corporateecoforum.com/sustainability-around-world-sochi-2014-olympic-winter-games/)! ### Sustainable Farming Plants Seeds for Future Growth In addition to building improvements, Dow is also revolutionizing Russian agriculture. Specifically, they’re introducing sustainable farming practices such as low tillage, combined with advanced seeds for corn, sunflower, and rapeseed crops. Furthermore, these techniques not only mitigate carbon emissions but also deliver healthier, more sustainably produced crops for the [Russian market](https://corporateecoforum.com/sustainability-around-world-sochi-2014-olympic-winter-games/). ### Carbon Fiber Reinforces Russia’s Infrastructure Another innovative aspect of Dow’s program involves using carbon fiber-based composites as a sustainable alternative in infrastructure projects. Consequently, these locally produced, lightweight yet high-strength materials enhance structural integrity while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. ### Olympic Movement Reaches New Heights in Sustainability This February 2014 marks an extraordinary moment in Olympic history. Subsequently, as the world watches these Winter Games, they’re witnessing not just athletic excellence but environmental leadership in action. The Sochi Olympics are proving that with innovation and commitment, even the world’s largest events can dramatically reduce their climate impact. I’m incredibly excited to see this level of environmental commitment at the [Olympic Games](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/olympic-games-will-they-be-green-5-questions/)! Above all, it shows that sustainability is becoming a core value in global events, not just an afterthought. What aspects of green initiatives at sporting events do you find most important? ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)