What kind of legacy will the Rio 2016 Committee leave?
The Organising Committee is working on five legacy categories: sports, economic, urban, human and environmental. One of the main initiatives is the Sustainable Supply-Chain Programme, through which the Committee is seeking to build capacity and boost the market for small and micro-businesses, so that they can become part of the network of local suppliers for the Games. The programme is also aimed at encouraging large businesses to embrace the values and objectives of the Games.
In addition, the Committee is working to establish a new standard of sustainability in the organisation of big events in Brazil, as well as raising awareness of the importance of accessibility and sustainable tourism, and stimulating a more conscientious approach on the part of spectators and the general public.
The knowledge legacy will be considerable as a result of the training provided for skilled labour, as well as vocational, behavioural and language training for volunteers.
Finally, the Committee intends to leave a positive environmental legacy. One example of this is the mitigation of carbon emissions for the Games, which will generate lasting benefits for the agriculture, manufacturing and building sectors.
What will be done to offset carbon emissions during the Rio 2016 Games?
In partnership with Dow, an internationally acknowledged specialist in this field, the Committee will implement the most extensive carbon mitigation programme in the history of the Games. In the run-up to the Games, some two million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (2MtCO2eq) will be offset by various projects in agriculture, packaging technology, building and manufacturing.
In terms of sustainability, how does the approach of the Rio 2016 Committee differ from that of the Olympic Public Authority (APO) and the Municipal Olympic Company (EOM)?
Both of these agencies coordinate sustainability within its current reference frame. The EOM is Rio’s local government agency for coordinating project implementation and municipal activities related to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For example, it is responsible for delivering the BRT (bus rapid transit) lines and building the Barra Olympic Park.
The APO coordinates the efforts of the three levels of government (federal, state and municipal) to deliver the Games.
The Rio 2016 Organising Committee is responsible for the organisation, operation and decommissioning of the Games.
What role does the Rio 2016 Committee play in regard to urban mobility?
The government is responsible for a wide range of urban mobility projects under way for the Games. The Committee is encouraging all spectators and the workforce to use public transport during the Games, and is helping plan accessible routes so that no-one is excluded from the event.
Who is responsible for cleaning Guanabara Bay? Will it be pollution-free for the Games?
The Guanabara Bay Clean-Up Programme (PDBG) is the responsibility of the Rio de Janeiro State Government. In 2009, when Rio was chosen to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, only 12 per cent of the sewage discharged into the Bay was treated. Today, this figure has risen to 50 per cent and the objective is to achieve 80 per cent by the time the Games begin. Universal sewage treatment prior to discharge into the Bay will be ongoing after the Games. It is important to point out that depollution is not just a technical matter involving solid waste treatment and disposal. It also has a social aspect − educating the population to stop littering the Bay area – and this work is being carried out by the Municipal Government of Rio de Janeiro (Prefeitura da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro) with the full backing of the Rio 2016 Committee.
Will there be measures to encourage fans at the Games to dispose of their litter in the proper manner?
Signs and litter bins will be placed inside and outside all venues. Furthermore, the Committee will be organising an anti-litter initiative targeting the public inside the venues and sending messages via its communication channels.
After the Games, what will happen to the materials purchased by the Committee?
The Rio 2016 Organising Committee faces the enormous challenge of properly disposing of over 30 million items that will be purchased for the Games. Every effort is made at the planning stage to minimise environmental impact and ensure that these materials are disposed of properly. This includes reusing, selling, donating or recycling the material after the Games.
What is the purpose of the Sustainable Supply-Chain Guide, published by the Rio 2016 Organising Committee? What are the sustainability requirements that my business must satisfy to become a supplier for the Games?
The Sustainable Supply-Chain Guide explains the ins and outs of how goods and services are hired for the Games and how sustainability fits into these processes. Sustainability requirements vary according to the type and criticality of the product or service, but generally they are divided into mandatory requirements and recommendations. For instance, mandatory requirements include a commitment to examine working conditions when asked to do so. By contrast, suppliers are encouraged to sign up to the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Pact for Businesses, but this is not mandatory.
In addition to staging the Paralympic Games, what are the concerns of the Rio 2016 Committee regarding accessibility to stadiums, commercial premises (hotels, restaurants, etc.) and how tourism generally works in Rio?
All sports facilities will be accessible to people with any kind of impairment. New facilities are already being built to a strict standard of accessibility. Regarding commercial premises and tourist spots, the Rio 2016 Committee is launching initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of accessibility, emphasising how improved accessibility can lead to new business opportunities.
How can I obtain information on the Games budget?
The official website for the Rio 2016 Games includes a section headed ‘Transparency’, providing information on expenditure and revenues. Rio 2016 also publishes official documents that can be downloaded and contain the financial statements of the Committee. The Federal Court of Accounts (TCE), State Court of Accounts (TCE) and Rio de Janeiro Municipal Court of Accounts (TCMRJ) also have a ‘watchdog’ website at http://www.fiscalizario2016.gov.br providing information on public expenditure on the Games.