Playing for sustainability
February 20th, 2015
One of the sustainability topics most popular in recent times is life cycle analysis (LCA) of products. This means analysing and quantifying the environmental impact of a product from the start of its life, when it is still raw materials, through intermediate stages such as manufacturing and logistics, to the end of the end of its life, when it is disposed of.
When it comes to LCA, a key area for Rio 2016 is the Look of the Games, i.e. signage and visual identity programme. It has a significant impact on sustainability due to the large amount of materials to be used to wrap, signage and decorate sport arenas, the Olympic Park and the city as a whole.
Thinking about how to minimise this impact, the design team responsible for the look programme carried out a detailed survey of materials to identify the options that might be used, considering their origin, availability in the market and scope for recycling and reuse.
Following this survey, Rio 2016 hired a consultancy to analyse the life cycle of more than 100 materials, considering criteria such as composition, use of renewable and/or recycled resources, disposal, among others. Based on this LCA, Rio 2016 is carrying out a series of tests focusing on quality, performance and beauty in order to choose the best materials from the perspectives of performance, aesthetics and, of course, sustainability.
Life cycle analysis is a tool that is increasingly used by organisations concerned about the environmental impacts of their products and processes. For Rio 2016, LCA will make it possible not only to select the best materials, but also to expand the potential for recycling, while assisting the work of cooperatives. Furthermore, the choice of sustainable materials will also have a positive impact on the Games’ carbon emissions.
Have you ever stopped to think about the life cycle of the products you consume?