Sustainability Comparisons Between Rio 2016, the Sochi Winter Olympics and the Brazilian World Cup in 2014

The Rio Summer Olympics do not compare favorably to the Sochi Winter Olympics and the Brazilian World Cup in 2014. This is a damning indictment given that Russia's Sochi games were colossally corrupt. Sochi clearly illustrated that Putin's promise of green games was little more than a farce and an Olympic sized example of greenwashing.

There have been protests against the Rio games across Brazil but they are much smaller than the protests against the World Cup in 2014. At that time there was a popular outcry against an expensive sporting event while the country struggled with widespread poverty and inequality. The same criticisms are warranted in the case of the Rio games.

Sustainability at the Rio Olympics: More Green Promises More Green Lies

Olympic games are becoming increasingly environmentally sustainable, at least on paper. Once again this year's Olympic games are touted as being the greenest games ever. In fairness, making such a massive event environmentally sustainable is a truly herculean undertaking.

Over the last twenty years there have been a number of efforts designed to make the games more green. In 1996, the Olympic Charter was amended to recognize the environment as the third pillar of Olympism. This was followed by clearly defined policies associated in the IOC's Olympic Movement's Agenda 21.

Brazil's Corruption, Socioeconomic Woes and Political Intrigue Overshadow the Olympics

The scourge of corruption has embroiled Brazil in a morass of complex political intrigue. Brazil's economy has contracted by 3 percent this year and although the country is in a deep recession, it is still the world's fifth largest economy. Brazil's difficulties extend far beyond serious fiscal hardships, the nation is also rife with sexism, racism and human rights abuses.

In May of this year Brazil's President was suspended after holding office for less than six years. Despite pulling millions of people out of poverty, a majority of Brazilian senators voted to launch an impeachment trial against President Dilma Rousseff. She is the country's first female President and her government swore in 15 female ministers. Rousseff is a 68-year-old economist and she was removed amid allegations that she broke budget rules and manipulated economic data.

Game to Make Super Bowl 50 a Net Positive Event

This year there is a campaign to make this the most healthy, sustainable, shared, and socially responsible Super Bowl ever. An initiative called "Play Your Part" is trying to make Super Bowl 50 a net positive event. Play Your Part arises organically from the fact that Super Bowl 50 is being played in San Francisco Bay, an area well known for its leadership in innovation, sustainability, and technology.

Solar Energy and other NFL Sustainability Initiatives

The NFL leads all professional sports in its adoption of solar energy. The two teams that competed in Super Bowl XLIX are no exception. Both the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots employ solar power at their home stadiums. This has prompting some to call the 2015 match-up, the "Solar Super Bowl."

LEDs Light Up Super Bowl XLIX

LEDs were in the spotlight at the 2015 Super Bowl. The first Super Bowl to be illuminated by LEDs yielded a lighting energy savings of 75 percent over traditional lighting. LEDs have overcome some of the early hurdles and they now offer excellent lighting quality while consuming only 25 percent of the energy of traditional lighting. The cooler-burning LEDs also cut air-conditioning costs by 30 percent.

Sustainability a Winner at Super Bowl XLIX

The 2015 Super Bowl provided a powerful platform that showcased sustainability. The game at the University of Phoenix stadium was lit by LEDs and powered by both wind and solar energy. Carbon emissions were offset by renewable energy credits and recycling efforts permeated the entire event. This included donating uneaten food and an e-waste recycling program. The NFL also donates tons of materials that would otherwise be discarded and they run an urban forestry tree planting program.

Video - First Superbowl to be Played Under LED Lights

LED lights take center stage at Super Bowl XLIX. The world's most watched sporting event between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Sea Hawks will be illuminated by LED lighting. This is the first time ever that LEDs are to be used to light a Super Bowl event. Ephesus lighting installed Cree's LEDs in the light fixtures at the University of Phoenix stadium. The lights were installed at the home of the Arizona Cardinals, this past fall making it the first NFL stadium to be lit by LED lighting.

Related
Game to Make Super Bowl 50 a Net Positive Event
Solar Energy and other NFL Sustainability Initiatives
LEDs Light Up Super Bowl XLIX
Sustainability a Winner at Super Bowl XLIX
Super Bowl XLVlll the Greenest Ever
World Cup 2014: An Environmental Post Mortem
Olympic Sized Greenwashing at the Sochi Olympics

Super Bowl XLVlll the Greenest Ever

On Sunday, February 2, 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII will go down in history as the greenest such event ever. Everything from energy to food will be green at this year's Super Bowl and the stadium boasts extensive use of recycled materials. There was also an e-waste recycling initiative in the region to help green the event. There is even a green element to the advertising this year.