Hands-on sustainability studies - at the Olympics

Winter 2014, and all eyes are on Sochi, Russia - host city of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

For Sandro Sato, a 2nd year student on our MSc in Sustainable Urban Development, the Olympic Games offers a chance to put his Oxford learning into immediate practice in his role with Dow Chemical Co., Sochi's 'Official Carbon Partner'.

Sandro currently works as commercial and business development manager for Dow's Olympic Operations Unit, responsible for the 10-year sponsorship agreement between Dow and the International Olympic Committee. He is based in Rio de Janeiro and is heavily involved with planning for the next Summer Olympics as well.

Catching up with Sandro a day before the Sochi Games began, he said, 'Sustainability has become an integral part of mega-events around the globe and the Olympic Games are likely the best example of how effective public-private partnerships can make a difference and truly raise the sustainability bar no matter where the Games are held.'

Sandro explains that 'for the first time in history, a commitment has been made to offset the Games' CO2 footprint through science and technology. As the globe gets ready for the largest Winter Olympic Games ever held, the focus on medals stories will be similar to the focus on how the Sochi Games will create a legacy for the entire country.'

Sandro is fully focussed on the many infrastructure and venue projects for the next Winter and Summer Games. His research interests also revolve around sustainable models of public-private partnerships in cities from different emerging economies and the Global South, with a strong focus on Brazil, Russia and Turkey.

To learn more about the Master's in Sustainable Urban Development, please see www.conted.ox.ac.uk/msud

Published 7 February 2014