Expert Speaker – Dr. Tania Braga – Head of Olympic Games Impact & Legacy
The participants of the 6th edition had the opportunity to attend an online CIES conference on the topic Sustainability at Major Sporting Events on Saturday, 18th January 2025 at 3 p.m. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Tania Braga who has 15+ years of leadership experience in sustainability and impact management. 20+ years of track record in successfully changing mindsets and business cultures towards more sustainable paths. She has designed and executed sustainability strategies from the scratch for large scale and complex projects / organisations. She has also managed cross-functional teams, partnerships and stakeholders across countries and cultures, while operating under high media scrutiny and enhancing the value of a brand with 85% recognition globally. She has a PhD in Applied Economics, an M.Sc. on Environmental Science and holds the Global Competent Boards Designation and Certification in Climate & Biodiversity (CCB.D).
Tania began the session by talked about why it’s so important to make sporting events more sustainable and the benefits it brings for the environment, communities, and the economy. These events can have a big impact on local areas and the planet, but using sustainable practices can help reduce that impact. It’s not just better for the environment but it also improves a brand’s image, meets regulations, and saves money. Some key ideas included cutting carbon emissions and using resources wisely by recycling and reusing materials. For example, getting rid of single-use plastics and setting up better recycling systems can greatly reduce waste. Encouraging people to use public transit, bikes, or electric cars is another way to lower emissions. A great example is the Paris 2024 Olympics. They used 100% renewable energy, cut carbon emissions by half, and got local communities involved through outreach and volunteer programs. The session suggested using certifications like ISO 20121 and LEED to help plan sustainable events. Overall, the lecture emphasized that sustainability in sports isn’t just about protecting the environment, it’s about creating a positive legacy for future generations. The session was interactive, engaging and very useful to the aprticipants of the programme.