Signed in 2024, the partnership between Neoenergia and the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) has already prevented the emission of approximately 108.3 metric tons of CO₂—an amount equivalent to 2,317 flights between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. This result stems from the supply of clean energy, via the open market, to the Team Brazil Training Center in Rio de Janeiro, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.

The decarbonization agreement is set to run through 2028 and is expected to reduce emissions by more than 360 metric tons of CO₂ in total. By the end of the period, in comparative terms, the volume of emissions avoided will be equivalent to approximately 7,768 flights between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

“The partnership with the COB reinforces two values that are fundamental to Neoenergia: enabling decarbonization through clean energy and supporting women’s sports in Brazil as a way to promote equal opportunities. We are committed to continuing to expand the electrification of the economy, the energy transition, and the strengthening of women’s roles in sports and society,” says Eduardo Capelastegui, CEO of Neoenergia.

“The Training Center is the COB’s most important facility, where we cultivate high performance through practice. And when we ensure it runs on 100% renewable energy, we’re reducing the direct environmental impact of our operations. This isn’t just talk—it’s action: in the first year alone, we avoided more than 108 metric tons of CO₂. This shows that it’s possible to train at a high level while also taking care of the planet,” says Emanuel Rego, director general of the Brazilian Olympic Committee and an Olympic medalist.

By 2028, the volume of emissions avoided through this partnership will correspond to the COB’s complete decarbonization with regard to Scope 2 emissions—that is, those related to a company’s energy consumption. Therefore, it will be possible to state that the governing body of Brazilian sports will arrive at the Los Angeles Olympic Games carbon-neutral in this regard.

The initiative contributes to Sports for Nature – S4N, a commitment to which the COB has been a signatory since 2023. The agreement, in conjunction with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UN-CBD), requires signatory sports organizations to commit to aligning their activities and operations with actions that help reduce environmental impacts and preserve nature.

Supporting Women’s Sports

In addition to helping the COB achieve its sustainability goals at the Time Brasil Training Center, the partnership between Neoenergia and the Committee strengthens women’s sports in the country. Today, eight athletes from different sports are sponsored by the company, forming Team Neoenergia. They are: Ana Vitória Magalhães, known as “Tota” (cycling); Bruna Kajiya (kitesurfing); Mirelle Leite (track and field); Ana Marcela (open water swimming); Celine Bispo (swimming); Antonia Silva (soccer); Bia Souza (judo); and Rayane Soares (Paralympic track and field).

These sponsorships reinforce Neoenergia’s leadership as the energy company that invests the most in promoting women’s participation in Brazilian sports.

Photo: Rafael Bello / COB