Brazil´s federal level Urban Development Commission has passed a law requiring that all infrastructure works for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro meet certain standards for sustainable design. Although sustainability and green building have been oft-quoted by Games organisers to this point, no official requirements have been in place.
The law addresses a range of measures including: taking advantage of natural light, implementing water saving techniques, reducing the generation of waste and encouraging recycling, prioritizing electric or biofuel powered vehicles in group transport systems.
Any projects using public funds will have to abide by the new law, which has as its key aims the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and rational use of resources. Importantly, the measures will affect the selection of winning submissions in tenders and selection processes, particularly in relation to the supply of environmentally friendly materials, which also have to be fully certified.
Finally, the law includes a requirement for public bodies involved in the preparations to undertake research and educational initiatives that facilitate environmental initiatives.