The leading tennis tournament in South America and one of Latin America’s largest, the Rio Open is celebrating one more achievement in its notable sporting history. This international event in the ATP circuit and about to commemorate its tenth edition in 2024, has received the United Nations Organization’s prestigious Carbon Neutral certification for a third consecutive year . This recognition is thanks to the voluntary efforts in neutralizing the climate impact on the tournament, held this year between February 18 and 26 and mitigating CO2 emissions emanating both from the event as such as well as the movement of spectators, numbering in the region of 60,000 people every year.
Over the three most recent Rio Open events, sustainable initiatives conducted through the Rio Open Green platform have proved effective, resulting in the neutralization of 2,970 tons of CO2e. This achievement has been brought about by the use of compensating carbon credits derived from the production of renewable energy from Jirau Energia, a plant which has as its shareholders, ENGIE (40%), Electrosul (20%), Chesf (20%) and Mitsui (20%). ENGIE is a sponsor of the Rio Open.
“For the Rio Open team, the award of UNO carbon neutral certification is comparable to a trophy. Just as the players exert themselves to the maximum on court to win the tournament, we on the sidelines, dedicate considerable effort to ensure that the event is successful from the sustainability point of view. And our efforts are not limited to the direct activities of the organization alone, but also include raising awareness among the Rio Open’s spectators, stimulating individual participation in this initiative. We are immensely satisfied with the partnership we have with ENGIE and aspire to becoming a national benchmark in sustainability “, declared Marcia Casz, director- general of the Rio Open.

“In complete alignment with our purpose of acting to accelerate the energy transition, we included decarbonization of the Rio Open among our duties as sponsors of the event. Consequently, we have brought this ambition to fruition, engaging the public with respect to the energy transition theme”, said Gil Maranhão Neto, Chief Corporate Communication and Social Responsibility Director at ENGIE.

Rio Open 2023 reaches 90% of waste recycling
In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, 90% of the waste produced during this year’s edition was recycled, including organic waste sent for composting. In addition to neutralizing carbon emissions from the tournament as well as those generated by spectator movement, recycling represents a priority initiative in the sustainability pillar of the Rio Open Green platform. Just 10% of total waste was sent to landfills and this includes the entire period of erecting and dismantling the event, seen as an important aspect in the tournament’s past.
The engagement of the Rio Open in sustainable practices is a journey which begins well before the start of the tournament. Such practices incorporate principles of circularity in waste management and investing in initiatives which contribute to reaching recycling targets. This process covers three phases: reduction, recycling and reuse. One concrete example is the availability of reusable cups in the bars. As to recycling, measures are taken to send organic waste for composting and other recyclable materials to licensed cooperatives. In addition to this, all suppliers of food and beverages use recyclable materials in their operations.
Reuse of materials was also the focus of waste management at the Rio Open. During the tournament, racket strings used during the competition were transformed into bracelets and available for purchase at the official store, La Boutique. Event organizers actively contributed by supplying tarpaulins to partner cooperatives, collecting bottle caps for future initiatives and redirecting tennis balls and uniform remnants to charity projects.
With the beginning of the tenth Rio Open from February 19 to 25, 2024 at the Jockey Club Brasileiro (RJ), the event will be showcasing a gallery of champions including such names as Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Pablo Cuevas, Dominic Thiem, Diego Schwartzman, Laslo Djere, Cristian Garin, Cameron Norrie and Carlos Alcaraz. The tournament has also had the opportunity to welcome players in the ATP’s top 10 ranking such as Kei Nishikori, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner, Marin Cilic, Gael Monfils and Fabio Fognini.
The Rio Open is an IMM realization with the support of the Instituto Carioca de Tênis.