While winter may be a couple months away, preparations for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 have been focused on creating one of the best environments for athletes, spectators, media and other participants in the freezing February conditions expected in South Korea.
To help protect people from the elements, minimize heat leakage, and help maintain excellent ice conditions for competition surfaces, building technologies from The Dow Chemical Company have been incorporated into the Olympic Plaza, the International Broadcast Centre, and the Olympic Sliding Centre.
“Our role as the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games allows us to bring Dow’s game-changing solutions to facilitate better infrastructure performance both for the Games and the surrounding communities,” said Louis A. Vega, Dow’s vice president for Olympic & sports solutions. “Our portfolio of sustainable solutions sit truly at the intersection of science and sport.”
With the average temperature in PyeongChang in February at 1-2⁰C (33-35⁰F), it’s imperative that buildings are equipped to maximize energy efficiency and keep heating costs down. Both the Olympic Plaza and the International Broadcast Centre feature several technologies from Dow that help retain warm air, while keeping cool air and moisture out. PIR (polyisocyanurate) panels incorporating Dow’s PAPI™ Polymeric MDI are used to insulate the walls and roofs. These panels have excellent thermal insulation properties which will help protect against cold weather during the event and help increase energy efficiency of the buildings.
At the Olympic Sliding Centre, Dow insulation technologies are being used to help maintain the cold temperature and consistency of the ice. A polyurethane spray foam, made with Dow VORANOL™ and PAPITM Polymeric MDI was used to insulate the Sliding Centre. This insulation solution keeps the ice in the track from melting by offering reliable temperature regulation to maintain exceptional ice conditions and support the safety and performance of the luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton competitors.
“Our insulation and sealing technologies help make the Olympic Plaza, the International Broadcast Centre, and the Sliding Centre energy efficient venues, as they are key locations for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018,” said Phillip Oh, Asia-Pacific commercial director for Olympic & sports solutions. “The technologies used to conserve heat in the Olympic Plaza and the International Broadcast Centre, and maintain the cold temperature in the Sliding Centre, showcase the depth, breadth and versatility of Dow’s construction solutions.”
To learn more, take a look at the infographic below, courtesy of Dow, to discover how several technologies and building practices help provide stronger, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure performance at sports and Olympic venues across the globe.
