BP was set a challenge on an Olympic scale when it agreed to become an IOC Partner for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Inside BP's Olympic 'cyclorama' Image: BP |
The UK-based oil major's Partnership deal with the International Olympic Committee meant helping the 30th Games meet tough sustainability targets set by organisers London Organising Commitee (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA).
The targets included minimising emissions from the 5,000-strong vehicle fleet mainly comprised of a range of BMW cars used to ferry athletes and officials around the city.
BP provided standard fuels as well as lubricants from its Castrol range including Castrol EDGE and its Fuel Economy Axle Fluid. The company also used the Games as a test-bed for some of its latest biofuel development.
The company settled on three advanced biofuels for supply to around 100 vehicles from the Games fleet: one using grass-based cellulosic ethanol, the second being a sugar-based diesel and a fermented sugar biobutanol. Each, according to BP, delivered ground-breaking technology including the highest octane fuel ever pumped from a UK forecourt at 103 octane unleaded.
Unsurprisingly, BP also maximised its Partnership opportunity to reach visitors to the Games with displays and stands around the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London. This included a 'cyclorama' unit close to the Basketball Arena and Velodrome, which took visitors on a journey through the process of creating energy and fuels.