As we mark Earth Day on 22 April, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on our client Co-op Live and the team’s continued leadership in sustainable live entertainment. The UK’s largest and most sustainable arena has recently been recognised with two major international awards, including the Billie Eilish Award for Sustainability (Venue) at the Pollstar Live! Awards, as well as being named an inaugural winner of the MSA Bobby Weir Sustainability Award.
Co-op Live has also previously been recognised with several awards for its environmental efforts, including:
- Best Sustainability Initiative Award by Access All Areas
- Bronze for Best Public Realm at the World Architectural News Awards
- Mondo Sustainability Award
- Gold Environmental & Sustainable Certificate from ECOsmart by Greengage
Additionally, the venue is the first arena of it’s kind to be awarded the highly commended status through A Greener Future’s A Greener Arena certification.
The Billie Eilish Award for Sustainability (Venue) at the Pollstar Live! Awards, selected by Billie Eilish and her team, the award highlights Co-op Live’s pioneering approach during four sold-out Manchester shows in 2025. This included delivering a fully plant-based menu across all shows (a first at this scale in the UK arena sector) helping to drive a 47% reduction in emissions compared to a typical arena event.
Sara Tomkins, Sustainability & CSR Director at Co-op Live (pictured left, above) added:
“These awards are a proud moment for everyone involved in Co-op Live and a powerful recognition of what can be achieved when sustainability is embedded from the very beginning. Collaborating with artists like Billie Eilish allows us to push boundaries and show that world-class live experiences can go hand in hand with meaningful environmental action.”
Key outcomes from the shows include:
- A 100% plant-based menu across 66 food items.
- A 47% reduction in emissions compared to a typical arena event.
- Emissions savings equivalent to 45 flights from Manchester to Dublin.
- 3.5 million litres of water saved, enough to run a continuous shower for nearly 11 months.
- Up to 65% emissions reductions on popular fan food items, with plant-based burgers cutting emissions by approximately 89%.
Sustainability has been embedded into Co-op Live from day one, with every event designed to minimise environmental impact. The arena’s key initiatives include:
- Operating on 100% renewable energy, with 10% generated onsite via rooftop solar
- Rainwater harvesting systems supplying water for all toilet facilities
- More than 50% of visitors using sustainable transport options such as walking routes and trams
- Diverting 100% of operational waste away from landfill, with 80% recycled
- Eliminating single-use plastics through compostable materials and refill stations
- Sourcing 88% of food within 20km of the venue
Chris Granger, CEO of Oak View Group, said:
“Protecting the climate is one of the most critical responsibilities we have – as a company and as a society. That commitment was front and centre when designing Co-op Live and continues to guide our operations every day. With Earth Day reminding us of the urgency of climate action, we’re proud to be setting a new standard for what a modern, sustainable venue can be.”
As the industry continues to evolve, Co-op Live is setting new standards, proving that world-class live events can also lead the way in building a more sustainable future.
We’re proud to continue supporting Co-op Live as its ticketing partner, and to celebrate the team’s ongoing efforts as the venue establishes itself as a world-renowned destination, putting a bold new mark on Manchester.
Find out more about the latest news from Co-op Live here:https://www.cooplive.com/news-npft
