Yesterday (December 19) the O2 Arena in London was recognised for its recent sustainable practices, securing ‘Commended’ Status as ‘A Greener Arena’.
This certification, awarded by the non-profit sustainability expert A Greener Future, celebrates the venue’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and serves as a model for events, festivals, and venues worldwide.
The O2 Arena, owned by AEG Europe, achieved this milestone as a result of implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency.
Earlier this year, the venue made headlines for hosting the world’s first “carbon removed” shows in collaboration with The 1975, CUR8 and A Greener Future. The February 2024 gigs used carbon removal methods, including rock weathering and biochar, to successfully extract 500 tonnes of residual carbon – equivalent to the yearly electricity usage of 395 homes. Through this, The O2 pioneered carbon-conscious live entertainment, offering a blueprint for similar events in the future.
The venue’s expanded efforts to achieve net-zero status include embracing electric-powered vehicles, investing in renewable energy sources, and enhancements in waste management. Initiatives such as distributing reusable cups and upgrading waste-sorting facilities have increased the venue’s recycling rate to an impressive 80%.
The 1975 have just played the world’s first carbon-removed arena events at The O2. The result of a collaboration between venue owner/operator AEG Europe, live sector sustainability consultants A Greener Future, carbon removal enterprise CUR8 and the band, the 100 tonnes of… pic.twitter.com/N8HFfqlVNo — The 1975 TH (@the1975_thteam) March 1, 2024
Sam Booth, the Director of Sustainability at AEG Europe, highlighted the significance of the arena’s progress: “From history-making moments like our carbon removed events, to essential works we’ve done behind the scenes to create efficiencies and minimise waste and emissions, we’ve made incredible strides at The O2 this year and we’re proud to have this recognised by A Greener Future.”
The ‘Commended’ status recognises arenas that show “demonstrable improvements” and “a significant engagement in reducing negative environmental and social impacts”. Booth promised that these efforts were not over, commenting that: “The path to net zero is one that is constantly evolving, and we’re committed to continued innovation so that we can deliver world-class, sustainable events for our fans, bands, and brands.”
The O2 secures Commended status as A Greener Arena following sustainability initiatives https://t.co/BkqkDcjdaS pic.twitter.com/WaaWhUZEvt
— Music Week (@MusicWeek) December 19, 2024
Additional to the environment, the ‘Greener Arena’ Certification also evaluates the health and wellbeing of staff, for which The O2 was rated ‘Outstanding’.
Steve Sayer, VP & General Manager at The O2, expressed pride for this achievement, stating: “We’re so proud to have achieved our Greener Arena certification, and to be paving the way for other arenas in England and around the world.” The venue has become a pioneer for a consideration for a brand’s internal environment as well as the external, global environment.
This recognition places the O2 among a select group of venues that are setting a benchmark for greener practices within the events industry, as Claire O’Neill, CEO at A Greener Future, emphasised: “We’re really happy for The O2 and want to congratulate their team for all their efforts to run a greener arena. When one of the most iconic venues takes visible action for a more sustainable live sector it reverberates throughout the industry.”
As one of the world’s busiest live arena, The O2’s leadership in sustainability sets an example for other arenas and large-scale events. This significant milestone reinforces its role as a trailblazer in redefining the concert and event experience, ensuring that entertainment remains accessible to future generations.
The O2’s recognition as ‘A Greener Arena’ is not only a testament to its current efforts but a call to action for the broader events industry to prioritise sustainability as part of its mission.
