Co-op Live, the UK’s first all-electric arena opening in Manchester in 2023, has announced it will work with Hope Solutions, consultants to music industry sustainability leaders such as Coldplay and Glastonbury, to deliver the arena’s net-zero carbon ambitions. The partnership reinforces Co-op Live’s environmental commitments and will help deliver on its plans to be the UK’s most sustainable arena.
Co-op Live has built climate resilience into the plans for the new arena from the beginning, and Hope Solutions will work closely with the Co-op Live team to maximize opportunities to make it as sustainable as possible from construction to opening and beyond. The partnership will drive the creation of a world-leading venue sustainability policy and carbon reduction framework to help Co-op Live achieve its net-zero goals.
OVG recently affirmed its commitment to addressing the climate crisis at its first ever Leadership Conference in Los Angeles. The appointment of Hope Solutions, and pledge to make Co-op Live net-zero carbon, is the latest in Oak View Group’s industry leading action. Recent examples include the opening of the world’s most environmentally friendly venue in Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle.
Hope Solutions will support Co-op Live to drive meaningful change in the live entertainment industry by defining what ‘net zero’ looks like for the project and exploring potential options for net-zero verification schemes. Additionally, it will establish a framework for measuring, tracking, reporting and reducing carbon impacts, addressing scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
A key aspect of Hope Solutions’ work will be to establish a planet friendly rider that can help shape discussions with suppliers, artists, and promoters as Co-op Live begins to announce its first raft of events later in 2022. As recent statements on the climate impact of tours by iconic acts including Coldplay, Massive Attack, and Ellie Goulding have demonstrated, the consideration of the sustainability of live events will become integral to bookings over the next 5-10 years.
Francesca Bodie, President of Business Development, Oak View Group commented: “Climate change is the fight of our lives, and our industry has an important role to play because we have the power to inspire. We were proud to open the first carbon neutral arena, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, last year, and the appointment of Hope Solutions will help bring our planet-friendly vision to life at Co-op Live, which will be the UK’s best and most sustainable arena.”
Mark Donnelly, COO, Co-op Live, said: “Co-op Live will be the UK’s first all-electric and one of the world’s most planet friendly arenas when it opens in 2023. This partnership with industry-leading climate experts Hope Solutions will enable us to deliver on our net zero carbon ambitions. The creation of an eco-friendly rider for artists visiting Co-op Live will ensure we’re ready to accommodate everyone’s needs as we begin to book some of the world’s best artists later this year.”
Luke Howell, Hope Solutions, said: “This project represents a real turning point in sustainable culture – being able to deliver world class entertainment in a low carbon and environmentally positive manner is real progress and we are really looking forward to supporting the Co-op Live team in delivering this. Being sustainable and achieving net-zero doesn’t have to impact on the creative integrity and audience experience, in fact it can absolutely enhance it so both people and planet benefit as this venue will prove.”
The announcement builds on previous announcements by Co-op Live, including the plans to become the UK’s first all-electric arena, and commitment to 100% rainwater harvesting, solar panel covered roofing, target for BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating, and zero waste to landfill.
Co-op Live has been under construction for over a year and is expected to open in late 2023. The construction of the venue has generated £150m in orders to local firms, delivering on Co-op Live’s commitment to local procurement and reducing the venue’s overall carbon footprint.
