Co-op Live Recognised with Two Major Sustainability Awards
Co-op Live, the UK’s largest and most sustainable live entertainment arena, have received two major international sustainability accolades this month, underlining our position as a global leader in environmentally responsible live events.
The venue has been honoured with the Billie Eilish Award for Sustainability (Venue) at the Pollstar Live! Awards ceremony, which took place in Los Angeles on Wednesday, 15 April. Selected by Billie Eilish, her mother and activist Maggie Baird and their wider team, the award recognises Co-op Live’s pioneering sustainability initiatives delivered during the artist’s four sold-out shows in Manchester in July 2025. In the same week, Co-op Live has also been named one of three inaugural winners of the MSA Bobby Weir Sustainability Award, a new honour celebrating outstanding leadership, innovation and impact across the global music industry.
Together, these awards highlight Co-op Live’s commitment to embedding sustainability at every level of its operations, from design and energy use to food, transport and waste, while reinforcing its ambition to set a new benchmark for live entertainment venues worldwide.
The recognition from the Billie Eilish team reflects the venue’s ambitious collaboration to deliver a fully plant-based food offering across all four shows, a first at this scale in the UK arena sector.
Key outcomes from the shows include:
- A 100% plant-based menu across 66 food items. (do you think we need to say food?)
- 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%.
These results demonstrate how food and beverage, which accounts for 39% of the venue’s carbon footprint, can be a powerful lever for change when reimagined at scale.
Sustainability has been central to Co-op Live since its inception, with every event designed to minimise environmental impact. 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 and 80% recycled
- Eliminating single-use plastics through compostable materials and refill stations.
- Sourcing 88% of food within 20km of the venue.
In addition, Co-op Live maintains a minimum of 40% plant-based menu options at all events, supporting both emissions reduction and dietary inclusivity.
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. In a time when climate action is more urgent than ever, we’re proud to set a new standard for what a modern, sustainable venue can be.”
Sara Tomkins, Sustainability & CSR Director at Co-op Live, said: “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 across the team from day one. Working closely with artists like Billie Eilish allows us to push boundaries and demonstrate that world-class live experiences can go hand in hand with meaningful environmental action.”
The dual recognition from both Pollstar and the Music Sustainability Alliance marks a significant milestone not only for Co-op Live, but for the wider live entertainment industry.
By combining artist collaboration, operational innovation and fan engagement, Co-op Live continues to demonstrate that large-scale live events can deliver world-class experiences while meaningfully reducing environmental impact.