Co-op Live Earns Global Sustainability Recognition with Two Major Awards

April 17, 2026
Editor

Co-op Live has received two major international sustainability awards this month, further cementing its reputation as one of the world’s most environmentally conscious live entertainment venues.

The Manchester arena, which is the UK’s largest indoor entertainment venue, was presented with the Billie Eilish Award for Sustainability (Venue) at the prestigious Pollstar Live! Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday 15 April.

Chosen by Billie Eilish, alongside her mother and climate activist Maggie Baird, the award recognised Co-op Live’s sustainability efforts during Billie Eilish’s four sold-out Manchester shows in July 2025.

During the run of concerts, the venue worked closely with the artist’s team to introduce a fully plant-based food offering across all four dates believed to be a first for a UK arena on that scale.

In the same week, Co-op Live was also named one of three inaugural winners of the MSA Bobby Weir Sustainability Award, which celebrates leadership, innovation and environmental impact across the international music industry.

Together, the two accolades highlight Co-op Live’s ongoing commitment to sustainability across all areas of the venue, from energy use and waste reduction to transport planning, food choices and eco-conscious design.

Since opening, the Manchester venue has positioned itself as a next-generation arena, built with a focus on reducing environmental impact while delivering world-class live entertainment.

The latest recognition places Manchester firmly on the global map for greener live events and shows how large-scale venues can play a leading role in shaping a more sustainable future for the industry.

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%.

In addition, Co-op Live maintains a minimum of 40% plant-based menu options at all events, supporting both emissions reduction and dietary inclusivity.

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.