London’s O2 given ‘Commended’ status and recognised as ‘A Greener Arena’

nme.com:

A Greener Future.The new status is given to arenas that show ‘demonstrable improvements’ and ‘a significant engagement in reducing negative environmental and social impacts’, and in the case of The O2, recognises the site’s longstanding commitment to making the live industry more sustainable.Efforts made by the venue – which is owned and operated by AEG Europe – have made headlines across recent times.

The most notable of which is the partnership it had with The 1975 in order to make the first “carbon removed” shows.Announced in September last year, four shows with Matty Healy and co.

were organised and set to be the world’s first such green-conscious large-scale concerts.The gigs took place in February, and AEG Europe worked with carbon removal experts CUR8 and sustainable event specialists A Greener Future, using a portfolio of scientifically viable carbon removal methods, including rock weathering and biochar.In April, figures showed that over 500 tonnes of residual carbon were safely extracted – the equivalent of the average yearly electricity usage of 395 homes.

Since then, the venue organisers have confirmed plans to extend the blueprint to future live events.Other examples of efforts made to be greener by The O2 include optimised energy efficiencies and significant enhancements to waste management.