Scope 3: O2's Green Evolution in Entertainment
The O2, London's iconic entertainment venue, is making significant strides in addressing Scope 3 emissions while maintaining its status as a premier destination for music, leisure and retail.
By earning a 'commended' status from A Greener Future through its A Greener Arena certification, The O2 demonstrates its commitment to reducing indirect emissions throughout its value chain.
Carbon removal and supply chain innovation
The venue's carbon-removed events, featuring The 1975, showcase an innovative approach to tackling Scope 3 emissions.
By removing 545.9 tonnes of carbon, equivalent to 395 homes' annual electricity usage, The O2 is pioneering new partnerships with carbon removal experts like CUR8. The initiative reshapes the venue's supply chain, incorporating sustainability-focused partners and technologies.
Sustainable procurement and energy management
Since 2012, The O2 has exclusively purchased green energy, significantly impacting its Scope 3 emissions by prioritising renewable sources in its energy supply chain.
The venue's campus-wide sustainable food strategy promotes local and environmentally responsible sourcing, further reducing the carbon footprint of its catering operations.
Waste management and circular economy
O2's zero-waste-to-landfill policy has restructured its waste stream, fostering partnerships with recycling and waste processing facilities. On-site composting facilities, including a wormery and bio-digester for food waste, create a closed-loop system that reduces reliance on external fertiliser suppliers.
Transportation and logistics
The adoption of EVs, including upcoming electric forklifts in 2025, demonstrates that The O2 is determined to reduce Scope 3 emissions from transportation. The shift transforms relationships with vehicle suppliers and maintenance providers, aligning with broader supply chain trends towards sustainable transport solutions.
Sam Booth, Director of Sustainability at AEG Europe, highlights the importance of these achievements: "From history-making moments like our carbon removed events to the 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."
Industry impact and future outlook
The O2's initiatives are influencing the broader live entertainment industry.
Claire O'Neil, CEO of A Greener Future, acknowledges this impact: "When one of the most iconic venues takes visible action for a more sustainable live sector, it reverberates throughout the industry.
"With all shoulders to the wheel, we look forward to seeing what comes next."
As part of AEG Europe, The O2's sustainable practices have the potential to influence a wide network of venues and events, including major festivals like BST Hyde Park.
The reach enables AEG Europe to drive sustainable practices across the live entertainment industry, potentially reshaping Scope 3 emissions globally.
The O2's success in balancing sustainability with commercial performance, as evidenced by a 3.5% increase in ticket sales from 2023, demonstrates that prioritising Scope 3 emission reductions can coexist with business growth.
As The O2 continues to innovate and collaborate with partners across its value chain, it sets a new standard for sustainable entertainment venues worldwide.
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