How World’s Busiest Live Venue The O2 is Getting Greener

The O2, the world’s busiest live entertainment, leisure and retail destination, has secured ‘commended’ status as A Greener Arena, certified by A Greener Future.

The status recognises arenas that show ‘demonstrable improvements’ and ‘a significant engagement in reducing negative environmental and social impacts’.

AEG Europe, which owns and operates the O2, says the recognition is “reflective of the venue’s longstanding commitment to driving the sustainability agenda in the live industry”.

Making history with The 1975

AEG Europe says the certification follows a “stand-out year of industry-leading sustainability initiatives at the world-famous venue”.

It highlights a moment of music history, when it hosted the world’s first carbon removed arena events at The 1975’s four headline shows in February.

The events resulted in the extraction and removal of 545.9 tonnes of carbon – the equivalent yearly electricity usage of 395 average homes.

The venue has also optimised energy efficiencies within the arena and made significant enhancements to waste management, with the full deployment of reusable cups and the installation of new waste sorting facilities both back and front-of-house.

It has also invested in electric-powered vehicles to eradicate its fossil fuel emissions, with works continuing into 2025 with the installation of electric forklifts for use across the destination.

Reverberating through the industry

Sam Booth, Director of Sustainability at AEG Europe, says: “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.

“The path to net zero is one that is constantly evolving and we’re committed to continued innovation so that we can deliver world-class, sustainable events for our fans, bands and brands.”

Claire O’Neil, CEO at A Greener Future, says: "We're really happy for The O2 and want to congratulate their team for all of their efforts to run a greener arena.

“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 will come next."

The credentials follow a year of record-breaking ticket sales, with over 2.6 million tickets sold – a 3.5% uplift on 2023’s record figure.

About the O2

The O2 is the world’s most popular live entertainment, leisure and retail destination.

It has sold over 30 million tickets and welcomed over 100 million visitors since opening in 2007.

With over 300 events a year, The O2 is home to The O2 arena and club-sized music venue indigo at The O2.

Other features include:

•  The roofwalk attraction, Up at The O2
• Outlet Shopping at The O2, with up to 70% off RRP on designer brands including adidas, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, Nike, Superdry and Tommy Hilfiger
• Interactive football experience TOCA Social
• London’s first iFLY Indoor Skydiving
• BOOM BATTLE BAR
• Cineworld, London’s largest cinema, with 19 screens
• The 12-lane Hollywood Bowl
• Oxygen Freejumping trampoline park
• Immersive dining experience Mamma Mia! The Party
• Interactive photo experience Selfie Factory
• More than 30 bars and restaurants.

About AEG Europe

AEG Europe, based in London, is a subsidiary of AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company.

AEG Europe’s portfolio of live entertainment and sports assets includes: The O2 and Eventim Apollo in London; Barclays Arena in Hamburg; Uber Arena, Uber Platz and Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin; and Accor Arena in Paris .

It stages the music festivals American Express presents BST Hyde Park in London and Rock en Seine in Paris.

AEG Europe also owns the Berlin Eisbären ice hockey team at the Uber Arena.  

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