Sustainability Case Study: Co-op Live & Billie Eilish
With a capacity of 23,500, Co-op Live is reshaping expectations for major arenas in Europe. Billie Eilish’s four-night residency demonstrated how sustainability strategies can work at scale—supported by concrete data and verified results.
During Eilish’s four-night residency, Co-op Live demonstrated how environmental responsibility and commercial success can go hand in hand. The case study, documented by GOAL (Green Operations & Advanced Leadership), highlights the arena’s first-ever complete transition to a 100% plant-based food offering. Around 23,500 fans per show experienced how ecological awareness can enhance, not compromise, a premium event experience.
The results were striking: food-related CO₂ emissions were reduced by 47%, while 3.5 million liters of water were saved. At the same time, food and beverage revenues increased by 13% compared to conventional events, according to GOAL’s report – clear evidence that sustainability can deliver both environmental and economic value.
Kristen Fulmer is GOAL’s Executive Director. In an interview with stadiaworld, she talks about the sustainability efforts during Billie Eilish’s concert tour in 2025 and how the different venues adapted to the challenges. Read the full interview here.
Operational Challenges in a Major Arena
With a capacity of up to 23,500, Co-op Live is not only Europe’s largest indoor arena but also one of the most advanced venues worldwide. After roughly four years of construction, it officially opened in spring 2024.
Built at a cost of over £450 million (approx. 525m EUR) and located next to the Etihad Stadium, the multifunctional “smart venue” was designed from the outset with sustainability and digitalization at its core. Owned and operated by the Oak View Group, the project was realized in partnership with the Co-operative Group, which also serves as naming sponsor.
The arena’s concept is rooted in a holistic sustainability strategy – from 100% electrification without fossil fuels to state-of-the-art photovoltaic systems and the use of local supply chains. Since opening, Co-op Live has set new benchmarks for the events industry in the UK and beyond.
Co-op Live & Billie Eilish – Key Facts of the Case Study
- 47% reduction in food-related CO₂ emissions
- 3.5 million liters of water saved during the residency
- 13% increase in F&B revenue compared to standard shows
- 66 plant-based menu items prepared across seven kitchens
- 23,500 guests per show in Europe’s largest indoor arena
- 88,000 single-use plastic bottles avoided through refill stations
- 31 GOAL awards, including “A Greener Arena 2025”
The venue’s catering infrastructure is complex: 41 F&B outlets across five levels and up to 15 kitchens depending on the event. For the Billie Eilish concerts, the entire menu was re-engineered to feature 66 plant-based dishes (a 30% reduction in total items), prepared across seven kitchens on three floors.
This logistical transformation required precise menu engineering and production optimization. Standardized portions and batch cooking ensured consistent quality, while sourcing regional and seasonal ingredients reduced transport emissions and supported the local economy.
A standout collaboration was with Manchester-based FungALL, which developed specialty mushroom-based dishes. Co-op’s own-brand products were also integrated into the offerings to maintain brand consistency.
The company Vision Commercial Kitchens oversaw the technical implementation, including the installation of a centralized CO₂ refrigeration system. More than 25,000 labor hours were invested, involving up to 60 specialists. Coordinating all trades – from mechanical and electrical systems to HVAC and fire protection – demanded meticulous planning and close cross-team collaboration.
Technology, Stakeholders, and Economic Impact
At the same time, Co-op Live advanced its technological innovation strategy. The fully electrified arena operates without any fossil fuels. A 10,500 m² photovoltaic array on the roof provides renewable energy, while air-source heat pumps manage heating, cooling, and kitchen operations.
Smart building controls optimize energy use, supported by modern POS systems, digital inventory tools, and kitchen display systems. Fans could scan QR codes to see the environmental impact of their purchases – a successful example of transparent fan engagement.
Billie Eilish herself brought ambitious sustainability standards through her Environmental Rider, which included bans on single-use plastics, plant-based catering both backstage and for audiences, and the creation of Eco Action Villages. Through the Pledge for the Planet campaign, more than 12,000 signatures were collected, nearly 88,000 single-use bottles were avoided, and around 3,800 volunteer hours were contributed by fans and crew.
Financially, the initiative proved equally successful. Overall F&B revenue rose by 13%, with plant-based burgers up 34% and hot dogs up 27%. Process improvements led to higher margins, less food waste, and lower insurance costs. Co-op Live earned international recognition, receiving the “A Greener Arena 2025” title and 31 awards in GOAL’s sustainability ranking. This case study makes one thing clear: sustainability in venue operations is no longer optional – it’s an operational necessity. It also demonstrates that environmental responsibility and business performance reinforce one another. For venue operators around the world, the Co-op Live initiative provides concrete benchmarks for how the systematic integration of sustainable practices can establish new industry standards. (stadiaworld, 30.01.2026)
