Discover how Co-op Live is committed to being a sustainable and green venue, including construction and design methods as well as future initiatives.

Last updated: 06/06/2023 at 11:00 am

Manchester’s upcoming brand-new music and live events venue, Co-op Live plans to be the most sustainable arena in the UK and one of the most sustainable in the world.  

Speaking of its commitment to the environment and being green, the arena states that it is ‘for the here, the now and the long haul too’.

If you are interested in finding out more, read on to discover all of the latest information on how this new arena is dedicating itself to sustainability through its construction, design and green initiatives.

Co-op Live Construction & Sustainability

Co-op Live has been committed to sustainability from the outset, with its construction methods already adopting a focus on green methods.

The arena is still under construction on Manchester’s Etihad Estate, but the process so far has circulated around the goal of locally and responsibly sourced construction materials.

Building materials have been selected to minimise waste and a number of recycled materials have been featured.

Where possible, these materials have been locally and responsibly sourced in hopes of minimising the venue’s carbon footprint and the distance travelled to and from the site during construction.

Co-op Live Food & Sustainability

Co-op Live will offer a diverse selection of 32 bars, restaurants, and lounges, showcasing an array of locally sourced and environmentally sustainable food and beverages.

With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, Co-op Live is determined to achieve net carbon neutrality by the year 2038.

The venue will operate as a fully electric building, featuring an impressive 9,000 square meters of solar panels to generate clean energy. Moreover, Co-op Live will strive to eliminate food waste entirely.

Emphasising its dedication to sustainability, Co-op Live aims to eradicate the use of single-use plastic within its premises. Additionally, the venue will adopt waste management practices that prevent any waste from being sent to landfills.

Co-op Live Design & Sustainability

The arena has been designed to embrace a host of sustainable initiatives, particularly renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.

The venue has a huge roof area of over 10,500 square metres and will utilise rooftop solar Photo Voltaic (PV). This fully recyclable system has a much lower carbon footprint than traditional PV, and will help the venue to produce its own power (therefore, reducing the need to import electricity from the grid).

Co-op Live also plans to pursue its sustainable mission through a number of other renewable energy sources including Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) for heating and cooling, and improved efficiency.

The venue will also showcase high-spec insulation to reduce thermal loss, a perforated façade design to provide internal shading and minimise heat gain and loss through windows, smart building controls, and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Co-op Live Methods & Sustainability

Once the venue has opened, Co-op Live will continue to pursue its green mission through a number of sustainability-focused initiatives.

To achieve its ambitious goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions, the management at Co-op Live enlisted the services of a renowned sustainability consultancy that has previously worked with events like Glastonbury Festival and artists like Coldplay.

The arena will adopt rainwater harvesting methods for its catering and bathroom facilities, whereby 100% rainwater will be used for toilet flushing. Within the venue, there will be a focus on waste management and a goal of zero waste to landfill pursued through waste and packaging methods and the reduction of single-use plastics.

Co-op Live guests will also benefit from access to sustainably and responsibly sourced food, highlighting local and sustainable food ranges. For more information, head to our blog to find out more about what you can expect from Co-op Live’s premium facilities, including dining choices.

Neighbourhood residents will also experience minimised disruption through initiatives and design features including soundproofing, noise management and adjustable external lighting. As well as this, the venue will include measures during event operations to manage the flow of visitors and potential noise disruption.

Finally, the arena’s surrounding green spaces will provide guests with a serene area to enjoy on the canal side. These areas, while intended to be enjoyed by visitors, have been designed to support the natural biodiversity of the area’s vegetation and local wildlife including a range of tree species and wildflowers.

Interested in learning more about Manchester’s newest venue? Check out our ‘Insider’s Guide to Co-op Live’ including details on opening date, location, capacity and more!

Interested in learning more about Manchester’s newest venue? Check out our ‘Insider’s Guide to Co-op Live’ including details on opening date, location, capacity and more!