Co-op Live hires Coldplay’s sustainability consultants

Hope Solutions’ appointment comes as the developer of the £350m Manchester arena doubles down on its sustainability ambitions of being net zero.

Originally, arena developers Oak View Group were aiming to be carbon neutral by Manchester City Council’s 2038 target. Now, the group has hired Hope Solutions to see what needs to be done in order for Co-op Live to be net zero when it opens.

Hope Solutions, who have worked alongside Coldplay and Glastonbury, will work on maximising sustainability opportunities in both the construction phase of the arena and for when it is operational. This includes developing a planet-friendly rider, creating a venue sustainability policy, and drafting a carbon reduction framework.

That framework would provide information on the measuring, tracking, reporting and reducing of the scheme’s carbon impacts, as well as addressing the resultant scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Co-op Live is already on track to be an all-electric arena and is aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating. Other sustainability measures in place include a commitment to 100% rainwater harvesting, the covering of the roof in solar panels and a promise to not send any waste to a landfill.

“Climate change is the fight of our lives, and our industry has an important role to play because we have the power to inspire,” said Oak View Group president of business development, Francesca Bodie.

“We were proud to open the first carbon-neutral arena, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, last year, and the appointment of Hope Solutions will help bring our planet-friendly vision to life at Co-op Live, which will be the UK’s best and most sustainable arena.”

Hope Solutions founder Luke Howell commented: “This project represents a real turning point in sustainable culture – being able to deliver world-class entertainment in a low carbon and environmentally positive manner is real progress and we are really looking forward to supporting the Co-op Live team in delivering this.

“Being sustainable and achieving net-zero doesn’t have to impact on the creative integrity and audience experience, in fact, it can absolutely enhance it so both people and planet benefit as this venue will prove.”

Contractor Bam is currently constructing the arena, which has an opening date of late 2023.