The O2 in London has announced a series of new sustainability initiatives to coincide with Billie Eilish bringing her ‘Happier Than Ever’ tour to the venue this month.
The new measures, which include reducing single-use plastics and the introduction of plant-based menus, have also been introduced to coincide with Overheated, a cross-campus climate festival.
The O2 has committed to a fully vegan food offering for all of Eilish’s shows, the first of which took place on Friday. The arena has worked with catering partner Levy UK + Ireland to introduce 100% vegan items for the shows.
Following Eilish’s run of shows, The O2 has committed to continuing with a plant-forward philosophy, which will see beef burgers permanently removed from the menu.
The O2 is also working with Klimato to calculate, communicate and report the climate impact of the food available for guests to purchase, enabling them to make conscious and sustainable choices. The O2 said this will mark a first for a venue of its scale.
The O2’s drinks partners have supported the commitment to go fully plant-based for Eilish’s shows. Drinks sold by Budweiser and Champagne Lanson already offer vegan products, while Nestlé provides vegan sweets and alternative vegan milks at the arena.
Levy has committed to reaching net zero at The O2 by 2025, which would mark a first for the catering company. Levy will continue to support The O2 in using technology to track its environmental performance and reduce waste through its ‘reduce, reuse and review’ policy.
The O2 and Europe are also working with A Greener Festival on establishing an accurate scientific baseline for scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions before publishing its full plan for net zero later this year.
The O2 is looking to reduce the need for plastic water bottles by installing several water dispensers throughout the arena, with visitors encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles. The venue has also committed to using recyclable paper cups in all areas, and has removed all plastic bags from merchandising units.
Fabric wristbands made from 100% recycled PET plastic have also been introduced for standing attendees this month.
Steve Sayer, vice-president and general manager at The O2, said: “We’re so proud to be taking real strides this month to becoming an even more sustainable venue here at The O2. Going fully vegan in the arena for six sold-out show dates with Billie Eilish is no small task and is something that we know will really resonate with fans attending the shows.
“The reduction in single use plastic in The O2 arena is another huge step forward for us, as we work towards our A Greener Arena accreditation, and ultimately one day towards becoming net zero as a venue. As one of the world’s leading venues, it’s important that we help drive industry change in the space of sustainability and show that we can all make a difference, whilst continuing to still provide a best-in-class experience for the fans and artists.”
Image: The O2
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