The National Arenas Association (NAA) has released a Green Guide to help the UK and Ireland's largest indoor arenas embrace sustainability. Developed in collaboration with sustainability experts A Greener Future (AGF), this guide aims to support NAA’s 23 member arenas in adopting eco-friendly practices across their operations.
The Green Guide offers practical advice on environmental sustainability, governance, social inclusion, and economic opportunities for these venues. It encourages arenas to set clear sustainability goals and work towards reducing their environmental impact, no matter their current level of progress in sustainability efforts.
Key goals in the guide include:
- Enhancing social and environmental policies and governance
- Reducing energy use, water consumption, and transport emissions
- Making more sustainable choices for food and packaging
The guide also promotes a multi-stakeholder approach, giving recommendations not only for arena operations but also for engaging with promoters, production teams, and audiences. Additionally, venues will have access to adaptable Sustainability Guideline Templates to tailor sustainability plans to their specific needs.
Supported by industry bodies LIVE and the Concert Promoters Association, the Green Guide will be reviewed yearly to stay in step with evolving sustainability practices in the live events sector.
Claire Cosgrave, NAA Green Guide Lead, describes the guide as a “practical, action-oriented resource” aimed at helping venues of all types and sizes meet shared sustainability goals. “With input from A Greener Future,” she explains, “the guide provides detailed steps for venue operators to bring stakeholders—like promoters and audiences—on board in these efforts.”
AGF’s CEO and co-founder, Claire O’Neill, emphasises the urgency: “Venues must act now to minimise environmental impacts, provide safe, fulfilling spaces, and adapt to the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. This guide is a big step towards creating greener, more sustainable spaces for live entertainment.”
The Green Guide and additional resources are available on A Greener Future’s website.