Christopher BarrettThe National Arenas Association (NAA) has published the Green Guide, developed in collaboration with A Greener Future (AGF) as a resource to help NAA members operate more sustainably.
The NAA said its Green Guide addresses the extensive environmental aspects of arena management, while also considering the areas of governance, social inclusion and economic opportunity.
It said the guide was created with the aim of helping member venues set sustainability objectives and work towards reducing their environmental impact, regardless of where they currently are on their individual sustainability journey.
Shared objectives noted in the guide include improved social and environmental sustainability polices and overall governance; reduced energy consumption, water use and transport emissions; and more conscious choices in food and packaging provisions.
Encouraging a multi-stakeholder approach, the guide provides wide-ranging advice covering venue operations and governance to promoters, production and audience management.
NAA said venues can also benefit from access to Sustainability Guideline Templates adaptable to align with a venue’s individual sustainability requirements and infrastructure.
Backed by industry body LIVE and the Concert Promoters Association, the Green Guide will be reviewed annually as part of the NAA working group and is expected to evolve as the live industry continues to adapt to the demands and opportunities of social and environmental sustainability.
NAA Green Guide lead Claire Cosgrave said, “The National Arenas Association Green Guide presents an accessible, action-orientated resource to help our member venues navigate the complex world of social and environmental sustainability. By focussing attention on a set of shared objectives, we believe the guide can help to drive progress in aspects common to all venues, regardless of size, age or stage of sustainability journey.”
“It is vitally important that venues act now to prevent negative impacts on the environment, provide safe and fulfilling spaces for people, and manage risks and opportunities posed by climate change and market transformation,” said AGF CEO Claire O’Neill. “Venues are the home of live entertainment. This collaborative work is a significant step to getting the live sectors house in order, with manageable steps towards greener arenas.”