How AEG Europe is making live entertainment sustainable

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🗞️ Driving the news: AEG Europe is implementing ambitious sustainability initiatives across its venues and festivals, including The O2 in London
• In 2024, the company introduced carbon-removed concerts, innovative waste management, and carbon labeling for food vendors
• AEG is now focusing on renewable energy solutions and achieving net-zero operations

🔭 The context: Fan travel accounts for 80% of an event’s carbon footprint, so AEG introduced a small carbon surcharge on tickets to support carbon removal technologies
• Festivals are also using alternative energy sources like batteries and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) diesel while working toward permanent national grid connections
• Initiatives such as seaweed-based plastic alternatives and carbon footprint labeling for food vendors aim to educate attendees while reducing environmental impact

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The live entertainment industry has a significant carbon footprint, from energy-intensive venues to audience travel emissions
• AEG’s approach integrates sustainability into the fan experience without disrupting events
• By pioneering carbon-removed concerts and investing in climate technologies, AEG is setting a new standard for sustainable live entertainment

⏭️ What's next: In 2025, AEG will focus on reducing waste at festivals and improving recycling rates at The O2
• LIDO festival will serve as a test site for innovative sustainability measures, including battery-powered stages
• AEG is also aligning with Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals and expanding sustainability efforts in Germany

💬 One quote: “The end goal is net zero, circular business and ideally regenerative business. I think those goals are fairly universal.” — Sam Booth, AEG Europe Sustainability Director

📈 One stat: 80% of an event’s carbon footprint comes from fan travel, making it the largest sustainability challenge for live entertainment

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