Capital FM Arena, Nottingham
The Capital FM Arena, located as part of the National Ice Centre (NIC) in Nottingham has been awarded Industry Green status. The organisation has proven carbon reductions, improvements in commitment, understanding and communication of the Arena’s environmental impacts and achievements and has therefore been awarded 2 stars.
Capital FM Arena is the eighth venue in the UK licensed to carry the Industry Green IG mark. Capital FM Arena CEO, Geoff Huckstep says:
“It’s important for businesses in the creative industries to voluntarily lead the way on climate change action. Nowhere is this more important than in venues where large numbers of the public can be made aware of the issues, solutions and benefits of collectively reducing our environmental impact. At the Capital FM Arena Nottingham we are aware of our responsibility and will endeavour to work with our staff, customers and touring artists to communicate the need for action against climate change; as well as continuing to work towards improving our energy efficiency as an arena venue.”
Environmental performance has a high profile within the Capital FM Arena, strongly supported by senior management. The venue’s Environmental Policy has been endorsed by staff, senior management and the Board of Directors, and an Environmental Committee meets bi-monthly, presents progress to senior management at monthly meetings and produces an Annual Report to communicate progress to the company and the public.
The Arena achieved an overall reduction of 14% in total emissions from 2008/2009 to 2009/2010, setting a solid baseline for future years’ reductions. Per performance, Capital FM Arena reduced its primary emissions from 627 kg CO2e per performance in 2007/2008, 465 kg CO2e per performance in 2008/2009 (a 26% reduction) and 517 kg CO2e per performance in 2009/2010 (a 10% increase), showing an overall reduction from 2007 to 2010.
The Arena currently recycles 84% of its waste and derives 100% of its electricity and heating from the Nottingham Eastcroft Combined Heat and Power facility. It has also installed a waterless enzyme-based system across all venue urinals that is expected to reduce water usage by 9 million litres per year, as well as a water meter on the evaporative tower to track water and sewerage flow and loss.
The Arena has further saved energy by purchasing voltage optimisation equipment to run at 220V, and market leading insulated floor covering to vastly reduce energy consumption during concerts (protecting the ice rink surface maintained underneath).
The Arena is also assessing all its potential suppliers for their environmental impact, which influences the final choice made; for example, their main catering supplier is working towards achieving ISO 14001.
Capital FM Arena is currently working towards achieving BS 8555, to implement an Environmental Management System that will enable the venue to manage and reduce its impact alongside Industry Green, and has also undertaken a Carbon Trust audit. A staff education and training campaign is underway, to support the measurement, monitoring and reporting of resource consumption throughout the venue.
Environmentally conscious artists often question the Arena for their environmental commitments, and the active engagement of the entire organisation and its supply chain ensures that there is both an ambition, and evidenced commitment to addressing the most compelling issue of our time.
Capital FM Arena has set a goal to become a 3 stars Industry Green venue in the near future.
