Co-op Live Turns Rain into a Resource with Sustainable Water Use

Manchester is known for its rainy weather, and Co-op Live is putting that to good use. The state-of-the-art arena has incorporated an innovative rainwater harvesting system to improve sustainability and reduce water waste.

As part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, Co-op Live is ensuring that 100% of the rainwater collected is used for toilet flushing and watering its plants. This eco-friendly approach significantly cuts down on water consumption, with the venue expecting to use around 40% less water than a comparable building.

To reduce the risk of localised flooding and ease pressure on local public drainage systems during heavy rainfall, Co-op Live has installed a 680,000-litre underground rainwater harvesting tank. This tank is fed directly from the roof's guttering, ensuring that rainwater is collected first rather than immediately draining into the public drainage. By capturing and slowing the flow of water, this system helps manage drainage more effectively during storms.

By implementing rainwater harvesting, Co-op Live is setting a new standard for sustainable venue management, demonstrating that even the rainiest of cities can turn a downpour into a resource.