A Standing Ovation for Sustainability
PreZero Arena Gliwice's Vision
Marking a milestone for sustainable events, PreZero Arena Gliwice has solidified its position as a forerunner in event management, recently earning the distinguished title of "Green Venue" of the year at the 2023 MP Power Awards. This recognition highlights the arena's commitment to reducing its environmental impact while setting new standards for eco-friendly entertainment venues across Poland.
As one of the largest venues in the country, PreZero Arena Gliwice hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Recognizing the significant environmental footprint of such large-scale venues, the arena has made great strides toward clean operations, proving that eco-conscious practices can be successfully implemented in major entertainment facilities.
On July 6, 2023, PreZero became the title sponsor for the arena, prompting the venue to change its name. Now celebrating its first year, this partnership is driven by a shared goal — to create the most eco-friendly arena in Poland. Since then, the venue has undergone considerable changes, both in public areas and office spaces. The inspiring slogan "We ignite excitement for a cleaner tomorrow." has helped propel these extensive changes in design and operation.
The New Visitor Experience
The arena's efforts have yielded impressive results. In the first half of 2024 alone, the venue has substantially reduced plastic waste through reusable cups, preventing the use of disposable cups equivalent to 1,600 liters of drink capacity. This initiative, which began in January 2024, made PreZero Arena Gliwice the first venue of its kind in Poland to eliminate single-use plastics in its food courts. All beverages, including hot drinks, are now served in returnable cups, complemented by paper trays, straws, and eco-friendly wooden cutlery. As part of their effort to reduce paper waste, the arena has also moved to an electronic ticketing system, which is now the preferred choice for most visitors.
"Together with PreZero Poland, we are working every day to make the arena an even more environmentally friendly facility. We aim to be a leader in this field, not only in Poland, but across Europe," says Konrad Koziol, Vice President of the Management Board at Arena Operator, the company that manages PreZero Arena Gliwice. "Every action, no matter how small, has a real impact on our shared future."
Waste management has seen notable improvements as well. The arena segregated waste equivalent to 90,000 liters in capacity in the first half of 2024, thanks to a tailored waste management system designed by PreZero Poland. The venue now features strategically placed bins for plastic and mixed waste in public areas, while outdoor spaces are equipped with five-compartment bins for more comprehensive recycling. Clear infographics on the new bins help visitors dispose of waste properly, ensuring maximum efficiency in recycling efforts.
Energy conservation has been another key focus of the arena's drive for sustainable operations. In 2023, electricity consumption was reduced by an impressive 10% compared to the previous year, saving 363,245 kWh — equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 180 households. This remarkable achievement is the result of various strategies, including the transition to LED lighting, installation of bistable switches with auto shut-off, optimization of the heating system, and modernization of the Building Management System (BMS). Additionally, all employees have completed energy efficiency training, creating a culture of conservation throughout the organization.
To further reduce its carbon footprint, PreZero Arena Gliwice has installed 10 water dispensers throughout the venue, encouraging visitors to refill bottles instead of relying on single-use plastic. Reusable Dafi filter bottles are also available for purchase at food kiosks, promoting long-term environmentally sound habits among patrons.
For those driving electric vehicles, an EV charging station operated by EkoEn is now available at the P5 car park, supporting the transition to climate-friendly transportation options. The venue has also transformed some of its green areas into vibrant flower meadows that help to preserve biodiversity. They also increase the arena's aesthetic appeal. The main square now features a dedicated waste collection station, extending the arena's recycling efforts into the surrounding community.
Behind the Scenes
The arena's commitment to environmentally sound operations even extends to its office spaces. Recycling bins have been introduced throughout office areas, and switching to the use of virtual documents (i.e., going "paperless") has markedly reduced printed paper waste. When paper is necessary, it is replaced with recycled alternatives. All employees have been provided with filter water bottles, eliminating single-use plastic beverage bottles in office areas.
Employees have also participated in waste segregation training, which included a tour of one of PreZero's installations. This educational experience inspired the staff while also addressing their questions and clearing up misconceptions about waste processing.
Understanding the power of education in driving change, PreZero Arena Gliwice in collaboration with PreZero Poland has launched a series of events aimed at the local community. Such initiatives seek to educate and motivate individuals to adopt more eco-friendly behaviors in their daily lives, especially in areas such as proper waste management. The arena uses its wide reach not just to implement sustainable practices within its walls, but to educate and advocate for a more environmentally conscious society.
Building on Success
The transformation of PreZero Arena Gliwice into a model of environmentally clean operations demonstrates that entertainment and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously. As the venue continues to innovate and improve its eco-friendly practices, it sets a powerful example for other facilities across Poland and beyond. The arena's journey proves that with commitment, creativity, and collaboration, large-scale entertainment venues can effectively reduce their environmental impact.
"Over the past twelve months, our cooperation has allowed us to implement numerous environmentally friendly solutions at PreZero Arena Gliwice. We have introduced selective waste collection, a system of infographics, and hosted many events building ecological awareness among children and adults. I am confident that even more great initiatives lie ahead as we continue on our path to becoming the 'greenest' arena," states Patrycja Sopalska, Director of Communications and Marketing at PreZero Poland.
Looking to the future, PreZero Arena Gliwice has shown that impactful, positive change can be achieved when organizations prioritize clean operations. Its success clearly proves that environmentally responsible entertainment is possible — without compromising on quality or excitement.
