An arena that thinks for itself!
And now show how...
When the spotlights come on at the Sparkassen-Arena, another show has long since begun behind the scenes. One that hardly anyone sees, but everyone can feel: the day-to-day operations of one of Saxony’s largest event venues—with as much personal responsibility, as little waste, and as many regional partners as possible. For us, sustainability isn’t just a promise for the future. We started putting it into practice long ago.
Store the Sun's Energy, Think About Energy
The paved area behind the hall has been transformed into an energy-generating space. Covering approximately 5,500 square meters, our photovoltaic system—implemented in collaboration with Zwickauer Energieversorgung (ZEV)—generates about one million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Two battery storage systems with a combined capacity of just under 370 kWh ensure that this electricity is available whenever it’s needed. The result: a self-sufficiency rate of well over 80 percent—and, for many events, even a completely self-sufficient energy supply. This is a figure we’re particularly proud of.
One detail we particularly like: The battery modules were originally intended for automotive production but were never actually installed in vehicles. With us, they get a second life—without the need for additional raw material extraction, and at full capacity.
Added to this is an intelligent building management system that automatically adapts to any type of event. Whether there are 1,000 or 6,000 guests, whether it’s “Holiday on Ice,” a trade show, or a concert—ventilation, temperature, and energy consumption adjust to actual needs. Technology that thinks for itself.
What's on the table comes from right next door
Our beverages rarely travel more than 60 kilometers: Sternquell, Bad Brambacher Mineralquellen, VITA COLA, Heide’s juices from Siebenlehn, water from the Vogtland region, and beer—also from Plauen. Polster Catering from Lichtenstein is involved as a local partner. Part of the food selection comes directly from GLOBUS across the street, specially prepared for Kultour Z guests. And if something on the plate costs a bit more, it’s because of the quality—not because of long transport distances.
Many of these partnerships have been in place since the arena (then known as the Stadthalle) opened in 2000. They have grown over the years, and in some cases have taken on an almost friendly nature. For us, sustainability also means this: reliability toward people and businesses in the region—and vice versa.
The Sum of Small Things
Recyclable paper towels in a closed-loop system, toilet paper and napkins made from recycled materials, eco-certified cleaning supplies, avoiding single-use containers whenever possible, and waste streams with clearly marked collection stations—what may sound like small details individually adds up to something truly significant in a hall with thousands of guests.
Conviction, Not Ideology
We’re not making a big deal out of this. Not every measure saves money right away, and not every decision is the easiest one. But it’s the right one—for the next ten years and beyond. We’re setting the stage, not making headlines.
And we’ve noticed that this topic is resonating. Artists, event organizers, and companies are increasingly asking what a venue is doing to protect the climate. We’re pleased to be able to provide an honest, concrete answer.
Our Promise: Always Getting Better, Never Done
We know that sustainability isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. What’s standard today was unthinkable five years ago—and we’re already working on what will be possible five years from now. That’s why we’re committed to transparency, continuous improvement, and actively involving our visitors, customers, and partners. We don’t promise you that we’re perfect. We promise that we’ll keep at it: pursuing new technologies, better solutions, and honest answers—together with everyone who wants to make a difference with us. Today, and even more so tomorrow.
We would like to thank our partners/climate partners
As a climate partner, we work with companies to implement specific, measurable actions—the specific action is listed for each partner.
Sparkasse Zwickau - Investment in sustainable business concepts – naming partnership. Support for the implementation of cashless payments at local businesses. Support for the introduction of a reusable cup system is also in the works.
Sternquell Brewery— Our regional brewing partner from Plauen—short delivery routes instead of long supply chains. A taste of home in a bottle.
Zwickauer Energieversorgung - Future-Oriented Energy Supply. A jointly developed photovoltaic system on the grounds of the Sparkassen-Arena with an annual output of approximately 1 million kWh, including two high-performance battery storage units for the efficient use of the facility’s “own” solar power.
Kieback&Peter— the provider of our intelligent building management system—ensures that ventilation, temperature, and energy usage automatically adjust to actual demand.
Globus Zwickau – Freshness right across the street—short supply chains for some of our menu items, created and prepared right here by our in-house butchers. True craftsmanship with daily freshness and care.
Piepenbrock— As a regional cleaning service provider, they supply us with ecologically certified cleaning products on an ongoing basis.
Wärmetechnik Wilkau-Haßlau— Your Expert Partner and Installer for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems at the ARENA
Vita Cola— A regional beverage partner with short delivery routes. Refreshing. Unique. Local.
CTV GmbH - Regional partner for IT and digital transformation initiatives.
Kurt Heide Fruit Pressing Facility— Regional fruit juices from a family-run business (now in its fourth generation) in Siebenlehn—locally sourced instead of imported. Products made from regionally grown and organic produce—produced sustainably and with care for the environment.
Bad Brambacher Mineral Springs— our local water supplier. As pure as the unspoiled nature of the Vogtland region and delivered directly to our guests.
Polster Catering— a local catering partner from Lichtenstein—serves delicious, regional cuisine to our guests. Most of the dishes on the menu are prepared right here in Zwickau (in the kitchen at the “Neue Welt” concert and ball hall).
