Eco-Conscious Music Tours: Artists Leading by Example - Environment+Energy Leader

Photo by Jisu Han on Unsplash
by Staff Writer | Apr 1, 2024
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The music industry is increasingly falling in line with sustainability programs, actively engaging in efforts to diminish carbon footprints and support green initiatives. This movement represents a collective effort among artists, brands, and fans to work together towards a more sustainable future, with a few notable names leading the way.
Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour and The 1975’s recent carbon-removed arena event at The O2 show how artists can lead by example in the fight against climate change. Coldplay reduced their CO2e emissions by 47% compared to their last stadium tour, thanks to the adoption of electric battery systems powered by 100% renewable energy, courtesy of a partnership with BMW. Their commitment to reducing waste, minimizing plastic use, and supporting green technologies sets a high bar for sustainability in the music industry.
Similarly, The 1975 pioneered the world’s first carbon-removed arena event in collaboration with A Greener Future and CUR8. Through sustainable practices and innovative carbon removal solutions, the band actively contributes to reducing greenhouse gases, demonstrating that major live events can be spectacular and environmentally responsible.
IVECO has partnered with Metallica, providing a fleet of electric and natural gas vehicles for the European leg of the band’s massive M72 World Tour. This collaboration underscores both parties’ commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By integrating IVECO’s low- and zero-emission vehicles into their tour logistics, Metallica is taking steps towards achieving their goal of a more sustainable show experience, concert by concert. The vehicles, including the S-eWay and S-Way Metallica Special Edition heavy-duty trucks and eDaily and Daily Natural Gas minibuses, are designed to minimize carbon emissions on the road.
Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish is at the forefront of the music industry’s environmental movement. Eilish is setting a new standard for ecological consciousness in the industry by prioritizing plant-based food and renewable energy and avoiding private flights. Her “Overheated” climate action event epitomizes the potential of music and culture to mobilize action on climate change, bringing together activists, musicians, and designers to discuss solutions and inspire change.
This summer, the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) is amplifying their commitment to sustainability by partnering with Live Nation to minimize the environmental impact of their concerts, aiming to divert at least 90% of fan-generated waste from landfills through zero waste initiatives and minimizing single-use plastics. Their continued partnership with The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign is set to achieve a significant milestone of five million trees planted since 2020. With the support of REVERB, DMB is offsetting carbon emissions for both band and fan travel, showcasing a comprehensive approach to eco-friendly touring.
The music industry’s embrace of sustainability extends beyond individual artists and tours. Festivals worldwide are tapping into renewable energy sources to power their events, reducing their carbon footprint and setting a new standard for eco-friendly entertainment. Initiatives like kinetic dance floors and stationary bikes that generate electricity highlight the creative ways the industry engages fans in sustainability efforts.
Efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling at music events foster a culture of shared environmental responsibility among attendees. This collective action is crucial for creating lasting change and ensuring the music industry thrives without compromising the planet’s health.
While these pioneers and their partners are setting the stage for a greener music industry, a vast ensemble of big-name musicians and industry players have yet to voice their commitment, and their silence highlights the considerable distance still to be traveled to a fully sustainable music scene.
The impact of global music tours and events on the planet cannot be understated, and the potential for positive change is immense if more industry heavyweights lend their voices and influence on this critical cause to ensure that the shows will go on for generations to come.