Bright Sustainability – Blog

Touring is an essential revenue stream for the music industry, but it comes with significant environmental costs. From transportation logistics to venue operations, the carbon footprint of global tours is substantial, particularly for large-scale acts. As climate consciousness grows, both artists and the music industry are being scrutinised for their environmental practices. Businesses associated with events, tours, and promotions must now consider the ecological impact of their operations.

The Biggest Emission Contributors

The carbon footprint of a typical music tour comes from several key areas:

1. Fan Travel: A major source of emissions, fan travel to and from concerts—particularly international flights—accounts for a significant portion of the overall carbon impact of touring. According to the referenced article, certain artists have even started discouraging fans from travelling long distances for shows, promoting local attendance instead.
2. Tour Logistics: Transporting equipment, crew, and artists involves a heavy reliance on planes, buses, and trucks, all of which contribute to high emissions. The larger the production, the greater the logistical footprint.
3. Energy Use at Venues: Concert venues require vast amounts of energy for lighting, sound systems, and production needs, often powered by traditional energy sources. This adds to the overall environmental toll of tours.

The Business Case for Sustainability

From a business perspective, addressing the carbon impact of tours isn’t just about environmental responsibility—it’s increasingly important for reputation management, customer engagement, and compliance with evolving regulations. Consumers, particularly younger audiences, expect brands and performers to align with values of sustainability, and businesses that fail to adapt could risk alienating their audience.

Businesses that support artists and tours have an opportunity to showcase leadership in this area by embracing sustainability measures:

• Partner with Sustainable Venues: Venues that prioritise energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction can make a measurable difference. Additionally, businesses can collaborate with venues that offer carbon offset programs.
• Promote Virtual Events: With advancements in streaming technology, businesses can help artists reduce the environmental impact by promoting virtual performances or hybrid events that combine in-person and digital elements, reducing the need for fan travel.
• Sustainable Merchandise and Logistics: Beyond the performance itself, businesses associated with tour merchandise, transport, and logistics can implement eco-friendly solutions such as using renewable energy, offering sustainable materials for merchandise, and reducing unnecessary packaging.

Examples of Green Touring Initiatives

Some pioneering bands are already implementing green touring practices that other businesses can learn from:

• Coldplay: On their “Music of the Spheres” tour, Coldplay announced a wide array of sustainable measures, including powering their shows with renewable energy, reducing air travel, and investing in carbon offset projects.
• Massive Attack: This band commissioned an analysis of their tour’s carbon footprint and has been vocal about the need for industry-wide change. Their approach highlights a growing trend of transparency in sustainability efforts, creating a blueprint for other artists and supporting businesses.

Steps for Businesses in the Touring Ecosystem

For businesses operating in the touring and event management sectors, there are several steps to reduce carbon emissions:

1. Energy Audits and Sustainability Certifications: Conducting energy audits for venues or acquiring sustainability certifications can boost a venue’s appeal to eco-conscious performers and fans.
2. Supply Chain Collaboration: Work with suppliers and vendors that have adopted sustainable practices. This includes eco-friendly logistics providers and vendors offering low-impact materials.
3. Fan Engagement: Encourage fans to engage in low-carbon activities, such as promoting the use of public transport, offering discounts for local ticket buyers, or partnering with eco-friendly travel services.

Conclusion

As bands and fans alike become more environmentally conscious, businesses in the music industry must adapt to the rising demand for sustainability. Reducing the carbon footprint of touring requires a collaborative effort between artists, venues, and businesses throughout the supply chain. By adopting greener practices, businesses can not only reduce emissions but also position themselves as leaders in the growing movement for sustainability within the entertainment industry.

---

Kickstart your journey into sustainable growth, with all the tools you need to get going at Bright.

Start building your action plan for free, today or try our free Carbon Footprint Calculator