Coldplay and Warner Music Group have partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Environmental Solutions Initiative (MIT ESI) and Live Nation to look into the environmental impact of live music.
The collaboration will involve a comprehesive study of the concert industry’s carbon footprint, followed by the development of practical solutions to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.
MIT ESI will conduct an in-depth research project, focusing initially on the UK and US markets. They will then publish an Assessment Report of Live Music and Climate Change, which is expected to be completed by July 2024.
The report will analyze the relationship between live music and climate change, identify key areas for improvement (including event production, transportation, and resource usage), and recommend sustainable practices.
The findings and recommendations will be made publicly available, enabling the entire live music industry to benefit from the research, WMG said in a press release on Monday (January 29).
As part of the partnership, MIT ESI will contribute its scientific expertise, while WMG, Live Nation, and Coldplay will contribute their industry knowledge and experience. Coldplay has committed to cutting tour emissions by 50% and WMG used recycled vinyl for Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres album.
Coldplay made their pledge to reduce emissions by 50% when they launched their Music Of The Spheres world tour. The tour, which kicked off in March 2022, uses a stage built from lightweight, low-carbon and re-usable materials and low-energy displays, lasers and lighting set-ups.
The tour also provides reusable LED wristbands to the audience that are made from 100% compostable, plant-based materials. These wristbands are collected, sterilized and recharged after every show.
The four-way partnership will see Live Nation’s sustainability division sharing best practices developed through its work with major artists and venues to reduce environmental impact.
The research will address the issue of fan travel, building on Live Nation’s partnership with Coldplay in 2022, which increased public transport ridership by 59% across four US cities.
“I applaud the spirit of openness and collaboration that will allow us to identify specific challenges in areas such as live event production, freight and audience travel, and recommend solutions that can be implemented across the entire industry to address climate change.”
Prof. John E. Fernandez, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“I’m delighted that we will be working with our partners to co-create recommendations for a sustainable future in music,” said MIT Prof. John E. Fernandez, Director of the ESI.
“As well as jointly funding the research, I applaud the spirit of openness and collaboration that will allow us to identify specific challenges in areas such as live event production, freight and audience travel, and recommend solutions that can be implemented across the entire industry to address climate change.”
Olga LaBelle, WMG’s Vice President, ESG, Strategy Integration & Operations, added: “This partnership represents WMG’s proactive approach to advancing industry-wide understanding of the climate impacts of the music industry and supporting our artists’ connections with fans worldwide.”
“This partnership represents WMG’s proactive approach to advancing industry-wide understanding of the climate impacts of the music industry and supporting our artists’ connections with fans worldwide.”
Olga LaBelle, Warner Music Group
“I’m pleased to be able to lend our scale and resources to further the industry’s understanding and approach to climate-positive outcomes.”
Live Nation’s Director of Global Sustainability, Lucy August-Perna, also commented on the partnership, saying, “We’re proud to share best practices and solutions developed by Green Nation in this report.”
“Helping accelerate sustainable practices benefits everyone who enjoys live music, while ensuring a strong future for the industry. We look forward to sharing the report with industry partners and fans alike.”
“Helping accelerate sustainable practices benefits everyone who enjoys live music, while ensuring a strong future for the industry. We look forward to sharing the report with industry partners and fans alike.”
Lucy August-Perna, Live Nation
This new initiative comes as WMG has doubled down on its ESG efforts. WMG on Tuesday published its 2023 Annual ESG Impact Report. You can read it in full here.
The report highlighted WMG’s commitment to responsible AI use, a pledge to source 100% renewable energy for all offices by 2030, and various employee programs.
“2023 was a year where we set in motion new plans for the long-term success of WMG. We’re sharpening our focus on delivering for our artists and songwriters, employees, and shareholders, while giving back to the communities in which we work and reducing our impact on the planet,” said WMG CEO Robert Kyncl.
“As a global company, we understand how much music matters – not just as a force in entertainment, but for its power to influence positive changes in society, technology, and commerce,” Kyncl added.
Additionally, WMG continues to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting mental health and wellbeing initiatives for artists and songwriters, and actively participating in social justice movements such as Protect Black Art and supporting the Restoring Artistic Protections (RAP) Act.
The Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund supports non-profits focused on social justice through education, arts and culture, and criminal justice reform.
WMG first published its annual ESG report in 2022.
Music Business Worldwide
