Fronted by LIVE Green – the sustainability arm of music trade body LIVE (Live music Industry Venues and Entertainment) – the live music sector has launched an industry-wide campaign to reach net zero emissions by 2030.
All 13 association members of LIVE have signed up to the Beyond Zero Declaration, which is a commitment to deliver measurable and targeted action on climate change. The aim is to meet net zero emissions by 2030.
Signatories have agreed to working with LIVE Green to set reduction targets and reduce operation and business travel, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They will have to report on progress annually.
Members will also have to develop their own net zero roadmap and action plan. Part of this will be targets for energy, waste, procurement, transport, food and governance.
Businesses will also have to take responsibility for their value chains – following best practice and collaborating with suppliers and clients to reduce impact on the environment. Staff must also undertake climate education and have a commitment to reducing emissions.
The group will continue to signpost how live music businesses can act on their goals for climate transformation, in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change.
AEG Europe chief operating officer and chair of LIVE Green John Langford said: “We are now at a tipping point for our climate: this is not a rehearsal.
“We want to tap into the power of music to help deliver a step-change in the environmental impact of our sector – from carbon emissions through to plastic waste – helping us demonstrate that moving faster towards decarbonisation is a route to a competitive advantage.”
Research has shown that live concerts and performances can generate 400,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. The use of accommodation, the creation of merchandise and promoting the event add extra emissions.
As part of its initiative, the sector has already tackled issues such as plastic waste and procurement, as well as emissions. This includes the removal of single-use plastic at festivals and to aid the reduction in environmental impacts from touring.
Tom Schroeder, of Paradigm Talent Agency, a supporter of LIVE Green, said: “There can be no shying away from the environmental impact of our global business, and although there has been significant progress across the live music sector, now is the time to accelerate our efforts.
“By bringing together the active specialists and initiatives under one banner, LIVE Green is pioneering a means to fast-track decarbonisation across the sector through education, awareness and tangible action. We look forward to building on the sector’s progress so far, to make our low carbon future a reality.”
Image: Amanshu Raikwar on Unsplash
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