Coldplay advise of environmental initiatives employed on current world tour

While having broken the record for the most concert tickets sold for a tour, British supergroup Coldplay have released details of the game-changing environmental measures being employed on their current world tour.

Having announced in 2019 that the band would take a break from touring in order to assess how future tours could be more sustainable and less damaging to the environment, before the current ‘Music Of The Spheres’ tour began in 2022, Coldplay pledged to cut emissions by 50% compared to their previous world tour between 2016 and 2017.

To achieve this the band worked with their partners and suppliers to reduce their impact throughout the supply chain.

DHL, the tour's official logistics partner, plays a crucial role by focusing on advanced biofuels in the air and employing electric vehicles on land. When reducing their impact is not feasible, Coldplay is following the guidance of the Oxford Principles for Net-Zero Aligned carbon offsetting.

On stage, the band has adopted eco-friendly methods to power production, incorporating solar power, sustainable biofuels and grid renewables.

In partnership with BMW, Coldplay developed a mobile show battery made from recyclable BMW i3 batteries, powering 100% of shows through renewable energy. Additionally, the installation of kinetic floors in venues converts the energy generated by fans' dancing and movement into power for the shows.

As of June last year, Coldplay revealed they had achieved a nearly 47% reduction in CO2e emissions, just shy of their 50% target. Travel planning is meticulously executed to minimise flying, and a sustainability rider is sent to all venues in advance, outlining best environmental practices. The stages themselves are constructed from lightweight, low-carbon, and reusable materials.

Even the wristbands worn by the audience have undergone sustainable transformation, being made from 100% compostable, plant-based materials. Production has been reduced by 80% through collecting, sterilising, and recharging them after each show, with an average return rate of 86%.

Sustainability extends to lighting and audio production, with low-energy LED screens, laser and lighting systems, and a PA system using up to 50% less power than the previous tour. The confetti used during the show is 100% biodegradable, utilising less compressed gas for ignition.

Fans are actively encouraged to participate in sustainable practices through a free tour app developed in partnership with SAP. The app incentivises low-carbon travel, offering discounts to fans who commit to environmentally friendly transportation. Concerts are accompanied by activations like the energy zone, powered by solar and kinetic energy.

Beyond the stage, Coldplay works with venues to reduce water and plastic consumption, eliminate waste, and promote recycling. Plant-based and locally sourced food is provided in crew catering operations, with surplus food donated to local food banks. The band ensures merchandise is sustainably and ethically sourced, and they actively support reforestation projects, avoid mono-culture plantations, and contribute to ocean conservation.

Coldplay's commitment to transparency is evident in their ongoing measurement of the band's environmental impact, collaborating with Live Nation's sustainability platform Green Nation. Their goal is to develop sustainable practices that can be shared across all other artists' tours, contributing to a more environmentally conscious music industry.

Overall, the tour stands as a pioneering example of sustainable touring, showcasing innovative approaches and partnerships to minimise the environmental impact of live music performances. The band's dedication to transparency and continuous improvement sets a new standard for the industry, encouraging others to follow suit in adopting eco-friendly practices.

The band is set to resume it ‘Music Of The Spheres’ tour in the Philippines capital of Manila on 19th January before other dates in Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand during the year.

Part of this article was generated using artificial intelligence (ChatGPT).

Image: Coldplay at Perth's Optus Stadium in November last year. Credit: AnnaLee Media/Live Nation.