Live Nation sets sustainability goals for concerts and live events

Live Nation Entertainment has launched its global sustainability coalition, Green Nation, is committing to new environmental goals for all Live Nation owned and operated venues, clubs, theatres and festivals, with the primary targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, and ending the sale of single-use plastics at all owned and operated venues and festivals by 2021.

Announced in May, the new charter outlines an agreed global position across the world to reduce the negative environmental impacts often associated with live events including waste generation and single-use plastics, energy and water use, transport and food sourcing.

The charter commits Live Nation to:

• Deliver a 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
• End sale of single-use plastics at all owned and operated venues and events by 2021
• Work to reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels where possible and pursue a low-carbon economy by sourcing renewable energy
• Aim for our offices, venues and events to be zero waste to landfill and achieve a 50% (or higher) material recovery rate by 2030
• Work with partners and sponsors toward shared sustainability goals
• Transparently track, measure, and share adherence to our charter 

Live Nation events and venues are piloting various programs to find the most effective ways to meet these progressive charter goals and will implement best practices on a global scale. For example, in support of eliminating the sale of single-use plastic at festivals and venues, Live Nation will be trialling plant-based water bottles (PLA) across Europe in 2019.

Green Nation’s executive board of Melvin Benn, Managing Director, Festival Republic; Tom See, President, Live Nation Venues - US Concerts; and Charlie Walker, co-founder, C3 Presents will champion these initiatives along with support from regional sustainability managers and their teams at the local venue and event level.

Live Nation Entertainment President and Chief Executive, Michael Rapino explains “hosting over 35,000 concerts and festivals each year, Live Nation has the opportunity and responsibility to provide our artists and fans with a live music experience that protects our planet.

“The adverse effects of climate change are undeniable, and we want to use our place on the world stage to be part of the solution. Together our concerts, venues, festivals, and offices around the world are setting new sustainability standards for live events.”

This new charter builds on Live Nation’s existing environmental efforts, which include their ‘Sustainability Rocks’ program which inspires fans to recycle; the introduction of climate-friendly plant-based menu items like the Impossible Burger; the elimination of plastic straws across all US venues; the institution of stringent environmental guidelines for concessions and vendor partners; the addition of on-site venue compost programs; the installation of free water refill stations to reduce single-use bottle waste, and more.

Click here to read the full charter.