Sustainability and carbon footprint of live music venues in NSW recognised by Green Music Australia

Live music venues across NSW could save over $1.53 million annually and reduce emissions by more than 70,000 tonnes – the equivalent of taking over 16,000 cars off our roads - according to a new report from Green Music Australia.

Released at the recent Regional and Remote Music Summit in Byron Bay, the NSW Venue Sustainability Health Check Report shows a pathway for NSW live music venues to reduce both costs and emissions.

Based on working with nine live music venues in NSW, the Report's findings include:

• Venues could save an average of $10,388 per year by switching energy providers, improving efficiency through appliance maintenance and upgrades, and installing solar.

• To get to zero electricity emissions, venues could purchase accredited GreenPower and still see an average net annual savings of $3,736.

• This would require an initial investment between $1,988 (small venues) - $18,767 (medium venues), with return on investment within 1-4 years*.

• Many venues across Australia are unprepared and under-resourced to shift their operations in line with upcoming state and federal waste and emissions targets.

• Venues have made progress in sustainability by switching to LEDs, improving insulation, and participating in Container Deposit Schemes.

• Venues face significant operational challenges in reducing single use cups and crockery, and adapting to emerging food and organic waste bin mandates.

Commenting on the recommendations, Green Music Australia Chief Executive, Berish Bilander stated “live venues are the beating heart of Australia’s music community, but they’re under pressure from rising energy costs, tightening regulations, and shifting audience expectations.

"This report shows that climate action is not only necessary, it can help reduce overheads. We need funding for energy upgrades, stronger policy support, and a cultural shift that embeds sustainability into the operations of our local music hubs.”

The report also identifies where venues have been taking action as well as opportunities for further improvement in energy, waste, water, procurement, transport, First Nations engagement, and governance.

The findings come from our Green Venue Certification pilot launched in 2025 aimed at helping live music venues transition to environmentally responsible operations. The program partnered with nine metropolitan and regional venues to assess and certify their environmental impact, scoring from a range of 2 through to 4 stars.

Anita’s Theatre, Bondi Pavilion, Brunswick Picture House, Club 77, ICC Sydney, King St Bandroom, La La La’s, The Lansdowne Hotel and Metro Theatre participated in the compilation of the report.

The Green Venue Program is supported by the NSW Government through Sound NSW and the Australian Government through Music Australia.

Click here to read the full report.

Main image: Anita'sTheatre, Thirroul.