Coldplay, along with fellow environmentally-conscious artists such as Billie Eilish, Dave Matthews Band, and Jack Johnson, is taking center stage in the world of sustainable touring practices. The band’s ongoing “Music of the Spheres” World Tour, which kicked off in March 2022 and has already drawn over 7 million attendees, is making significant strides in reducing its environmental impact.
A recent update highlights the remarkable achievements of the tour’s sustainability initiatives. Notably, this current tour has managed to cut CO2e emissions by an impressive 47% compared to Coldplay’s previous stadium tour in 2016-17. Furthermore, a staggering 66% of the tour’s waste has been diverted away from landfills, showcasing a dedication to responsible waste management.
In a bid to combat deforestation and contribute to a greener planet, the “Music of the Spheres” tour has undertaken an ambitious project – planting 5 million trees, equating to one tree for every concert-goer. These trees are not only symbolic of the concert experience but are also set to thrive through support from the organization One Tree Planted.
Taking the concept of sustainable power to new heights, the show’s production elements, including audio, lighting, and lasers, are powered by an electric battery system fueled entirely by renewable energy sources. As part of the holistic approach, audiences contribute to the cause by returning an impressive average of 86% of the reusable LED wristbands, which are plant-based and eco-friendly.
Going beyond the stage, the tour has incorporated various innovative practices. Each show sees an average of 15kWh of power generated through in-venue solar installations, kinetic dance floors, and power bikes. This sustainable power generation supports the C-stage performance each night and offers essential charging stations for the crew’s devices.
Moreover, the tour embraces a compassionate aspect by donating 3,770 meals and 73 kg of toiletries from its catering services to benefit the unhoused and unsheltered communities. Notably, their commitment extends globally, as they support initiatives like the Ocean Cleanup’s solar-powered River Interceptor in Malaysia, which has already removed an impressive 158 tons of waste and 13 tons of ocean-bound plastic from the Klang River.
Financial support has also been a cornerstone of Coldplay’s green efforts, with significant contributions to environmental organizations like ClientEarth, The Ocean Cleanup, and Climeworks, among others.
Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” tour not only offers fans a spectacular musical experience but also sets a new standard for sustainability in the world of entertainment. As artists and their audiences unite in their dedication to a healthier planet, these actions serve as a shining example of the positive impact the music industry can have on global environmental efforts.
The band’s efforts have been assessed and validated by Professor John E. Fernandez of MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Environmental Solutions Initiative, who said:
“We fully endorse this effort as critically important, scientifically rigorous and of the highest quality. The band deserves significant praise in commissioning the work and acting as the vanguard for the global music industry.”
Coldplay’s full statement as officially announced on their website
“When we first announced the Music of the Spheres Tour, we hoped to make it as environmentally beneficial as possible and reduce our direct carbon emissions (from show production, freight, band and crew travel) by 50%. We’d like to share how it’s been going; some things work and some things need improving.
The emissions data from the first 12 months of the tour has now been collated, assessed and independently validated by Prof. John E. Fernandez of the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative.
On a show-by-show comparison, the Music Of The Spheres Tour has so far produced 47% less CO2e emissions than our last stadium tour (2016-17). This is a good start – and something that our incredible crew should be very proud of – but clearly there’s still room for improvement.
Now that we’re into the second year of the tour, we’ve started to run the entire show (audio, lights, lasers etc) from an electric battery system that allows us to use 100% renewable energy as efficiently as possible. We have been using electric vehicles and alternative fuels wherever we can, as well as reducing waste and plastic usage to a minimum.
Thank you to all the brilliant people and creative minds who’ve helped us so far.
Thank You too, SO MUCH, to everyone who’s come to a show and made all of this possible. You have helped charge the show batteries on the power bikes and kinetic dance floors; traveled to shows by foot, bicycle or public transport; used the recycling bins; ride-shared; brought refillable water bottles; returned the LED wristbands after the show. And just by coming you have had a tree planted, and helped a range of environmental organizations like the Ocean Cleanup and ClientEarth (a team of lawyers who defend the environment).
Thank you all and hopefully this time next year we will have made big improvements. If anyone has any ideas please feel free to send them via this link!
With love, Coldplay”
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