Music industry given new guidelines to tackle climate change

Creating a new guide for artists across the globe

Scientists at the University of Manchester have put together new recommendations to help reduce the emissions produced by music festivals and gigs, creating a roadmap that they hope will be adopted by most artists.

It was put together at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research using data from Massive Attack’s most recent tour.

The study is focused largely on musicians, promoters, tour managers, and agents, and doesn’t cover the carbon cost of CDs, streaming, and vinyl.

These are still important aspects of the industry that deserve your time and attention in equal measure, mind, and we’ve spoken on the topic before on our YouTube channel. Watch the video below.

So, what are the new guidelines? Suggestions include changing how artists move around, where they play, and the means in which fans get to gigs.

Most of the tips here are fairly common sense – though a few you may not have considered before. Here is the full list:

• Plan tour routes in a way that minimises travel and transport
• Include travel by public transport in the ticket price
• Generate renewable energy on site, e.g. solar panels
• Gig and concert venues should use renewable energy
• Use energy efficient lighting and sound equipment
• Use electric vehicles and trains to travel between venues
• Better bike storage at music venues
• Avoiding flying and eliminating private jets
• Perform at venues that are taking action to reduce their building energy use
• Offer incentives to fans who choose to travel by public transport

While none of this is ground-breaking or controversial, having a greater emphasis on storage facilities for things like bikes and hiking could help encourage fans to travel more eco-consciously, and bring local people to events instead of carting around on trains.

Incentives with ticket purchases could be a great way forward, too.

Including greener travel options with pricing, perhaps paying a discount if you prove you’ve cycled, and getting sponsorship deals from energy efficient brands could all help contribute to lowering the industry’s carbon footprint.

The study also suggested that a central independent body be appointed to track and monitor progress, with ‘clearly defined measurable targets’.

Crowds aside, pressure should be placed on artists who use private jets and don’t consider efficient tech – it can’t all be up to fans who travel.

It will be up to the industry at large to take on board these recommendations and get serious about the climate emergency. We’ll have to see in the next few years what happens – and crucially if more public pressure mounts to make the required changes.