By Neha Mehrotra
03-Jul-2024
Ever since Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’ has kicked off, my Instagram feed has been awash with mesmerising images of Sky Full of Stars against the eclectic backdrop of vibrant lights and dancing figurines. Attending a Coldplay concert is the ‘fix’ we all need because THIS concert is not just about falling in love with the beautiful vocals of Chris Martin but also saving the planet!
This iconic band is a pioneer in sustainability and is setting new standards for the music industry with their eco-friendly initiatives. From reducing carbon emissions to supporting environmental projects, Coldplay's commitment to sustainability is as vibrant and dynamic as their performances. Here's a closer look at the band's remarkable efforts to make their Music of the Spheres World Tour a green revolution.
A Commitment to Sustainability
When Coldplay announced the Music of the Spheres World Tour in 2021, they pledged to reduce their direct carbon emissions from show production, freight, and band and crew travel by at least 50%. This ambitious goal was met and exceeded, as the band reported that direct CO2 emissions from the first two years of the tour were 59% lower than their previous stadium tour (2016–17) on a show-by-show comparison. The MIT Environmental Solutions verified these figures, highlighting the band's genuine commitment to sustainability.
An Eco-Friendly Gathering
Coldplay's efforts have yielded remarkable results in their quest for sustainability. The band achieved a 59% reduction in direct CO2 emissions compared to their previous tour across 2022 and 2023. Additionally, they have also achieved an 86% average return and reuse rate for LED wristbands. The LED wristbands are made from 100% plant-based materials and are all compostable. Moreover, the confetti used in the show is also biodegradable and uses a new generation of cannon that greatly reduces chemicals and compresses gas for each ignition. Coldplay also provided free water refill stations at every show, reducing plastic waste. On average, 17 kWh of power per show was generated via in-venue solar installations, kinetic dance floors, and power bikes, enough to power their C-stage performance each night.
A Tree for a Ticket
Partnering with One Tree Planted, the band has pledged to plant one tree for each concertgoer, which will result in 7 million trees supporting to maturity and restoring approximately 10,000 hectares of land across 24 countries and 48 planting projects. They also deployed two solar-powered Ocean Cleanup River Interceptors to help clean waterways and powered 18 shows in 2023 entirely with a tourable battery system made from recycled BMW i3 batteries.
Green Travel Initiatives
The band's commitment to green travel included partnering with 23 providers to facilitate super-low carbon transport for fans travelling to shows. They also saved over 3,000 tCO2e by purchasing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for flights. Teaming up with DHL as their official logistics partner for the tour, Coldplay has ensured sustainability in their logistics operations, with DHL expanding their fleet of zero-emission e-vehicles.
Furthermore, they diverted 72% of all tour waste from landfills to reuse, recycling, and composting. Charitable contributions included 9,625 meals and 90 kg of toiletries donated by tour caterers to the unhoused and unsheltered, highlighting their holistic approach to sustainability and social responsibility.
Supporting Environmental Organisations
Coldplay also provided financial support to various environmental organisations, including ClientEarth, The Ocean Cleanup, Climeworks, Project Seagrass, Sustainable Food Trust, Cleaner Seas Group, Food Forest Project, Knowledge Pele, Conservation Collective, and others. These contributions help advance crucial environmental projects and initiatives worldwide.
Leading by Example
Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour exemplifies how the music industry can lead the way in sustainability. By setting and achieving ambitious environmental goals, Coldplay has not only reduced their carbon footprint but also inspired fans and other artists to adopt more sustainable practices. Their dedication to sustainability extends beyond their concerts, showing that it is possible to create memorable experiences while caring for our planet.
As Coldplay prepares to bring their tour to India in 2025, fans can look forward to not only an unforgettable musical experience but also a concert that aligns with their values of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
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