How Coldplay Is Championing Sustainability Along With Hearts?

As per the Tyndall Centre For Climate Research, live concerts are responsible for generating 405,000 tonnes of GHG emissions annually. However, Coldplay is striving to move towards the greener end of these claims and setting some serious ecological goals for all other events along the way.

In its latest world tour, Music of the Spheres, Coldplay sustainability report claims 59% less emissions than its last tour held in 2016-17. These efforts are rooted in the efficient utilization of the latest technologies, strategic partnerships, and some era-defining developments. From kinetic dance floors to sustainable flight options, they have left no stone unturned to least disturb the ecological balance while entertaining thousands. 

Image 1: An Excerpt From Coldplay’s Official Site (PC:Coldplay)

How Was This Mammoth Task Accomplished?

• Starting With Forestation: According to the June update on Coldplay’s official site, they restored approximately 10,000 hectares of land to plant one tree per ticket sold across 24 nations and 48 planting projects. According to the MIT review, the total number of trees planted reached 7 million in June 2024. 

• In-house Power Generation: In-house solar installations, power bikes, and kinetic dance floors generate 17kWh of power per show, which they claim is enough to power their C-stage performance in every show. In 2023, 18 shows were powered completely through tourable battery systems. Recycled BMW i3 batteries constituted them. Deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for their flights also saved approx. 3000 tonnes CO2 emissions. 

Image 2: A Kinetic Dancefloor In A Coldplay Concert

• Reducing The Ecological Footprint: Their partnership with The Ocean Cleanup led to the deployment of 2 solar-powered river cleanup interceptors, one of which is actively working in the Cisadine River in Jakarta, Indonesia, notably. Apart from raising awareness about The Ocean Cleanup’s operations in their shows, these Interceptors are getting traction for being a tangible symbol of hope for environmental goals achievement. Lastly, the deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for their flights saved approx. 3000 tonnes CO2 emissions. 

• Small Moves Big Impact: The use of Xylobands, a type of LED wristband, was key to facilitating this tour’s inclination to ecological balance. These wristbands are crucial in providing an immersive light show that perfectly synchronizes with the music. In the first year of the tour, the band registered a high 86% average return and reuse rate. Cities like Copenhagen and Singapore exceeded this figure with 98% and 91% respectively. Though it seems a small move, its implications are larger in terms of strategic user engagement and innovative Waste management. It is a clear example of the clever integration of sustainability in large events like music festivals, sports events, global conventions, etc. 

Image 3: A Close Shot Of Xylobands Used In Coldplay Concerts (Image Credit: Xylobands USA)

• Effective Waste Management: The band successfully diverted 72% of its total waste away from landfills and channeled it into composting, reuse, and recycling efforts. They mostly collaborated with the venues to implement comprehensive recycling, sorting, and composting systems. They also made serious efforts to eliminate the use of single-use plastic for water bottles and merchandise. Rather, they offered 100% water refilling stations on all shows. 

A Coterie Of Strategic Partnerships 

A series of strategic partnerships prior to the tour’s start laid the groundwork for these achievements. The most noteworthy names include The Ocean Cleanup, Food Forest Project, ClientEarth, Climeworks, Conservation Collective, Sustainable Food Trust, One Tree Planted, and Global Citizen. With their help, they donated 9625 meals and 90 kilograms of toiletries to unsheltered and unhoused citizens in their concert venues. MIT’s Environmental Solutions Initiative team validated all the data shared here

Is There A Learning Here For Others?

With the ongoing mega events like the MahaKumbh, where millions will gather for over a month in Prayagraj, there are some lessons that could be adopted and learned. While this juggernaut event is being harnessed wholeheartedly for marketing and branding purposes, there is very little word about its ecological impact and what can be done to reduce the aftermath of waste and emissions that follow. 

A parallel analogy between these events, their management, and their sustainability impact could be taken as a case study to reflect on the ongoing efforts and how they can be implemented for similar mass-level events in the coming years. The same could be applied to other global events like World Cups, Coachella, expos, etc.