Coldplay are setting a new standard for responsible touring.
In an age where climate change and sustainability are at the forefront of global concerns, many industries are seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. The music industry is no exception, and one band that is leading the charge towards a greener future is Coldplay. With their “Music Of The Spheres” world tour, Coldplay has set a remarkable example by releasing a sustainability report and incorporating various eco-friendly initiatives into their tour.
One standout feature of their journey towards sustainability is their use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with Neste. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the music industry’s quest to embrace environmentally responsible practices. Here is what they had to say about SAF in their Sustainability Report.
Although the tour has been carefully routed and pre-planned to minimise air travel, some flying is unavoidable. The band does mostly fly on commercial flights, but there are inevitably occasions when charter flights are required for band, crew and equipment.
For all flights, commercial and charter, we pay a surcharge to use or supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), either for our own use or for others’. We source Sustainable Aviation Fuel produced 100% from waste and residues, such as used cooking oil from restaurants. When used unblended with fossil jet fuel, SAF helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions of air travel by up to 80% over the entire life cycle compared to the conventional fossil jet fuel that it replaces.
Wherever possible, we use electric vehicles or biofuel for ground freight and transportation.
This report has been validated by experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Environmental Solutions Initiative.
Other key statistics from the report include:
- A remarkable 47% reduction in direct CO2e emissions compared to their previous 2016-2017 tour, achieved on a show-by-show basis.
- The planting of 5 million trees, supported to maturity, aiding in carbon sequestration and reforestation efforts.
- Restoration of 5,000 hectares of land across 17 countries through 21 planting projects, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
- Deployment of a solar-powered River Interceptor in the Klang River, Malaysia, contributing to waterway pollution reduction.
- Removal of 158 tonnes of waste and 13 tonnes of ocean-bound plastic, demonstrating the band’s dedication to waste management.
- An 86% average return rate of reusable plant-based LED wristbands, minimising concert-related waste.
While Coldplay has taken significant strides to minimise air travel during their tour, the unavoidable need for private flights necessitates a more sustainable approach. This is where Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) enters the fold.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced 100% from waste and residues, such as used cooking oil from restaurants. SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air travel by up to 80% over the entire life cycle. By opting for SAF, Coldplay has demonstrated their commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of air travel.
Coldplay’s collaboration with Neste showcases the power of collective action in making the entertainment industry more sustainable. By embracing SAF, Coldplay is leading the way in redefining responsible touring practices. Their work with Green Nation, Live Nation’s sustainability platform, further emphasises their dedication to sharing and scaling sustainable practices throughout the industry.
Coldplay’s “Music Of The Spheres” world tour and its sustainability report serve as a beacon of inspiration for the music industry and beyond. Coldplay has proven that music tours can be environmentally responsible without compromising artistic creativity. As fans and fellow artists are inspired by their example, we can look forward to a future where sustainability becomes the norm, not the exception, in the entertainment world.
If you are Tour Manager or interested in learning more about how Sustainable Aviation Fuel can reduce the carbon emissions of a tour or multi-leg trip, please reach out to our Commercial Jet Charter team: commercialjetsales@flyvictor.com