Music of the Spheres: Coldplay Leads the Way in Eco-Friendly Touring

• Coldplay’s Music of The Spheres World Tour leads the way in sustainable touring.
• The band incorporates renewable energy, kinetic stadiums and low-emission methods in their concerts.
• Coldplay’s initiatives have sparked discussions in the music industry about sustainability practices being the standard

Music of the Spheres – The Vision

Who doesn’t enjoy watching your favorite band playing your favorite song, filled with light displays, confetti, and fireworks? But as they say, everything comes at a cost. In this case, at the cost of tonnes and tonnes worth of carbon emissions. Not a lot of us think about the environmental impact a world tour can have. Especially as the most popular band of the 21st century playing to 5.4 million fans at 122 venues spread across five continents. Fortunately, Coldplay did. And that, along with helping us navigate mental health in these trying times.

In 2019, the band pledged not to tour again until they could find a more sustainable way to do so. Lead singer Chris Martin stated that they’re taking time to work out how their tour can not only be sustainable but also beneficial. In 2021, Coldplay announced their Music of the Spheres world tour with a 12-point plan to reduce emissions. According to the latest data analyzed by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative, Coldplay has reduced their carbon emissions by 59%.

Green Touring

Working with DHL, Coldplay have come up with innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions at their concerts. DHL, one of the world’s leading logistics providers, is working with Coldplay to minimize emissions. DHL’s GoGreen Plus Low Emission Transportation Services are made from sustainable sources like cooking oil, agricultural waste, and animal fats. Using Sustainable Aviation fuel has helped the band reduce airfreight emissions by 1000+ tonnes last year. 

Within the first two years, Coldplay has exceeded targets by reducing their carbon emissions compared to their 2016-17 world tour. By using sustainable aviation fuel, Coldplay, and DHL The band also uses electrical vehicles and trucks which use organic fuel to decrease emissions. 

Music of The Spheres World Tour also uses recycled or upcycled materials for its stage design. This includes low-carbon materials and recycled steel which can be properly recycled once the tour is completed. Coldplay also mentions that confetti used during the show is 100% biodegradable. Although fireworks are still used, Coldplay employs sustainable pyrotechnics that have reduced amount of chemicals harmful to the environment. 

The LED wristbands, which have been an iconic edition in every Coldplay concert, are made of 100% compostable, plant-based materials. After every concert, they are collected, sterilized, and recharged which has helped reduce wristband production by 80%. 

Coldplay also created waves in the industry by pledging to plant a tree (and also protecting it lifelong) for every ticket sold. To date, partnering with reforestation programs, they have planted 7 million trees, symbolizing each fan who attends their concerts.

Coldplayers in Sustainability

Coldplay, also partnering with BMW, has created the first-ever mobile, rechargeable show battery to power Music of The Spheres World Tour. The battery, with more than 40 recyclable car batteries, provides the necessary power for their concerts. By replacing traditional diesel and petrol generators, Coldplay has ensured low-emission electric power. 

What’s more interesting is how this shows the battery is recharged – Solar installations. Kinetic stadium floor, power bikes as well as generators fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil. The kinetic stadium floor utilizes the energy of their fans, Coldplayers, jumping and dancing on the floor. Power bikes are also fitted that harness the energy who pedal them in the concert. These immersive practices have been a hit at the Music of The Spheres World Tour. It also helps fans experience active engagement in sustainability. 

Additionally, Chris Martin has also asked fans to travel using public transportation as much as possible while attending the concert. Coldplay, partnering with SAP, has also popularized an interactive app that helps fans track their carbon footprint, further increasing sustainability practices. Fans are also encouraged to bring refillable water bottles wherever possible. 

Another unique aspect of this initiative was Coldplay’s commitment to transparency about the sustainability plan. The band routinely updates its fans and the general public by publishing reports analyzed by MIT. This not only provides an insight into their environmental impact but also about the measures taken to mitigate them. 

Industry Response

By supporting green technologies and developing super low-carbon touring methods, Coldplay has garnered attention in and outside the music industry. Despite their best efforts, the band admits to still having a significant carbon footprint. Coldplay intends to mitigate this by drawing down more carbon than the tour produces. This is accomplished by supporting projects that reforest, rewild, regenerate, capture carbon as well as store renewable energy. Environmental organizations believe that Coldplay’s initiatives will soon be the blueprint to sustainable touring. Hopefully, these innovative practices become industry standards in the years to come.

Coldplay’s Music of The Spheres World Tour has indeed prompted conversations about sustainability in the music industry. By reducing carbon emissions, the band has proved that it is possible to entertain millions while also protecting the environment. As more artists take small steps in the right direction. Coldplay’s environmental revolution could transform live music in the days to come.