Renewables, Audience Energy Literally Powering Coldplay Summer Concert Tour

Every year, live concerts are responsible for millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Reports suggest that in the United Kingdom alone, live concerts emit over 446,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, including transportation for the band, all assistants, roadies, employees, and concert-goers, as well as the energy used by the concert venue for production (sound, lighting, etc.) and concessions.

A Coldplay tour bus. Image used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

The rock group Coldplay is looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their concert tours.

Tour Sustainability Report

In 2019, frontman Chris Martin said his dream was to have a largely solar-powered and environmentally-friendly show. Two years later, the band embarked upon its Music of the Spheres tour, making a significant commitment to reducing the tour's direct emissions by more than 50 percent.

The tour's comprehensive sustainability report consists of 12 sections, each highlighting the measures minimizing the performance’s carbon footprint. These sections encompass crucial aspects such as power consumption and sustainable travel alternatives, showcasing the band's concerted efforts to adopt sustainable practices in these areas.

Many Different Power Plays

The band has incorporated solar photovoltaic panels into its tour preparations to achieve its ambitious goal. These panels are strategically installed behind the stage and on top of PA and delay towers before each show, allowing the panels to harness solar energy efficiently.

Upon their arrival at each venue, the show batteries immediately begin to charge using the power generated by the installed solar panels. This proactive approach ensures that the band maximizes the utilization of renewable energy sources throughout their performances.

In collaboration with BMW, Coldplay has achieved a groundbreaking feat by creating the world's first mobile rechargeable show battery. This innovative battery is constructed using recyclable BMW i3 batteries, ensuring an environmentally-conscious approach, and can power the entire show using 100% renewable energy, regardless of location.

BMW i3 Li-ion battery. Image used courtesy of Green Tec Auto

The band employs several additional batteries that can be charged from various sources encompassing a diverse range of renewable energy options. One of the most creative uses of renewable energy in their assortment is the inclusion of audience-powered options. 

Coldplay has gone the extra step to actively involve their fans in sustainability efforts by installing kinetic floors in designated areas around the tour to harness the energy generated by fans’ dancing and movement. This unique approach allows the enthusiastic crowd to contribute directly, turning their collective energy into a tangible power source.

The tour is also complete with electricity-generating power bikes that allow fans to actively participate in charging the show batteries. Fans can generate additional energy harnessed to charge the batteries by pedaling these stationary bikes.

Travel Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Biofuels

Avoiding air travel between tour locations isn't always possible, but Coldplay remains mindful of its environmental impact.

While prioritizing ground transportation whenever possible, Coldplay willingly incurs a surcharge for commercial and charter flights to access Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) when flying is necessary. SAF is an eco-friendly alternative derived entirely from waste and residue like used cooking oil from restaurants. By utilizing SAF, Coldplay significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire life cycle of air travel. When SAF is used independently, without blending it with fossil jet fuel, it could reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.

Coldplay chooses electric vehicles and biofuels for ground freight and transportation on road trips, which further supports the goal of minimizing their carbon footprint.

Stage Design

The show design has also been set up to minimize environmental impact, starting with stage construction–a combination of lightweight, low-carbon, and reusable materials that prioritize recycled steel and other sustainable resources. 

Importantly, the stages are designed with a focus on circularity. After the tour, the materials employed in stage construction can be appropriately repurposed or recycled.

The lighting and audio for the show have been upgraded to low-energy LED screens, lasers, and lighting systems, and a PA system that consumes up to 50 percent less power, enhancing the tour’s energy efficiency.

Collective Progress

Coldplay is the first band to go to such lengths for sustainability, but they are not alone in their efforts. Other artists, including Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, Radiohead, and The Roots, are actively neutralizing their carbon emissions.

One notable example of collective progress in the music industry is reflected in England’s recent Glastonbury Festival. The festival successfully fulfilled all its power needs by exclusively relying on renewable energy sources and fuel–a significant milestone demonstrating a collective dedication to minimizing environmental impact within the music festival landscape.