Sustainable Touring Careers: Making the Music Industry Greener

The music industry, especially the touring sector, has long been associated with a significant environmental impact. From carbon emissions due to extensive travel to the waste generated at concert venues, the environmental cost of live performances is undeniable. However, as the world becomes more conscious of climate change and sustainability, the music industry is taking meaningful steps to address these concerns. For professionals in touring careers, this shift presents both challenges and exciting opportunities.

In this article, we’ll explore how sustainable practices are being integrated into music industry touring careers and highlight the roles and individuals driving change. We’ll also provide actionable steps for those looking to make their touring careers more eco-friendly.

The Environmental Footprint of Music Tours

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the environmental footprint of music tours. Here are some key contributors to the impact:

Transportation: Moving bands, crews, and equipment across cities, countries, or even continents requires significant fuel consumption. Whether by bus, truck, or plane, transportation accounts for a substantial share of carbon emissions.

Energy Use: Concert venues often rely on high-powered lighting, sound systems, and HVAC systems, consuming vast amounts of energy.

Waste Generation: Single-use plastics, leftover food, and discarded promotional materials contribute to significant waste at venues.

Merchandise Production: The production and transportation of merchandise, such as T-shirts and vinyl records, add to the environmental toll.

Recognizing these issues is the first step toward creating more sustainable touring practices.

Green Touring Practices

Innovative practices and technologies are helping the music industry reduce its environmental impact. Here are some sustainable strategies being adopted:

1. Sustainable Transportation

Switch to Greener Vehicles: Many artists and tour managers are opting for electric or hybrid tour buses. While not yet widespread, advancements in EV technology are making this a more viable option.

Efficient Routing: Planning tour routes to minimize unnecessary travel can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Carbon Offsetting: Some artists and tour organizers are investing in carbon offset programs to neutralize their emissions from travel.

2. Renewable Energy

Solar-Powered Stages: Festivals like Glastonbury have experimented with solar-powered stages, reducing reliance on diesel generators.

Venue Partnerships: Collaborating with venues that use renewable energy sources can drastically cut emissions.

3. Waste Reduction

Reusable Materials: Encouraging fans to use reusable cups and utensils at concerts is becoming a norm at eco-conscious events.

Sustainable Merchandise: Using organic cotton, recycled materials, and eco-friendly dyes for merchandise is gaining traction.

Composting and Recycling: Many tours now implement waste separation systems to ensure compostable and recyclable materials are handled properly.

4. Sustainable Set Design

Building sets from recycled or repurposed materials reduces waste.

Modular set designs that can be reused across multiple tours minimize the need for new materials.

5. Fan Engagement

Artists are using their platforms to educate fans about sustainability.

Incentives like discounts for fans who bike or carpool to concerts encourage eco-friendly behavior.

Careers in Sustainable Touring

As the demand for greener practices grows, so do career opportunities for individuals with expertise in sustainability. Here are some emerging roles and areas where professionals can make an impact:

1. Eco-Tour Managers

Tour managers who specialize in sustainable practices are becoming increasingly valuable. They ensure that every aspect of a tour—from transportation to catering—is designed with the environment in mind.

2. Sustainability Consultants

These professionals work with artists and promoters to develop customized green strategies for tours and events.

3. Venue Sustainability Coordinators

Many venues are hiring dedicated staff to oversee waste management, energy use, and other sustainability initiatives.

4. Green Production Designers

Set designers and production teams who prioritize eco-friendly materials and practices are in high demand.

5. Carbon Analysts

These specialists calculate the carbon footprint of tours and provide actionable recommendations to reduce emissions.

Challenges of Going Green

While the push for sustainability in touring careers is promising, it is not without challenges:

Cost: Sustainable practices can be expensive, especially for smaller artists or independent tours. For example, hybrid vehicles and eco-friendly materials often come with higher upfront costs.

Infrastructure Limitations: Not all regions have access to renewable energy or advanced waste management facilities, limiting the effectiveness of green initiatives.

Resistance to Change: Long-standing practices in the music industry can be difficult to overhaul. Convincing stakeholders to adopt new methods requires persistence and education.

Success Stories: Leading the Way in Green Touring

Several artists and organizations are setting inspiring examples of sustainable touring:

Coldplay: The band has committed to making their tours as eco-friendly as possible. Their 2022 "Music of the Spheres" tour featured kinetic dance floors that generated energy from fan movement, along with solar panels and electric vehicles.

Billie Eilish: Known for her environmental activism, Billie Eilish has partnered with sustainability organizations to ensure her tours prioritize green practices, including banning plastic straws and offering vegan options at concessions.

Reverb: This nonprofit works with artists to reduce the environmental impact of tours. They’ve collaborated with major acts like Dave Matthews Band and Maroon 5 to implement sustainable practices.

How to Start a Sustainable Touring Career

If you’re passionate about sustainability and music, here are steps to get started:

Educate Yourself: Take courses or attend workshops on environmental management and sustainable practices.

Network: Join organizations like Reverb or attend music industry conferences that focus on sustainability.

Gain Experience: Start with small, local tours and work your way up to larger-scale events.

Stay Informed: Keep up with advancements in green technology and best practices.

The Future of Sustainable Touring

As awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the music industry is likely to see even more innovations in green touring. From advances in renewable energy to AI-driven logistics that optimize efficiency, the possibilities are endless. For professionals in the touring sector, embracing sustainability is not just an ethical choice—it’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of a transformative movement.

By making conscious decisions and adopting eco-friendly practices, those working in touring careers can help ensure that the music we love has a future that’s harmonious with the planet.