When you’re a band the size of Coldplay, with their Global appeal, they’re always going to get criticised for trying something different and this might happen here but I, amongst many other millions, think that any slight adjustment towards sustainability in any industry is a vital move for everyone, and they certainly have the vision, power and resources to see how much they can help the Planet, as they traverse around it on tour – and tickets are on sale now!
Announced very recently, the Music of the Spheres World Tour will be a little different than their previous shows but only in setup, you can fully expect 100% commitment as ever from the boys with the music. Aiming for a net-zero carbon footprint, the lads have also teamed up with Climeworks, who’ll also aid their reduction of tour-relate emissions:
- While the band aims at reducing their tour-related emissions by 50%, the remaining unavoidable emissions will be removed by a portfolio of carbon removal solutions.
- Coldplay has selected Climeworks’ direct air capture and storage as the only technological approach included, convinced by its permanence and measurable benefits. They were also excited to see Orca, the largest direct air capture and storage plant, live at the beginning of September.
- Coldplay’s portfolio consists of nature-based and technological carbon removal solutions, including reforestation, soil restoration, rewilding, blue carbon projects, such as seagrass meadow restoration, sustainable aviation fuels and Climeworks’ direct air capture and storage solution.
SOLAR
We will install solar tiles in the build-up to each show, on the stadium floor, outer concourses and on the stage. The show battery will start charging as soon as we arrive at the venue.
SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS
HVO fuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is recycled from waste cooking oils and does not contain palm oil. HVO can lower generator emissions by up to 90%. Wherever possible, we will also use HVO in our buses and trucks, meaning super-low emissions from our show transportation as well.
BATTERY SYSTEM
In partnership with BMW, we have developed the first ever mobile, rechargeable show battery – made from recyclable BMW i3 batteries – which will power our show with renewable energy wherever we go. We can charge the battery from multiple sources including recycled cooking oil from restaurants, solar energy, grid renewables and even kinetic energy from the fans.
KINETIC ENERGY
We will install a kinetic floor in and around the stadium so that the fans’ movements can be converted into energy and help to power the show. We will install electricity-generating power bikes so that fans can choose to actively charge our show battery.
GRID RENEWABLES
Wherever it’s available, we will use mains power from 100% renewable sources. (This is why we’re starting the tour in Costa Rica, where 99% of mains power is renewable. Read more)
These are just a selection with these other things that I also love, for a whole host more head to their Sustainability pages here:
- Free drinking water will be available at every show, with reusable aluminum cups for fans and crew. We will encourage fans to bring their own reusable bottles.
- For all unavoidable air travel we will pay a surcharge to use or supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), either for our own use or for others’. SAF is made from renewable waste materials and can reduce emissions from air travel by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to standard aviation fuel. Wherever possible, we will use electric vehicles or biofuel for ground freight and transportation.
- The LED wristbands worn by the audience as part of the show will be made from 100% compostable, plant-based materials. We will reduce wristband production by 80% – by collecting, sterilising and recharging the wristbands after every show. The electronic components will be repurposed for wristbands to be used in future tours.
- Any confetti used during the show will be 100% biodegradable and will require significantly less compressed gas for ignition than on previous tours.We are using a new generation of sustainable pyrotechnics that have less explosive charge and new formulas that greatly reduce or eliminate harmful chemicals. All tubing and holders are either biodegradable or recyclable.
- We have partnered with SAP on the development of a free tour app that encourages fans to use low carbon transport to and from shows.
- We will partner with local food banks to donate any surplus food.
- All products will be sourced with vendors who prove ethical work practices including fair wages and good working conditions.
- The tour will fund the planting – and lifelong protection of – millions of new trees, including one tree for every ticket sold. The initial projects – selected for biodiversity and long-term quality – are on their website, with future projects in South East Asia, Africa and Australia still to be announced: One Tree Planted
critical popcorn 