Do You Know the Carbon Footprint of Live Music?
Do You Know the Carbon Footprint of Live Music?
Do You Know the Carbon Footprint of Live Music?
The First Comprehensive Assessment of Live Music Emissions in the US and UK
MIT Climate Machine
2025
The Big Picture
In 2023, live music generated greenhouse gas emissions:
In 2023, live music generated greenhouse gas emissions:
In 2023, live music generated greenhouse gas emissions:
To put this in perspective: UK live music accounts for the equivalent of 1% of the nation's total emissions, while US live music represents the equivalent of 0.2% of national emissions.
To put this in perspective: UK live music accounts for the equivalent of 1% of the nation's total emissions, while US live music represents the equivalent of 0.2% of national emissions.
To put this in perspective: UK live music accounts for the equivalent of 1% of the nation's total emissions, while US live music represents the equivalent of 0.2% of national emissions.
Where Do These Emissions Come From?
The biggest contributors to live music's carbon footprint in 2023:
The biggest contributors to live music's carbon footprint in 2023:
The biggest contributors to live music's carbon footprint in 2023:
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Emission Source
Fan Travel
UK
77.2%
US
62.2%
Key Insight
The single largest source - requires systemic solutions
Emission Source
Air Freight
UK
8.1%
US
2.3%
Key Insight
Equipment transportation - shift to sea possible
Emission Source
Food & Beverage
UK
7.6%
US
16.9%
Key Insight
Venue operations - major opportunity for change
Emission Source
Power
UK
3.4%
US
1.6%
Key Insight
Venue energy consumption
Emission Source
Accomodation
UK
1.4%
US
4.6%
Key Insight
Hotels and lodging for artists and crews
Emission Source
Waste & Water
UK
1.3%
US
2.4%
Key Insight
Resource management opportunities
Emission Source
Trucking
UK
0.7%
US
5.3%
Key Insight
Ground transportation varies by geography
Emission Source
Artist & Crew Travel
UK
0.5%
US
4.7%
Key Insight
Often overemphasized in media coverage
Key insight: When fan travel is excluded, food & beverage becomes the largest contributor at 33.2% (UK) and 44.7% (US) of remaining emissions. Emissions from food can't be attributed to decisions made by the venue and its owners and operators.
Three Key Frameworks: Understanding the Problem
Emissions are the result of decisions, actions, and places. The MIT research is structured around three complementary frameworks:
Emissions are the result of decisions, actions, and places. The MIT research is structured around three complementary frameworks:
Emissions are the result of decisions, actions, and places. The MIT research is structured around three complementary frameworks:
Decision-Based Framework
Maps stakeholder relationships and connects decisions to emissions impact. Who decides what, and how do those choices affect carbon output?
Artist Tours
Indoor Clubs & Theatre Events
Large Stadiums & Arena Events
Outdoor Festivals in non-permanent Venues
Decision-Based Framework
Maps stakeholder relationships and connects decisions to emissions impact. Who decides what, and how do those choices affect carbon output?
Artist Tours
Indoor Clubs & Theatre Events
Large Stadiums & Arena Events
Outdoor Festivals in non-permanent Venues
Decision-Based Framework
Maps stakeholder relationships and connects decisions to emissions impact. Who decides what, and how do those choices affect carbon output?
Artist Tours
Indoor Clubs & Theatre Events
Large Stadiums & Arena Events
Outdoor Festivals in non-permanent Venues
Activities-Based Framework
Quantifies emissions across the entire lifecycle of live music events - pre-event, during-event, and post-event.
Pre-event Planning
During-event Operations
Post-Event Breakdown
Activities-Based Framework
Quantifies emissions across the entire lifecycle of live music events - pre-event, during-event, and post-event.
Pre-event Planning
During-event Operations
Post-Event Breakdown
Activities-Based Framework
Quantifies emissions across the entire lifecycle of live music events - pre-event, during-event, and post-event.
Pre-event Planning
During-event Operations
Post-Event Breakdown
Event-Type Framework
Models emissions patterns across different venue types and scales. The data reveals dramatic differences
This framework reveals how venue characteristics, location, and infrastructure directly influence environmental impact.
Event-Type Framework
Models emissions patterns across different venue types and scales. The data reveals dramatic differences
This framework reveals how venue characteristics, location, and infrastructure directly influence environmental impact.
Event-Type Framework
Models emissions patterns across different venue types and scales. The data reveals dramatic differences
This framework reveals how venue characteristics, location, and infrastructure directly influence environmental impact.
The Models we Used
Our analysis employed sophisticated AI-based computational and mathematical models including:
Our analysis employed sophisticated AI-based computational and mathematical models including:
Our analysis employed
sophisticated mathematical models including:
Touring Model
Optimization model for eco-informed routing decisions based on carbon cost to fan attendance ratios.
Touring Model
Optimization model for eco-informed routing decisions based on carbon cost to fan attendance ratios.
Touring Model
Optimization model for eco-informed routing decisions based on carbon cost to fan attendance ratios.
Building Performance Models
Energy consumption simulations incorporating HVAC systems, occupancy patterns, and local grid emissions.
Building Performance Models
Energy consumption simulations incorporating HVAC systems, occupancy patterns, and local grid emissions.
Building Performance Models
Energy consumption simulations incorporating HVAC systems, occupancy patterns, and local grid emissions.
Transportation Models
Multi-modal analysis of artist, crew, and hybrid model of ANN and Genetic Algorithms to quantify fan travel patterns.
Transportation Models
Multi-modal analysis of artist, crew, and hybrid model of ANN and Genetic Algorithms to quantify fan travel patterns.
Transportation Models
Multi-modal analysis of artist, crew, and hybrid model of ANN and Genetic Algorithms to quantify fan travel patterns.
Power Systems Models
Grid vs. generator usage across different event scenarios, accounting for utilization constraints.
Power Systems Models
Grid vs. generator usage across different event scenarios, accounting for utilization constraints.
Power Systems Models
Grid vs. generator usage across different event scenarios, accounting for utilization constraints.
33 Key Recommendations for Change
The MIT Climate Machine research identified 33 specific recommendations across eight categories, with quantified emissions reduction potentials:
The MIT Climate Machine research identified 33 specific recommendations across eight categories, with quantified emissions reduction potentials:
The research identified 33 specific recommendations across eight categories, with quantified emissions reduction potentials:
The Path Forward
The live music industry stands at a critical juncture. With fan travel accounting for the majority of emissions, solutions must be systemic.
The live music industry stands at a critical juncture. With fan travel accounting for the majority of emissions, solutions must be systemic.
The live music industry stands at a critical juncture. With fan travel accounting for the majority of emissions, solutions must be systemic.
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Data Transparency
Across the entire value chain for informed decision-making
Financial Incentives
For venues and SMEs to decarbonize operations
Industry Standards
For emissions measurement and reporting
Public Partnerships
For low-carbon transportation infrastructure
Systems Thinking
Integrating sustainability from tour planning onwards
Venue Solutions
Enabling touring artists to reduce emissions
Assessment Report of the Media and Entertainment Industry and Climate Change
Phase 1: Live Music, UK and US
