From ‘yellow’ to green … Coldplay sets sustainable standard in music

Coldplay’s hotly-anticipated two nights in Hull are arriving at the speed of sound.

As the city’s Sewell Group Craven Park prepares to welcome one of the world’s biggest bands, excitement has reached fever pitch.

With nine Brit Awards, seven Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards to their name, Coldplay has carved its place into music history.

The band is also renowned for its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.

Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour has seen a 59% reduction in carbon emissions compared to its previous world tour.

Here, we take a look at some of the key initiatives of the tour:

Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour has seen a 59% reduction in carbon emissions.

Shows powered 100% by renewable energy

In partnership with BMW, Coldplay has developed the first ever mobile, rechargeable show battery, powering 100 per cent of its show with renewable energy.

Tour trucks are powered by sustainable biofuel, and solar panels are fitted at each venue on the tour.

For flights, Coldplay sources Sustainable Aviation Fuel produced from waste and residues.

Kinetic floors dotted across the stadium convert energy from fans’ dancing into energy, with electricity-generating power bikes encouraging fans to play their part.

Whenever it’s available, Coldplay uses mains electricity from 100 per cent renewable sources.

Coldplay will perform its sold-out Hull shows to around 50,000 people, over two nights.

Reuseable and eco-friendly materials

Stages are built from a combination of lightweight, low carbon and reusable materials, including recycled steel, which can be recycled at the end of the tour.

Coldplay’s now-famous LED wristbands, worn by the crowd, are 100 per cent compostable, made from plant-based materials.

Confetti used during the show is 100 per cent biodegradable, and Coldplay’s latest generation of pyrotechnics comprise of formulas which eliminate harmful chemicals.

Sustainable fan travel

In Hull, free cycle parking for up to 250 bikes is being offered to fans attending each of the two sell-out shows.

A partnership between Hull City Council and charity R-evolution has given fans the opportunity to leave their bikes at Soccer Sensations, next door to Sewell Group Craven Park, where staff will park it ready for collection after the show.

Shuttle bus services are running to the venue from Hull Interchange, Preston Road and Priory Park in Hessle, with bus operator Stagecoach providing discounted travel to ticketholders.

Coldplay has developed a free tour app which encourages fans to use low carbon transport, alongside a carbon calculator so fans can understand the environmental impact of travel.

Coldplay has made remarkable progress on the sustainability of its tours.

A green adventure of a lifetime

Coldplay has made remarkable progress on the sustainability of its tours.

In 2022/23, its tour activities saw a 59% reduction in direct CO2 emissions, compared to the band’s previous tour in 2016/17.

For every concertgoer, one tree was planted somewhere in the world – a total of seven million trees across 24 countries and almost 50 planting projects.

Eighteen shows on the tour were powered entirely from the BMW battery system, with more than 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent saved through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Almost three quarters of tour waste was diverted from landfill and recycled, and almost 10,000 meals were donated from tour catering to those most in need.

Coldplay knows the clocks are ticking

Ten per cent of Coldplay’s earnings – from touring, album sales and downloads, publishing and commercial deals – go into a good causes fund.

That fund is split across a variety of environmental and socially-conscious projects and charities, including ClientEarth, The Ocean Company and One Tree Planted.

Coldplay also supports the MyTrees Trust – a community-led project in Zimbabwe which protects vast areas of wilderness, supports the regeneration of forests and provides a safe habitat for endangered wildlife.

The band’s charitable work extends to the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, focused on stopping the damaging effects of overfishing and threats to marine wildlife.

Coldplay will perform its sold-out Hull shows to around 50,000 people, over two nights.

As one of the biggest musical events in Hull’s history, Coldplay is committed to leaving its mark not just on music, but our planet.

·       Read more about Coldplay’s commitment to sustainability on its website: www.sustainability.coldplay.com/