Green Music Australia Report: NSW Venues Could Reduce Emissions By Over '70,000 Tonnes'

Green Music Australia has unveiled its new NSW Venue Sustainability Research Report, revealing that venues in NSW could save up to $1.53 million annually while slashing carbon emissions by 70,000 tonnes—the equivalent of taking 16,000 cars off the road.

The potentially game-changing report was showcased at the recent Regional and Remote Music Summit, which was held in Byron Bay this year. Venues that participated in the report include theatres, bandrooms, and arenas, such as Anita’s Theatre, Club 77, ICC Sydney, King St Bandroom, La La La’s, The Lansdowne Hotel, the Metro Theatre, and others.

Within the key recommendations and findings, Green Music Australia discovered that venues could save an average of $10,388 per year by implementing changes such as switching energy providers and installing solar panels.

Other findings include purchasing accredited GreenPower to achieve net-zero and still save $3,736 annually, while noting that many venues across the country are “unprepared and under-resourced” to transition their current operations and meet emissions targets. Current challenges include reducing the use of single-use cups and crockery, as well as adapting to emerging food and organic waste management mandates.

On a positive note, music venues have also already made progress by switching to LED lighting, improving insulation, and participating in Container Deposit Schemes. You can read the report here.

Following the report’s findings and the successful Green Venue Certification pilot, NSW venues are welcome to submit expressions of interest to become certified for their sustainability credentials. Venues can apply to receive their Green Venue Certification here.

Green Music Australia CEO Berish Bilander said of the report’s findings, “Live venues are the beating heart of Australia’s music community, but they’re under pressure from rising energy costs, tightening regulations, and shifting audience expectations.

“This report shows that climate action is not only necessary, it can help reduce overheads. We need funding for energy upgrades, stronger policy support, and a cultural shift that embeds sustainability into the operations of our local music hubs.”

Beverley Parker, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Commercial Officer at ICC Sydney, added: “We are honoured that ICC Sydney is among the first entertainment venues to be certified as a Green Venue. As a major venue, we recognise the opportunity and responsibility to lead by example in environmental sustainability and social impact.

“This milestone not only reflects the strength of our current initiatives but also inspires our team to continue raising the bar. We’re excited to collaborate even more deeply with our clients and entertainment promoters to broaden the impact of their programs, particularly by strengthening connections with First Nations People, culture, and businesses, and by reducing waste and the carbon footprint of events. This recognition is a catalyst to continue to drive meaningful change through the events we deliver.”

La La La’s owner, Nathan Stratton, explained, "No one starts out as industry leaders. We think it’s important to recognise and advocate for all change. We can all make mindful adjustments and contribute to incremental change, just as we have done to get us to this point. Put simply; we’re proud of where we are at because we’ve put effort in to get here and because we care about our planet.”