Across festivals and corporate gatherings alike, live event professionals are rethinking sustainability. By making intentional choices around energy, materials, and operations, AV crews and production companies have the power to lead the industry toward a greener future.

During the education session, Leveraging Technology for Live Event Sustainability, at InfoComm ‘25, a panel of experts offered practical steps to create more sustainable, responsible events—without compromising on experience. Speakers included Julie Legault, SAVe Ambassador to Canada - SAVe AV; Raymond Kent, ASTC, LEED AP, Chief Operating Officer, EVP - Red Dragon Arts, LLC; Rachel Bradshaw, Vice President, Account Services - Caster Communications; and Wynn Johnson, National Director – Audio Services – Freeman.

Let’s get into a few of the session’s takeaways, starting with some real-world examples of sustainability in action.

Live Event Sustainability in Action

Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour has gained global attention for its pioneering sustainability efforts by transforming a massive live production into a near–net‑zero environmental showcase.

The band worked with their partners and suppliers to reduce their impact throughout the supply chain. On stage, they adopted eco-friendly methods to power production, incorporating solar power, sustainable biofuels and grid renewables. Fans even helped to generate energy using kinetic dance floors.

Sustainability extended to lighting and audio production, with low-energy LED screens, laser and lighting systems, and a PA system that used up to 50% less power than the previous tour.

Production Resource Group (PRG) supplied energy-efficient LED lighting, designed modular truss and rigging, reduced shipping loads and carbon emissions, and focused on reusing set elements and minimizing single-use materials. AV production companies are increasingly playing key roles in sustainability for concerts, festivals, and tours like Coldplay's Music of the Spheres.

Make Eco-Friendly Choices with Tech

Sustainability in AV isn't just about energy usage—it's also about gear lifecycle. So, if you're purchasing gear, choose equipment that can be repaired and upgraded rather than replaced. Proper maintenance and thoughtful use can dramatically reduce waste and cost over time.

You can start to make more eco-friendly choices with these three principles:

• REDUCE the number of non-recyclable materials
• REUSE everything possible
• RECYCLE and upcycle materials

Ask Manufacturers the Right Questions

To avoid greenwashing and identify true sustainable practices, there are a number of questions you can ask manufacturers when sourcing gear. Don’t be afraid to dig deeper and ask questions like:

• Are these materials sustainably sourced?
• Is this made from recycled or recyclable components?
• Do you offer a take-back or recycling program?
• How do these products align with EU sustainability regulations?

Conclusion and Resources

Our industry depends on the health of our planet. Acting now preserves resources, builds community, and creates a shared culture of responsibility.

AVIXA’s Sustainability Advisory Group meets regularly to help the AV community on their path to a more sustainable future. You can check out their content right here on AVIXA Xchange.

And to learn more about sustainability in AV, check out AVIXA’s Energy Management for Audiovisual Systems or SAVe’s Guide to Sustainable AV Design and Installation.

Let’s build better events together. Share what’s working for you in the comments below!