Automatic Impermanence first live performance underwent a major environmental impact assessment that lays the foundation for the new model that should be implemented at all live events, marking another fundamental step in the collaboration between the artist and the sustainability scientist Vienna Eleuteri, fostered by CONNECT4CLIMATE program.
Dr Eleuteri with the help of professor Adriana Del Borghi from University of Genova and Tetis Institute, submitted the world's first Environmental Product Declaration, a new open protocol as international benchmark, a unique approach in terms of methodology because it analyzes not only carbon footprint but also other fundamental metrics (soil, water and general ecological footprint).
The document presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Alex Braga’s concert, held at Palazzo Colonna, Rome, on July 15, 2023. The objective of this study was to analyze the environmental impact of the event, identify key areas for improvement, and develop strategies to minimize its footprint. Conducted in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, the assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of the concert’s resource consumption and emissions.
The study examined various factors, including the transport of equipment, personnel, and the artist, as well as energy consumption during the event. Data was collected using detailed checklists and modeled through SimaPro 9.5 software with the Ecoinvent 3.8 database, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The findings reveal that equipment transportation contributed the most to the overall carbon footprint, followed by personnel transport and electricity consumption. Similarly, the water and ecological footprints were largely influenced by transportation, particularly high-speed train travel and logistics related to the movement of essential equipment.
One of the key insights from this study was the identification of both fixed and variable environmental impacts. Transport-related emissions remain constant, regardless of the concert’s duration, whereas electricity consumption fluctuates depending on performance length. This distinction is crucial in extending the methodology to other live events, allowing for a more adaptable approach to sustainability assessments.
The study concludes that transportation is the primary environmental burden of live performances, while electricity is the only factor that changes with performance duration. However, there are certain limitations to consider, particularly the need for consistent conditions across different assessments to ensure comparability. To address these challenges, the report recommends enhancing transparency in the communication of environmental data and promoting sustainable practices across the industry.
Ultimately, this assessment provides a pioneering framework for evaluating the environmental impact of concerts and live events. By identifying the major contributors to resource consumption and emissions, it lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future in the music and entertainment industry.