Participants of the Victorian Green Action Program at the Corner Hotel, February 2022.
Green Music Australia launches Sydney’s first sustainable bootcamp for music industry
Expressions of interest now open with Electronic Music Conference revealed as first participant.
Expressions of interest for Green Music Australia’s tailored 7-week sustainability course - the Green Action Program (GAP) - open today for Sydney based music organisations.
Delivered in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the City of Sydney, GAP NSW will help participating businesses better understand, monitor, and improve their environmental performance and climate ambition. The program is underpinned by a new sector wide IT platform Amidesi - the Australian Music Industry Database of Social and Environmental Impact.
Emma Bosworth, National Projects and Partnerships Manager of Green Music Australia says “We are thrilled to be able to deliver the first Green Action Program in the City of Sydney in 2023.
Our hope is that over the years to come, more and more businesses will participate in the program and learn the tools necessary to lead the way in decarbonising our sector, to create a fairer and cleaner world for all.
The 2022 Green Action Program took leaders of Victoria’s music industry on a journey of discovery and cemented the idea that we can all make real change both at home and at work. The impact of the pilot in Victoria has been incredible, with work being done to retrofit buildings to improve energy efficiency and capture baseline data to identify problem areas, as well as changes within workplace procedures to drastically reduce landfill and recycling waste. We look forward to amplifying this impact in NSW.”
Participating organisations will have their data analysed and benchmarked via Amidesi, and be supported by Green Music Australia to develop practical actions and policies which will incorporate climate action throughout their operations.
Expressions of interest are open to all music businesses in Gadigal lands (Sydney) and surrounds until Friday 18th November 2022.
GAP participants will undertake a range of hands-on learning modules including:
- First Nations First - why platforming First Nations voices matters to sustainability
- Policy and procedure development - how to embed climate action into organisational structures
- Single use plastics - the bans and the solutions
- Measuring impact - capturing and using data to set goals and identify and meet sustainability objectives
- Energy 101 - A walk-through onsite energy audit at a live music venue
- Creating tailored environmental and social impact reports
- National and international case studies of best practise
Participant Outcomes:
- An organisation Sustainability Action Plan created with input from your broader team
- Policies & procedures that feed into your Sustainability Action Plan
- An understanding of what your data means
- Reports to show your progress
- Continuation of data and reporting, 3 years post-program
The first confirmed participant for next year’s program includes NSW’s Electronic Music Conference (EMC).
Jane Slingo - Director of EMC says: "The music industry has many challenges to navigate as we get back on our feet following two years of Covid restrictions. But the greatest challenge we are facing is the climate emergency. Between bushfires and floods, in Australia the brutal reality of the climate emergency is impossible to ignore. We all have a role to play in urgently addressing this. That's why EMC is taking this very important step and participating in the Green Action Program.
It is only through every person and organisation committing to learning about and implementing the minimisation of environmental impact that we have a chance of addressing the climate emergency, before it is too late."
Hannah Docherty (VMDO) and Dale Packard (Music Victoria) at GAP VIC program
The Green Action Program (GAP) was piloted in Victoria earlier this year with a stellar cohort of participants including UNIFIED Music Group, Music Victoria, The Corner Group, Brunswick Ballroom, FLOW festival and Velodrome Events.
“One of the biggest outcomes of doing the Green Action Program was the shift in mindset. Prior to doing the program, considering our responsibility to the environment was something we did from time to time, but now it’s embedded in everything we do. Not only in business but personally as well. It has also provided us with a clear strategic framework for continuing this work into the future. I strongly recommend organisations do this program. It’s perfect if you’re wanting to do more than you are, or even for someone who has no idea where to start.” says Dale Packard, Music Victoria General Manager.
Environment Protection Authority, Executive Director Engagement Education and Programs Liesbet Spaanjard said it’s fantastic to partner with Green Music Australia.
“Every industry in NSW has a responsibility to consider how they can introduce more
sustainable practices and reduce their impact on our environment. The Green Action Program will give music organisations the skills to start taking real action, including driving down their reliance on single-use plastics across NSW.”
The fee to participate in GAP NSW is heavily discounted thanks to our partners. Green Music Australia are now accepting expressions of interest from NSW organisations who would like to participate. Head to their website here for more information.
HI RES ASSETS FOR MEDIA HERE
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION HERE
Further information on Green Music Australia
Green Music Australia is a globally recognised environmental not-for-profit organisation leading change in the Australian music sector to create a greener, cleaner future. Working hand-in-hand with artists, venues, labels and events, its mission is to transform our music industry into a sustainable leader and mobilise millions of fans to take climate action.
For interview requests and further information
Please contact Emma Bosworth at Green Music Australia // [email protected] // 0477 454 540
