European independent labels are increasingly focused on measuring and reducing their environmental impact, according to the latest report from IMPALA, the Independent Music Companies Association. The third annual carbon calculator report, released on , provides an overview of the sector’s carbon footprint and details updates to the tool used to assess it.
The IMPALA carbon calculator, launched in , is the first bespoke environmental impact measurement tool specifically designed for independent recorded music companies. Powered by Julie’s Bicycle and supported by Merlin and Murmur, the calculator helps labels standardize their carbon footprint reporting, aligning with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) corporate standard – the most widely used framework for organizational greenhouse gas emissions reporting.
This year’s report builds on previous findings, detailing initial assessments and practical actions for reduction. According to a statement, the third edition represents “a significant step forward in creating the most accurate picture of emissions to date and ensuring alignment with current best practices.”
Key Updates and Findings
Several key updates to the calculator and the data it collects are highlighted in the report. One significant change concerns the measurement of vinyl manufacturing. Following research conducted by the Music Climate Pact and the Vinyl Alliance, the calculator now incorporates more accurate data regarding the lifecycle emissions associated with vinyl production. This reflects a growing awareness of the environmental impact of the format’s resurgence in popularity.
The report also introduces the ability for labels to categorize “Recording Studio” as a building type, allowing for more precise tracking of emissions related to studio usage, whether occupied by the label itself or rented from a third party. The Beyond Carbon survey has been expanded to include a dedicated section focused on merchandise, enabling labels to better record environmental actions taken in relation to their product offerings.
Improvements to the user experience are also noted, with the report stating that labels can now “quickly access targeted guidance and generate high-quality visual reports that facilitate clear and accurate communication of progress.”
Funding and Expansion
The ongoing support of the Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund, a partnership with Merlin, is highlighted as instrumental in making the calculator accessible to a wider range of independent labels globally. The report also details the outcome of a pilot project launched in the United States in collaboration with A2IM (the American Association of Independent Music) and Merlin. This project marked the first step towards potentially rolling out IMPALA’s carbon calculator to the world’s largest music market.
Beyond Measurement: Investment and Collaboration
The report doesn’t solely focus on measurement; it also offers guidance on climate investment and highlights organizations like Murmur that are actively supporting sustainability initiatives within the music industry. It further outlines the business case for sustainability, suggesting that environmental responsibility is not just ethically sound but also economically beneficial.
Richard Phillips, music lead at Julie’s Bicycle, emphasized the significance of the report’s findings. “This third annual report of the IMPALA carbon calculator is a landmark moment for the independent recorded music industry,” he said. “It provides the most accurate picture to date for the average emissions of an independent label.”
Phillips further explained that the updated methodology, particularly regarding vinyl manufacturing, has revealed new insights. “Air freight and business travel make up a larger percentage of the total footprint than previously estimated,” he noted. “While vinyl manufacturing remains the largest source of emissions, the results mean that a holistic sustainability strategy is required to tackle multiple areas head on. With the support of Julie’s Bicycle, the IMPALA Sustainability Programme will help labels build this in for long-term success.”
The report’s findings underscore the growing recognition within the independent music sector that addressing climate change is no longer a peripheral concern but a core business imperative. By providing a standardized tool for measurement and a framework for action, IMPALA is positioning its members to navigate the evolving landscape of environmental responsibility and contribute to a more sustainable future for the music industry.
The report also points to the need for continued industry collaboration and a broader focus on supply chain management and energy transitions as crucial steps towards achieving meaningful reductions in carbon emissions.
