IMPALA unveils climate charter to make indie music sector more sustainable

By Emmanuel Legrand

  

IMPALA, which represents European independent music companies, has launched a sustainability programme "to help make the European independent music sector more sustainable." The Brussels-based organisation has adopted a climate charter, overall targets and voluntary tools for members.    

  "IMPALA’s ambition is to aim for a climate positive membership by 2030, with an interim net zero target for 2026. These targets are voluntary for members and also lock in the idea that there is no one size fits all, as each company and country is different," said the association.

  IMPALA’s sustainability package was put together by a task force initiated by Horst Weidenmüller, Chair of IMPALA’s task force, and CEO of !K7, with Alison Tickell, Founder and CEO of the UK's Julie's Bicycle, appointed as adviser, alongside Will Hutton from Beggars Group and Peter Quicke from Ninja Tune.

To become carbon positive

  "Acting early isn’t just a climate question, it avoids disruption and carbon taxes. Credibility is important, so we are including the supply chain. Our ultimate ambition is to be carbon positive rather than just neutral. This is what sets IMPALA’s work apart in the music sector today," said Weidenmüller.

  Added Tickell: “Managing carbon targets means a systems shift and IMPALA’s collective effort is the right approach. Mapping what the transition looks like whilst making sure it accommodates the range, size and national differences of the IMPALA membership is a cornerstone of success. Ambitious industry-led collaborations on this scale will not only help the EU deliver its Green Deal, they also help us all rise to the challenge of the climate crisis.”

  IMPALA commits to:
  > Hold framework for European independent music sector targets
  > Convene and administer a Sustainability Task Force
  > Appoint a climate advocate for IMPALA's board and each committee
  > Develop carbon reporting tool for members, disclose aggregate statistics
  > Transparently monitor and report own climate impacts
  > Map and share examples of best practices across Europe
  > Make climate literacy training available twice a year
  > Produce guidance for members with practical tips
  > Recognise no one size fits all, each company & country is different
  > Engage with suppliers to promote change across the supply chain
  > Work with digital music services to assess & reduce carbon footprint
  > Explore possible collective offsetting solutions for the sector
  > Support initiatives using music & culture to mobilise climate action
  > Inform members about EU funding for climate projects, help them apply
  > Speak out where we support specific issues and use our voice in Brussels