The EJN Green Rider
Introduction
Like many other music organisations, Europe Jazz Network (EJN) is concerned about the sector’s impact on the environment and wants to be part of efforts to tackle climate change. Since 2014, EJN has been discussing, researching, implementing and advocating for the adoption of environmental policies and more sustainable technical riders in our music sector.
Our flagship project - Take the Green Train - has been a source of inspiration for our members, and a testing ground for innovation. Having previously shared recommendations for a ‘green rider’ for venues, festivals and artists, we are now publishing this new section on our website, which includes broader guidelines for environmental sustainability in the music sector.
The EJN Green Rider has evolved from the technical rider that Julie’s Bicycle first developed in 2017. This was adopted in the same year for a solo “green pilot tour” of saxophone legend Evan Parker by train in Europe. Since then, this initial version of the rider (built for a solo, acoustic tour) has been discussed and developed through different working groups of EJN members. It has functioned as a working document – one that has constantly evolved – and has been used by many members for their events, and has been shared at many conferences and seminars by EJN and partners.
The EJN Green Rider has now taken its final shape, presented here below, with the help of Fondazione Ecosistemi, who provided technical knowledge and concrete examples of the benefits that using these guidelines will bring, presented in order of relevance and impact.
We want to inspire different actors of the music sector to take concrete and positive steps forward, each one in its own capacity and role: organisers, audience members and artists/agents.
EJN Green Rider Self-Assessment Tool
This self-assessment tool is designed for concert organisers (festivals, clubs, venues, and concert series) to evaluate and improve their practices in organising environmentally sustainable music events. Based on the EJN Green Rider, it provides practical feedback on areas where you are performing well and highlights aspects that may need more attention. While it does not provide precise measurements, it offers actionable insights to help you enhance sustainability in your events. The tool covers 15 key areas of event sustainability, from mobility and waste management to energy use and communication. Each section provides an individual score, contributing to a total score out of 1000, offering a clear overview of your overall performance. You can complete all sections for a comprehensive assessment or focus on specific areas most relevant to your needs. Developed by EJN with the expertise of Fondazione Ecosistemi, this tool is here to support your journey toward greener music events.
