Sustainable music tours in Australia: Lime Cordiale leads a green revolution
The climate emergency is reshaping the way we consume culture, and the music industry is no exception. In Australia, a group of artists led by the duo Lime Cordiale is proving that it is possible to offer live shows without compromising the planet’s future. Through sustainable tours, these musicians integrate clean transport, renewable energy, regenerative projects and community actions that mark a turning point in how live music is understood.
1. Lime Cordiale’s commitment
Oliver and Louis Leimbach, members of Lime Cordiale, have made sustainability a cornerstone of their tours. During one of their routes in 2023, they experimented with electric vans, travelling through cities such as Sydney, Wollongong and Hunter Valley. Although they faced logistical challenges such as limited charging infrastructure in some areas, the experience was key in demonstrating that electric mobility can be applied in the cultural sector.
They also innovate on their international tours. In Europe, they use biodiesel-powered buses, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of their travel. They even adapted their vehicles with generators and more efficient filtration systems to reduce emissions during journeys.
2. Solar Slice initiative: concerts that generate clean energy
Lime Cordiale’s sustainability goes beyond transport. Since 2022, the band has donated one Australian dollar for every ticket sold in the country to the Solar Slice initiative, a climate fund aimed at clean energy projects. Thanks to this model, they have raised more than 50,000 dollars, directed towards solar parks and community actions.
One of the major achievements financed by this programme is the Brigalow solar park in Queensland, which has the capacity to supply more than 11,000 homes with renewable electricity for decades. This turns every concert into a direct contribution to the growth of clean energy in Australia.
3. Data proving the positive impact
The results of this commitment are tangible. In a recent collaboration with electric mobility company Good Car Co, Lime Cordiale travelled more than 3,000 kilometres in just 10 days using electric vehicles. This experience saved around 600 dollars in fuel costs, avoided the consumption of more than 360 litres of petrol and reduced 600 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions.
To maximise efficiency, they planned each route using specialised electric mobility applications that optimise the location of charging stations and energy consumption. These small logistical adjustments made a significant difference to the tour’s environmental balance.
4. Beyond the stage: community and regenerative projects
The ecological commitment of the Australian duo goes beyond the stage. After the bushfires that devastated parts of the country, the brothers purchased a farm on the north coast of New South Wales to turn it into a regenerative agriculture project. There, they collaborate with biotech startups developing solutions to reduce methane emissions and restore local biodiversity.
They also incorporate symbolic and creative elements into their concerts to raise awareness. On several occasions, they have organised performances with environmental themes, such as marine wildlife costumes interacting with the audience, successfully combining entertainment with environmental education.
5. Industry momentum: Green Music Australia and Feat
Lime Cordiale’s efforts are part of a broader movement within the country. Organisations such as Green Music Australia promote the reduction of single-use plastics, the certification of venues as “green venues” and the adoption of eco-friendly riders for artists.
A recent study revealed that if all venues in New South Wales adopted sustainable practices, they could save more than 1.5 million dollars per year and avoid the emission of 70,000 tonnes of CO₂. These figures highlight the economic and environmental relevance of committing to sustainability in live music.
The mindset guiding this movement is clear: it is not about achieving climate perfection overnight, but about taking steady and consistent steps in the right direction.
6. A cultural and social movement
Lime Cordiale’s example is not isolated. Other Australian artists such as Angie McMahon, Jack River, Montaigne, Barkaa and In Hearts Wake are also adopting sustainable touring models. Their collective actions are helping to create a music culture with ecological awareness, in which audiences actively support green initiatives.
In addition, global campaigns such as “No Music on a Dead Planet” are gaining momentum in the country, reminding us that music cannot thrive on a planet in climate crisis. Through these actions, the Australian cultural industry is becoming an international benchmark for sustainable innovation.
Conclusion
The case of Lime Cordiale shows that sustainable music tours in Australia are a viable and replicable reality. From the use of clean transport to investment in solar energy and environmental regeneration projects, each initiative contributes to building a music industry that is more responsible towards the planet.
Their holistic approach – covering logistics, creativity and community engagement – is inspiring other artists, promoters and fans to rethink how we enjoy live music. Ultimately, these Australian musicians are paving the way for a future where art and sustainability go hand in hand.
