UK Live Events Tackle Travel Emissions with New Partnership

The Production Services Association has partnered with onboard:earth to help UK live events cut travel emissions, the single largest source of carbon pollution in the industry.

PSA members now have access to carbon calculators, data collection tools, and sustainable travel guides designed specifically for event production. The partnership also offers verified carbon offsetting through the Trees+ programme, which restores ecosystems and supports communities facing climate impacts.

Since 2015, onboard:earth has specialized in helping the live events sector understand and reduce travel's environmental toll. The numbers show real progress: members have already offset over 18,000 tonnes of CO2 and raised more than £860,000 for environmental restoration through verified, community-led projects worldwide.

The timing matters because travel emissions remain the elephant in the room for concerts, festivals, and live productions. Crew flights, equipment transport, and artist tours create massive carbon footprints that the industry has struggled to address systematically.

Hannah Ratcliffe, General Manager at PSA, emphasized the collective responsibility freelancers and production companies share in protecting the planet for future generations. The partnership gives members a legitimate, verified path to offsetting travel carbon while working toward real reductions.

Bethan Riach from onboard:earth pointed out that meaningful change requires the entire supply chain working together. By equipping production companies and freelancers with practical tools and guidance, the partnership aims to accelerate emissions reduction across the UK industry.

The Ripple Effect

The partnership's impact extends beyond just measuring carbon. The Trees+ programme funds biodiversity preservation and climate justice initiatives, directing resources to communities on the frontline of climate breakdown.

By 2026, onboard:earth has committed to helping members reach £1 million raised for nature restoration projects in the UK and beyond. PSA members can already access sustainable travel resources online, with additional webinars planned for September 2026.

The live events industry employs thousands of people and brings joy to millions, and this partnership shows it can do both while protecting the planet.