Sustainability at Moods: what we do

How can we make our music business sustainable? This question has been on Moods' mind for some time. But what do we mean by sustainability? What are we actually doing? And what are we planning? We asked our sustainability manager Graziella Eicher these questions.

Graziella, you are in charge of sustainability at Moods. Which aspects of sustainability are important to you here?Graziella: The issue of sustainability affects us all, including us as a concert hall. I want to promote sustainability at Moods and incorporate it into all areas of our work because sustainable practices can impact every aspect of music-making. Where, for example?Graziella: Everything from travel and technology to catering has an impact on our ecological footprint. Fair cooperation with artists and employees, as well as making our concerts accessible to everyone, contributes to the social aspects of sustainability. Personally, I think it's important that we understand our impact as a venue and identify areas for improvement. It's not just about being aware of our footprint; it's also about ensuring that we can send positive signals to the outside world as a cultural center. We can inspire others, point out responsible alternatives, raise awareness, and demonstrate that the music industry can be sustainable.What projects are currently receiving the most attention?Graziella: We are currently working on several projects simultaneously. On a social level, we are part of a transformation project that aims to break down barriers and provide access to cultural offerings for as many people as possible. At the same time, we are developing our ticket system, offering various discounts, and establishing partnerships to make Moods more accessible. In terms of ecology, we are taking a very concrete approach with our catering offerings. We are examining our product range and considering where the products come from and how they are produced. Over the summer, we created a Green Rider, which we are currently fine-tuning. At the same time, we are carrying out a comprehensive climate assessment with the support of the City of Zurich. We are evaluating where our greatest leverage lies and which measures can have the greatest impact. You mentioned the Greenrider. What exactly is it?Graziella: The Greenrider is a document that we send to bands and agencies before an event. In it, we provide information about our on-site offerings and, most importantly, explain why and how we do certain things for environmental reasons. For instance, we mention that we have high-quality backline equipment and request that the artists use our existing technology whenever possible to avoid transporting unnecessary materials. Another key issue is travel. We emphasize how easy it is to reach Zurich by train and encourage people to take the train instead of flying. The most important decisions for sustainable operations are often made during the planning stage. If sustainability is considered from the beginning, many things will fall into place later on. The Greenrider is a communication tool that helps take sustainability into account when planning an event. What are the next steps?Graziella: Based on the climate assessment, I would like to focus on the major ecological challenges. Mobility will certainly be a key issue, though it will not be an easy one to address. Travel by artists and audiences accounts for most of the carbon footprint of events. At the same time, it is one of the most challenging areas because many factors are beyond our control. For example, when it comes to the mobility of artists, the issue extends beyond a single venue, and Moods cannot solve this problem alone. I see this as a long-term process in which we can gradually implement effective measures. Another important issue for me is communication. How can communication help us become more sustainable?Graziella: For a long time, I avoided reporting on our sustainability work, whether on the website or in articles like this one. I kept asking myself questions like: Is this greenwashing? Does it seem like we're only doing it for public relations purposes? Based on these considerations, I have simply done the work without talking about it much. However, I've realized that it's also valuable to discuss the challenges we face. The more I talk about it, the more resonance I get. For example, I've received feedback from artists, agencies, and other venues that are struggling with similar challenges. They offer new perspectives, highlight problems, and point out issues you may have overlooked. This exchange is a central part of the process and is just as important in the end because it can lead to the implementation of new measures.Would you like to learn more about sustainability at Moods? Do you have an idea that we could implement? If so, click here.