MERITA launches CO2 calculator to promote sustainability in chamber music
News | November 28, 2024
MERITA Platform is proud to announce the launch of the MERITA CO2 Calculator, a groundbreaking web app designed to integrate sustainability into the organization of chamber music events, this innovative tool provides concert organizers with a valuable resource for measuring and managing the carbon footprint of their events.
MERITA is a European platform that champions a holistic approach to sustainability in the cultural sector, particularly in the realm of chamber music, addressing environmental, social, and economic aspects in an integrated way. Supported by the European Union’s Creative Europe program, the platform is designed to enhance the visibility and circulation of string quartets, while fostering connections between local and European cultures. The platform’s initiatives focus on making the cultural sector more sustainable, inclusive, and accessible, aiming to preserve European cultural heritage. The platform gathers a Consortium of 17 European organizations led by Le Dimore del Quartetto, a network destined to grow thanks to the support of the European Union.
The CO2 Calculator was developed through a collaborative effort between Punto 3, the sustainability consultancy that designed and developed the tool, Traces&Dreams, the global transdisciplinary agency responsible for the creation of the MERITA digital platform, and the creative cultural enterprise Le Dimore del Quartetto, project manager and lead partner of the entire European project.
The MERITA CO2 Calculator offers several advanced features to promote the environmental sustainability of music events. It measures the carbon footprint of musical events, allowing organizers to compare their results with a “Non-Green Event” baseline, providing meaningful benchmarking. The tool also includes the informative “Did you know?” pop-ups that raise awareness and offer practical tips to help reduce environmental impact. Additionally, it converts CO2 data into familiar, relatable activities, making it easier for users to understand and share their sustainability initiatives. The calculator automatically evaluates the completeness and accuracy of each emission calculation, ensuring reliable data, and generates final reports that align with international standards, providing administrators and organizers with actionable insights to guide further sustainability actions.
The development of the CO2 Calculator was the result of a meticulous and collaborative effort by a multidisciplinary team, combining expertise in sustainability, digitalization, and content strategy. The project began with an in-depth analysis of the music and cultural sectors, including a benchmark study to shape the CO2 event calculator’s framework. This initial phase involved designing and conducting questionnaires targeting artists, platform members, and cultural venues and organizing online interviews, onsite surveys, and focus groups to gather insights directly from stakeholders. The data collected informed the subsequent development of the app’s algorithm, ensuring it aligned with the sector’s unique needs.
The team at Punto 3 led the project, with Cesare Buffone, Partner and Board Member, heading the initiative. Cesare Buffone, who specializes in Climate Strategies and Sustainable Events, oversaw the entire process, supported by Alessio Cavecchia, who contributed his expertise in ICT and environmental performance, Beatrice Fabris, a specialist in sustainable events and ISO 20121, and Beatrice Bandera, an expert in LCA and carbon footprint analysis. Their combined contributions ensured the scientific rigor and environmental credibility of the calculator.
Equally vital to the project were the contributions of Nerina Finetto, Founder and Director of Traces&Dreams, who brought her expertise in digitalization, content development, and narrative strategy to the forefront. Her vision helped shape the app’s user-centric design and storytelling elements. The Traces&Dreams team collaborated with Punto3 on the integration in the platform (Eugene Chernomor, Jordan, fullstack developer and Niclas Nilsson, IT engineer) and on the language (Dr. Rhiannon Moss, English copywriter).
Le Dimore del Quartetto conducted every single step to make this collective endeavor reflect the seamless integration of research, technology, and sustainability expertise, resulting in a tool tailored to the music sector’s specific needs and challenges. The CO2 Calculator is a testament to the power of collaboration and a step forward in embedding sustainability into chamber music event planning.
The MERITA CO2 Calculator is designed to be user-friendly yet scientifically rigorous, ensuring that event organizers can make informed decisions about their environmental impact. Thanks to the financial support of the European Union, for now, the tool is available for platform members to use, with easy registration options in the Members Are; as it develops, the platform will open up to an increasing number of members with the aim of transforming and innovating the classical sector through discussion and collaboration.
In launching the CO2 Calculator, the MERITA Platform reaffirms its commitment to driving sustainability in the cultural sector. This innovative tool empowers event organizers to take tangible steps towards reducing their environmental impact while fostering greater awareness about the importance of sustainability in the arts. By bridging the worlds of music, technology, and environmental responsibility, MERITA is not only enhancing the visibility of European string quartets but also paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in the cultural industry.