The Music Climate Pact (MCP) and Deezer have released Sound Choices, a best-practice guide offering 10 tips to lower the environmental footprint of music streaming, unveiled at EarthFest 2026 in London.
The guide, developed by the MCP’s Digital Working Group (DWG) from researched best practices, was launched on 24 June during the Future of Music & Entertainment summit at Sony Music UK. It was discussed on a panel titled ‘The Journey of a Song’, featuring MCP Working Group Co-Chairs Caroline Hanson of Warp Records and Ian Stanton of Beggars, moderated by MCP Project Manager Roxy Erickson.
The 10 Tips
- Delay upgrading devices; purchase refurbished technology and repair rather than replace when possible.
- Research green energy suppliers in your area and ask your landlord about switching.
- Use audio-only playback settings and disable video when listening, not watching.
- Designate one primary device for listening and disconnect others.
- Enable dark mode, turn off the screen, or activate battery-saving settings while listening.
- Select standard or low quality for non-critical listening, use data-saving mode, turn off autoplay, and avoid AI-powered features like DJ, Mix, and Ask For when not needed.
- Pre-load favourite albums or playlists on Wi-Fi and use offline mode when mobile.
- Reduce background use, be mindful of autoplay, use a sleep timer, and close apps and devices when not listening. Consider a dedicated ‘music hour’ to enjoy an album in full.
- If you play the same album more than three times a week, download it.
- Adjust streaming service and device settings: disable unnecessary push notifications, limit AI functions, and set reminders to review settings.
The streaming tips are among several initiatives detailed in the Music Climate Pact’s 2026 Annual Report.
Statements
In a joint statement, MCP Digital Working Group Co-Chairs Caroline Hanson (Head of Operations, Warp Records) and Lewis Jamieson (CEO, Music Declares Emergency) and Helen Smith (Executive Chair, IMPALA) said:
“This exercise is about helping fans to reduce their impact while listening to all their favourite music. With the busy lives we all lead it’s useful to have a few simple tips in one place. To collaborate with Deezer on this is a privilege as we all look for ways to work together to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Cynthia Rouilly, Workplace & Sustainability Director at Deezer, said:
“At Deezer, we believe music streaming and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We are proud to support the Music Climate Pact’s Fan Tips, which empower listeners to enjoy music while reducing their environmental footprint. Small actions, multiplied across millions of fans, can make a real difference.”
Roxy Erickson, Music Climate Pact Project Manager, added:
“The Pact’s Signatories and Supporters have been making quiet strides with Working Groups focusing on priorities around vinyl production, digital engagement, and climate training, because we know that a sustainable music industry requires change everywhere. While much of the effort in creating sustainable digital music distribution clearly rests with the industry and with streaming providers, fans can play their part too, and we want them to feel empowered as partners in this process to help drive meaningful change. We are excited to share these top 10 easy tips for streaming, and our thanks to Deezer and all the stakeholders for their support on this. This is just the beginning, and the Music Climate Pact will look to ramp up its communications and education initiatives going forward, drawing also on the powerful voices of artists who champion environmental sustainability.”
About the Music Climate Pact
The Music Climate Pact was convened by the Association of Independent Music (AIM) in 2021 in collaboration with the BPI, the UK record labels association. Its founder Signatories and Supporters aim to harness the music industry’s power to inspire climate action and decarbonise the global music business in line with climate science. By 2022, founding Signatories had committed to either the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) or the UN-backed Race to Zero SME Climate Commitment, enabling them to set and report on actionable climate targets. The Pact was developed with support from the UN Environmental Programme.
