IMPALA, a pan-European industry body representing the interests of independent labels and distributors, has teamed up with the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), which represents the interests of indie labels in the US, and non-profit organization Julie’s Bicycle on a program aimed at reducing indie music’s carbon footprint.
The partnership, backed by Merlin, launched a free one-year pilot program utilizing IMPALA’s Carbon Calculator, according to an announcement on Thursday (June 20). This initiative marks the first step in bringing the calculator to the world’s largest music market. The goal is to establish a standardized approach for measuring and minimizing the carbon footprint of independent music companies.
Launched in April 2022, IMPALA’s Carbon Calculator is based on Julie’s Bicycle Creative Climate Tools and tailored to meet the needs of independent record companies. In 2023, IMPALA released the first Carbon Calculator report, with the second one underway.
The 2023 report revealed that on average, independent labels using the calculator generate 3.21 kgCO2e per physical unit released. The top three impact areas were found to be manufacturing, distribution and operations.
“We are very excited that the US is the first territory in the internationalization of IMPALA’s Carbon Calculator. Thanks to Merlin‘s support, our members will be able to shape the tool for the US market and play a key role in the expansion of its use.”
Dr. Richard Burgess, A2IM
The US pilot program launched during this year’s Indie Week, with support from Merlin and participation from a group of A2IM members. The launch gathered interested companies and provided support to the companies selected for the pilot program.
Key North American labels will be involved in the US pilot, providing feedback to refine the tool for the US market and potentially future adaptations in other regions. The calculator already helps companies report emissions following standardized protocols, allowing labels to report on other impacts and actions beyond carbon, a press release said.
Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota said, “Our path towards a more sustainable future involves all of us working together. That’s why we are pleased to support internationalizing the IMPALA Carbon Calculator. We are excited to see its roll-out in the US to help more independents build that future together.”
Workshops and individual consultations are planned to support A2IM members throughout the pilot, ensuring a smooth transition and helping the companies to use the tool effectively.
“To help standardize the sector’s approach across regions, it’s important to have these projects in key markets. Merlin’s support is vital to facilitate internationalization of the IMPALA calculator.”
Karla Rogozar, IMPALA
“We are very excited that the US is the first territory in the internationalization of IMPALA’s Carbon Calculator. Thanks to Merlin‘s support, our members will be able to shape the tool for the US market and play a key role in the expansion of its use,” said Dr. Richard Burgess, who is stepping down as President & CEO of A2IM at the beginning of 2026 after ten years.
Karla Rogozar, Sustainability Lead, IMPALA, added: “To help standardize the sector’s approach across regions, it’s important to have these projects in key markets. Merlin’s support is vital to facilitate internationalization of the IMPALA calculator.”
Chiara Badiali, Music Lead, Julie’s Bicycle, said, “This pilot is an invaluable opportunity to build new shared understanding and pathways between the European and US independent music companies, because meeting the climate crisis head-on means coming together, learning from and with each other, and taking action collectively.”
Music Business Worldwide