AEG’s VP of Sustainability, Erik Distler, is a man on a mission. As the touring giant’s head of sustainability, he is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world through his work. With a strong focus on collaboration and partnerships, Distler has been able to implement sustainable practices within AEG’s operations and work with artists like Billie Eilish to spread the message of environmental responsibility.
Distler’s passion for sustainability began early in his career, when he worked in the music industry and saw firsthand the amount of waste and energy consumption that went into producing large-scale events. This sparked a desire to make a change and led him to join AEG, one of the world’s leading sports and live entertainment companies, as their VP of Sustainability.
At AEG, Distler’s role is multi-faceted. He works closely with various departments, including operations, marketing, and production, to develop and implement sustainable practices across the company’s venues and events. This includes reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste, and promoting sustainable transportation options.
One of the key aspects of Distler’s work is collaboration. He believes that in order to make a significant impact, it is essential to work together with partners and artists. AEG has partnerships with organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Green Sports Alliance, which help to guide and support their sustainability efforts.
In addition, AEG has a dedicated team of sustainability managers at each of their venues who work closely with local communities and organizations to identify and implement sustainable initiatives. This collaborative approach has resulted in impressive achievements, such as the reduction of carbon emissions by 27% and water consumption by 33% across AEG’s global operations.
But perhaps one of the most exciting collaborations for Distler has been with Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish. Known for her powerful and thought-provoking lyrics, Eilish has also been vocal about her passion for protecting the environment. When she embarked on her “Where Do We Go?” world tour, she made sure to incorporate sustainability into every aspect of the show.
Distler and his team worked closely with Eilish and her team to implement sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and promoting responsible transportation for the tour. They also partnered with Reverb, a non-profit organization that helps artists and music tours reduce their environmental footprint.
Eilish’s commitment to sustainability was evident throughout the tour. From using reusable water bottles and eco-friendly merchandise to promoting recycling and composting at her shows, she set an example for her fans and the music industry as a whole.
In an interview with Billboard, Distler praised Eilish for her dedication to sustainability, saying, “She’s been a great partner for us, and she’s been really committed to making sure that the tour is as sustainable as possible.” He also emphasized the importance of artists using their platform to spread awareness about environmental issues and inspire positive change.
Distler’s work at AEG and collaborations with partners and artists like Billie Eilish are proof that sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a crucial aspect of our future. His passion and dedication to making a positive impact on the world through his work is truly commendable.
In conclusion, AEG’s VP of Sustainability, Erik Distler, is a true leader in the field of sustainability. Through his collaborative approach and partnerships with artists like Billie Eilish, he is making a significant impact on the live entertainment industry and inspiring others to join the movement towards a more sustainable future. As we look towards the future, it is clear that Distler and AEG will continue to be at the forefront of this important cause.
