L-Acoustics is Leading the Way in Live Sound Sustainability L-Acoustics is Leading the Way in Live Sound Sustainability...
Live sound is one of the most powerful shared experiences that connects humans across cultures and continents. But as the world demands more responsible business practices and environmental accountability, live sound systems must do more than deliver volume—they must be designed ethically, sustainably, and holistically.
“Sustainability has fundamentally transformed from a nice-to-have into a business imperative for our industry,” says Françoise Cardoso, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at L-Acoustics.
In a recent article with Inavate magazine, Françoise Cardoso discussed how L-Acoustics, a leader in live sound and professional audio, is now leading the charge in sustainability social responsibility. By rethinking the entire lifecycle of its products, from design and manufacturing to reuse and repair, L-Acoustics is creating audio systems that not only sound extraordinary but prioritize long-term human and environmental well-being.
Sustainable Live Sound as Strategy, Not Compliance
L-Acoustics doesn’t view sustainability as a checkbox, but as a strategic driver for innovation across the company. From customer demands to government regulations, expectations are rising. As Françoise Cardoso explains, “We’re seeing this most clearly in how our clients now integrate their partners’ sustainability practices and scores into their own ESG reporting.”
Instead of waiting for others to define the rules, L-Acoustics is helping shape the future of responsible touring through its involvement with the Music Sustainability Alliance, developing standards and tools that will serve the entire live entertainment industry.
“We believe in being part of the solution rather than waiting for others to create it.”
Building for the Long Term
One of the most significant ways L-Acoustics actualizes sustainability is through repairability and product longevity. Rather than design products for obsolescence, L-Acoustics builds systems that last and can be repaired, reused, and repurposed.
“We’re pioneering practical sustainability solutions, most notably through our leadership in repairability,” Françoise Cardoso says.
They’ve adopted a repairability index created in France for consumer electronics and are now working to apply it across the professional AV sector. With standardized components and field-friendly designs, the company has achieved an average index score of 7 out of 10 across its installation loudspeaker range.
“We distributed over 24,000 repair kits in 2023 alone and provide comprehensive educational outreach to our global network of certified partners, empowering them with the technical knowledge and preventative maintenance expertise needed to maximize system longevity,” notes Françoise Cardoso.
Legacy systems like the V-DOSC, introduced in 1994, still perform on major tours today—proof that with the right support, professional-grade equipment can serve generations of events and users.
A Circular Economy for Pro Audio
In partnership with GearSupply, L-Acoustics launched a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program initially to extend the life of K1 touring systems and expanding, that offers refurbished gear with extended warranties and mandatory training.
“We expect this partnership to extend the life of our products by five to ten years. It achieves this through two key mechanisms: creating a robust secondary market for used equipment and offering comprehensive refurbishment services with warranties for pre-owned systems.”
This program allows large companies to responsibly rotate inventory while helping smaller rental firms or venues access premium L-Acoustics gear at lower cost—a win-win for business and the planet.
Smarter Design, Smaller Footprint
L-Acoustics is also reducing the environmental impact of new product lines. The L Series is a prime example. “It uses 30% less wood and 60% less steel. It takes up 30% less space than comparable systems, proving that we can maintain superior sound quality while reducing material usage,” says Françoise Cardoso.
New amplified controllers like the LA1.16i also include smart power-saving features. As Françoise Cardoso explains, “It features advanced power management technologies that automatically enter standby mode when no audio signal is present, cutting power usage by over 80% during idle periods.”
This reflects a larger shift: performance and sustainability are no longer in conflict. In fact, they’re now driving each other.
Sound with Meaning and Measurable Impact
L-Acoustics is one of the few manufacturers in the industry to complete Scope 3 emissions reporting, measuring the carbon footprint of its products from production to end of life. This data contributes to Project M.A.T.R.I.C.E., a French initiative aimed at building greener alternatives for music and live entertainment.
According to Françoise Cardoso, “Our detailed life cycle assessment of our products is informing our approach, helping us understand the complete environmental impact of our professional audio equipment.” Looking forward, L-Acoustics is also committed to expanding its use of recycled materials, enabling customer-installable upgrades, and collaborating globally to promote sustainability education.
“We are also deepening our educational partnerships, including with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), to demonstrate our commitment to workforce development and community engagement in sustainability.”
Redefining the Future of Live Sound
L-Acoustics’ approach shows that great sound and great responsibility can go hand in hand. Whether it’s through circular economy programs, smart energy savings, or sound design that prioritizes human well-being, L-Acoustics is leading by example and changing the conversation around what professional audio can be and do.
“We are treating sustainability as a driver for innovation and transformation, not a compliance burden,” Françoise Cardoso says. “This approach helps us grow, innovate more effectively, and improve our business practices. The companies that embrace this mindset will lead the market, and we intend to be at the forefront of that change.”
With every product, L-Acoustics proves that sound can be powerful, emotional, and sustainable, all without compromise.