Koda publishes its first sustainability report
1. July 2025
Koda recently released its first report on the organisation’s sustainability efforts – an important step towards building a fairer, more inclusive and climate-conscious music industry. The report documents Koda’s initiatives and results across six strategic areas, supporting the organisation’s systematic and transparent approach to sustainability.
How do we create a music industry where creators receive fair payment for their work, where everyone has equal access, and where the sector contributes actively to the green transition? These are the key questions at the heart of Koda’s new report.
A report does not change the world, but it helps us take stock of where we stand and what we need to work on
- Gorm Arildsen, CEO of Koda
The report provides an overview of Koda’s sustainability efforts both internally and externally – within the organisation itself, in relation to its members, and across the wider music industry.
"At Koda we want to make a positive contribution to the society and sector of which we are part. And that is why I am proud to present Koda’s first sustainability report. A report does not change the world, but it helps us take stock of where we stand and what we need work on. This is essential if, together, we are to set in motion the necessary changes — both within Koda and across the music industry," says Gorm Arildsen, CEO of Koda.
The road to change begins with insight and data
The report reveals that significant challenges must be addressed. For example, it points to the need for stronger action against poor mental health in the music sector, for steps to promote greater gender equality and diversity, and the need for Koda to increase its focus on green transition initiatives if the organisation is to meet its 2030 targets.
"These are big issues and complex challenges that cannot be solved overnight. The work requires humility, strong collaboration and an international outlook. But we have taken the first important steps by building a solid data foundation and a structured framework that allows us to act in a targeted way. We look forward to developing our sustainability efforts in close dialogue with partners, acting together to build the foundations for a stronger and more sustainable music industry," says Gorm Arildsen.
Arildsen stresses that reporting and data should not be confused with real change in the world – but that reporting is a powerful driver for calling attention to the agenda and sparking action.
”Real change takes time, as we are dealing with major societal and structural challenges that require long-term effort. Data and knowledge are always the starting point for Koda’s work. One example is our gender statistics, which have clearly shown how strong a catalyst data can be for change.”
Selected highlights from the report
Fair payment
- Koda focuses on two key areas: generative AI and music on streaming services.
Climate action
- Koda has developed a comprehensive climate account and set ambitious CO₂ reduction targets towards 2030.
- Koda has initiated a project to map the entire music industry’s climate footprint in collaboration with sector partners.
Equal access
- Koda has actively worked towards greater gender equality since the organisation launched its first annual gender statistics in 2020.
- New diversity profile and diversity policy.
- Strengthened recruitment processes to support inclusivity within Koda.
Wellbeing and health
- Koda has published the in-depth report ‘When Music Speaks’ and recommendations to improve wellbeing among musicians and music creators in Denmark.
- Increased focus on psychological safety, diversity and inclusion across Koda’s staff.
Good governance
- Koda is founded on a member democracy, governed by a set of statutes and a board of directors elected at an annual general assembly.
- Koda is committed to being transparent, accountable, and responsive to its more than 52,000 members.
Data ethics and security
- To minimise risks of breaches and errors in handling data, Koda has a comprehensive personal data policy designed to handle data across Koda’s stakeholder groups.
- Koda actively builds and maintains connections across industry stakeholders to ensure that digital release data aligns with the information Koda manages on behalf of songwriters and music publishers.
Analysis has set the direction for the sustainability work
To be able to prioritize and target Koda’s efforts in the area of sustainability, we conducted a comprehensive materiality analysis in 2024.
Read the analysis