ITV commits to net-zero emissions by 2030

ITV has built on a recent science-based targets announcement by committing to reaching net-zero emissions across the business by 2030.


ITV commits to net-zero emissions by 2030

ITV has confirmed that it will work with employees, suppliers and its programme makers to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 across its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, business travel and produced and commissioned programmes.

ITV’s chief financial officer Chris Kennedy said: “I am proud of the efforts of the business so far, and committing to net-zero by 2030 is one of the positive changes we will make to improve the environmental impact of not just ITV, but of the industry as a whole.”

In August, ITV confirmed that it will aim to reduce scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 46.2% by 2030 and scope 3 emissions by 28% by 2030, both against a 2019 baseline. The targets will be approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

ITV will also join the RE100 later this year, as part of a commitment to power the business with 100% renewable energy by 2025. ITV’s owned buildings in the UK are already powered completely by renewables, accounting for 55.4% of its global electricity consumption.

In 2018, the organisation became a carbon neutral business, having reduced emissions by more than 52% over a five-year period and offsetting all direct emissions from business operations, travel and energy use.

As part of the net-zero commitment, ITV will require all programmes it produces and commissions to meet Albert certification. BAFTA’s Albert initiative provides businesses and individuals across the broadcasting sector with resources to help them not only minimise the environmental impacts of their operations, but change the narrative around sustainability issues. The Albert Creative Offsets programme will be utilised to invest in certified tree planting projects.

ITV’s senior manager of Social Purpose Julia Giannini recently appeared on edie’s SustyTalk video series to discuss the new targets and how they were formed during lockdown. Watch the interview here.

Christiana Figueres, founder Global Optimism, and former UNFCCC executive secretary commented: “We have delayed climate action way too long.  Now we all have to continually over-deliver; increasing climate ambition at every opportunity.

“Non-state actors have a critical role to play in reducing emissions, shifting culture and creating new normals. This net-zero by 2030 pledge from ITV is timely, exciting and will surely create necessary change in the entire broadcasting arena.”

Matt Mace

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