Sky confirmed as COP26 principal media partner

Sky has been named as the principal media partner for the COP26 climate summit and has published new sustainability criteria for its TV productions.


Sky confirmed as COP26 principal media partner

Sky has introduced a new Planet Test for TV production

Sky will act as the principal media partner for COP26, which is scheduled to take place in Glasgow this November. The summit is viewed by many as a crucial negotiation to deliver a raised global agreement on climate action.

As part of its coverage process, Sky has today (12 January) set new commitments concerning the environmental impact of its TV productions that will build towards the broadcaster’s ambition of becoming net-zero carbon by 2030.

Sky’s executive chairman Jeremy Darroch said: “This year will require us all to focus and adapt as we accelerate our efforts to tackle the climate crisis. At Sky, we believe that our voice and reach can play a vital role in empowering our customers, partners and industry peers to build a better world, because it’s the actions of business, the government and individuals, that will define our generation. I hope Sky’s new Planet Test and Sustainable Production Principles will spur others to make the transition to net-zero with us.” 

Part of the net-zero target will focus on Sky’s building and facilities and its transport fleet. Sky is exploring how to add renewables to some buildings, both from procurement contracts and onsite installations. New studios, like Sky Studios Elstree, will also help deliver net-zero TV and film emissions due to the sustainability features added to those buildings. Since 2019, all Sky Originals in the UK have been certified as carbon neutral.

However, new commitments include a new Planet Test to make sure all its production, editorial and commissioning teams across Sky and Sky Studios actively consider the environment and champion sustainability on-screen and off-screen.

Sky Sports recently became first sports broadcaster to sign up to the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework. Sky Sports has today announced that it will target Albert’s sustainable production certification for every host broadcast this year.

Last year, Sky Sports confirmed that all Premier League and English Football League matches broadcast across its sports channels will be certified to sustainable production levels.

The certification is awarded to productions that meet the Albert sustainability criteria. Sky Sports is committed to reaching this level of certification for all future football seasons and across other live sports broadcasts. The BAFTA’s Albert initiative, which 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.

COP26 President Alok Sharma said: “This is an exciting year as we prepare for COP26 in Glasgow. Businesses have a key part to play in the summit and in building back greener, so I am delighted to welcome Sky as a Principal Partner for COP26. Their Sky Zero campaign shows how ambitious they are to take meaningful action for the future of our planet and I look forward to working together in the run up to COP26.”

Matt Mace

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