Cable TV networks strive to bring positive environmental change every day not only through the influential content they produce, but through their business practices and strategies to lower greenhouse gas emissions, invest in clean energy, and to serve as models for other industries and businesses in conserving the planet.
In recognition of Earth Day this Saturday, here are a few sustainability efforts underway at cable TV networks to create more environmentally friendly workplaces and communities.
Green Practices On Set
Behind the scenes, crews are supporting sustainable TV production through:
- utilizing LED technology;
- using energy efficient set lighting;
- driving fuel-efficient vehicles;
- renting solar-powered trailers;
- establishing donation programs for production assets (such as props, set walls, and wardrobe);
- reducing waste and use of plastics through recycling programs.
Partners in Sustainability
Collaboration across the TV industry is key to advancing sustainability initiatives throughout the media and entertainment landscape.
- Disney, Fox Corporation, NBCUniversal, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are active members of the Sustainable Production Alliance, a consortium of film, television and streaming companies banding together to drive adoption of green practices in the film and TV industry. Many productions from these networks have received EMA Green Seals from the Environmental Media Association—prestigious awards that recognize environmental-focused work in media.
- The Green Production Guide, developed by the Sustainable Production Alliance and other industry experts, is an important green resource that helps TV networks and production studios reduce the environmental impact of their productions through a set of tools, vendors, practices, and recommendations.
Minimizing Carbon Footprints
Cable TV networks have made commitments to reduce their carbon footprints in the coming years.
- Disney aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 with help from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Paramount continues to pilot initiatives and assessments as it develops company-wide goals and targets to reach net zero GHG emissions. In early 2021, Paramount signed the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Declaration in which it committed to the sustainability of sports production and operations.
- NBCU has committed to be carbon neutral by 2035 in Scope 1 and 2 emissions across their entire global operations.
Fostering Environment-Friendly Workplaces
At corporate offices and headquarters, TV networks are also modeling what it means to be environmentally responsible businesses by:
- constructing and operating BREEAM, LEED, and/or WELL-certified buildings;
- implementing composting programs;
- installing car charging stations in parking garages;
- hosting and encouraging volunteer-related activities.
Through green practices in TV productions, operations, and facilities, cable TV networks are lessening their impact on the environment while promoting greater environmental responsibility to the audiences they reach.
Read more about how cable providers are committed to conserving and protecting the environment.