ITV plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and achieve net zero by 2050, according to its first Climate Transition Plan.
The wide-ranging 60-page plan outlines measures the broadcaster is undertaking to reaching its targets, including a series of climate goals which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Targets validated by the SBTi and included in the report include a commitment to cut Scope 1 and 2 direct emissions by 46.2% by 2030 and reduce Scope 3 emissions by 28% by 2030. ITV has also pledged that it will be a zero waste business and will secure 100% of its electricity from renewable tariffs within the same time period.
The report also highlights some of the broadcaster’s key green 2023 achievements. These include over 90% of ITV staff completing climate action training and over 90% of UK programmes produced by ITV Studios being certified by an eco-organisation.
”It is important to emphasise that our transition plan is not a static document but will be adapted to reflect the continually changing regulatory environment, and the latest climate science,” said ITV COO and CFO Chris Kennedy, who is chair of the broadcaster’s Climate Act.
“This is our initial plan and it outlines not only what we are doing, but where we know that we have gaps in our response to the climate transition and what steps we are taking to address these.”
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The plan also details some of the measures the broadcaster is undertaking to achieve its climate targets.
It says it expects to save 190 tonnes of CO2 a year by upgrading its buildings, including upgrading lighting from halogen to LED light bulbs and the installation of sensors so lights go out sooner. Three new solar installations between 2023 and 2025 are expected to save 416 tonnes of CO2 a year.
On the content front, ITV has previously said it aims to integrate climate and sustainability considerations across its output, helping audiences to make greener choices by embedding climate content on-screen across all genres.
In the plan, it says: “ITV is uniquely positioned to accelerate the transition towards a low-GHG emissions and climate-resilient economy.
“We have the opportunity to do this by positively supporting our audiences through our content, promoting sustainable consumption and products through advertising, and by working with our suppliers to shape the transition across the creative industry.”
In December last year, contestants from ITV’s Love Island All Stars dressed in pre-loved outfits in partnership with eBay to encourage circular shopping habits.
