BBC Long-term Net Zero targets approved
August 7, 2024
New BBC Net Zero targets have been verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Building on its existing Near-Term Targets to halve emissions by 2030, the BBC’s Long-Term Targets to reduce all emissions by at least 90 per cent by 2050 have now been approved, and under this standard and definition the corporation expects to be Net Zero by 2050.
The SBTi standard requires a 90 per cent reduction in emissions with no more than 10 per cent offset by 2050, favouring emissions reductions rather than offsetting to achieve true Net Zero.
Following approval by the SBTi, the BBC now has Near and Long-Term Targets in place:
- Near-Term Targets: The BBC commits to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 46.2 per cet by FY2030/31 from a FY2019/20 base year. They also commit to reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 28 per cent within the same timeframe.
- Long-Term Targets: The BBC commits to reducing absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 90 per cent by FY2050/51 from FY2019/20 base year. The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.
The BBC added it is fully committed to playing an active role in driving a sustainable media industry, producing content that informs its audiences on environmental issues, whilst minimising operational impacts. To achieve this, its sustainability strategy is comprised of three elements:
- Nature Positive: The BBC will manage its impact on nature, to do more good than harm to the planet.
- Net Zero: A credible strategy with clear targets to cut emissions as quickly as possible.
- People Positive: Inform, educate and inspire on climate and nature, and signatories to the Climate Content Pledge.
Danielle Mulder, BBC Group Director of Sustainability. commented: “Our Near-Term Targets paved the way to setting Long-Term Targets to achieve true Net Zero by 2050. Adoption of the Long-Term Targets within the industry standard provides a credible approach that is underpinned by scientific rigour. Our approach to Net Zero is also fully aligned to our impact on biodiversity and nature positive plans.”