Building on its existing near-term targets to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, the BBC last week saw its long-term targets to reduce all emissions by at least 90% by 2050 formally approved by the Science Based Targets initiative.
This new SBTi standard requires that the BBC makes a 90% reduction in all emissions with no more than 10% offset, all within the next 25 years.
In 2022, the BBC and its commercial subsidiaries, including BBC Studios – a Products of Change member – committed to setting Long Term Targets and the adoption of Science Based Targets Net Zero standard by the SBTi, the official body for the validation of climate goals.
The broadcasting corporation’s Near Term Targets now stand at a commitment to reduce absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year and reduce its scope 3 emissions 28% within the same timeframe. In the Long-Term, the BBC has committed to reduce absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2050.
In a statement issued on the company’s website, the BBC aims to become a net positive organisation, ‘giving back more to the planet than it takes out, including wider impacts on biodiversity.’ It is also ‘fully committed’ to playing an active role in driving a sustainable media industry, producing internationally renowned content that ‘informs our audiences on environmental issues, while minimising operational impacts.’
To achieve this, the BBC has laid out a strategy comprising three key elements: Being Nature Positive by managing its impact on nature; reaching Net Zero with its credible strategy on cutting emissions; and maintaining itself as People Positive as it informs, educates, and inspired on climate and nature.
Danielle Mulder, BBC Group Director of Sustainability, said: “As the BBC’s first Director of Sustainability, I was delighted to announce our Long-Term New Zero Targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This is a key milestone on our journey to becoming a True Net Zero organisation by 2050, which is a credible approach and is the same timeline the UK Government is working to.
“We have made this change as we believe this is the most credible approach, as we focus on decarbonisation, not offsetting to achieve Net Zero.
“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.”
Alongside the commitments, the BBC will publish its own Transition Plan to meet its targets and Net Zero later this year.
“We recognise that strategy and targets are not enough,” continued Danielle. “To make an impactful difference, we need a plan, and we need to execute it properly.”
The strategy, plan, and targets are BBC Group wide and will cover its public service as well as its commercial operations which includes BBC Studios and StudioWorks. These, the BBC states, will be regularly reviewed by the BBC Group Executive Committee and BBC Board.
