Sustainability

Environmental and sustainability issues have long been reflected in the programmes we make and broadcast and it is important to us that consideration of these issues is also embedded in the way we operate and run the BBC.

The Difference is our approach to sustainability. We have two aims - to be a responsible steward of human, natural and financial resources by embedding sustainability into every day working practices; and to exemplify change through our behaviour – encouraging our suppliers and the wider broadcasting industry to work with us to get there.

Recent achievements

We are working to embed sustainable practices across the organisation and make changes that will result in carbon and cost savings in technology, buildings and procurement. We are also focusing our efforts on how we produce our content through our Sustainable Productions work, and have made a number of steps forward in this area. You can find more details in the Update on Sustainability publication that accompanied the September 2011 Outreach newsletter.

• Albert – our carbon calculator for productions – is being used widely across the BBC. In partnership with BAFTA, it was launched to other broadcasters and independent production companies across the UK in August 2011.
  
  
• Low energy studio lighting presents a real opportunity to save energy and we are working with manufacturers and users of the technology - see our guide, first published in July 2011.
  
  
• We've produced a guidelines document for programme making teams to use which will help them plan and carry out their productions in a more environmentally sustainable way.
  
  
• The production team of BBC One's John Bishop's Sport Relief Hell, broadcast in March 2012, used rickshaw bikes to film comedian John Bishop as he ran through Central London for Sport Relief (pictured above). This reduced pollution, avoided congestion charges, and was cheaper than hiring a car.
  
  
• As a result of our “rail as default” policy, all journeys within mainland UK and to/from Eurostar destinations should be made by rail. All flights taken on these routes are now reported and monitored, and we have improved our video conference facilities to help reduce the need for travel - usage is up 37% over last year..
  
  
• Our rainwater harvesting system at Media Village has helped us save water in London and we’re installing a similar system in our new site at Roath Lock in Cardiff.

Environment targets

Since 2008 we have been working towards targets to reduce our environmental impacts, and this remains a strong focus of our work. These targets for improving environmental performance over the next five years (to be met by year end 2012/13) aim to ensure that we reduce our consumption and emissions from buildings.

Energy

20% reduction in energy consumed per person (kWh)

Transport

20% reduction in CO₂ emissions per person (tonnes)

Water

25% reduction in water used per person (m³)

Waste

25% reduction in waste per person and to recycle 75% of waste (kg)

Read the Update on Sustainability publication to see how we've performed against these targets so far.