• Science-based commitment: BBC aims to reduce emissions by 90% across all scopes by 2050, supported by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
• Operational transformation: The Transition Plan includes decarbonizing production, energy innovation, and workforce skill development.
• Industry leadership: BBC’s strategy aligns with the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) framework, influencing the broader media industry’s sustainability efforts.

The BBC has unveiled its first Climate Transition Plan, outlining its roadmap to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. This milestone reflects the Corporation’s dedication to building a sustainable organization and influencing the wider media sector.

Science-Based Goals

Earlier this year, the BBC’s long-term climate goals received validation from the globally respected Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The plan commits the organization to reduce all emissions—including direct (Scope 1 and 2) and indirect (Scope 3)—by at least 90% by 2050.

Danielle Mulder, Director of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of this step:
“This Transition Plan will support the BBC’s journey to Net Zero and is a hugely important milestone as we commit to a low-carbon future. Given the importance of climate change and biodiversity loss, we know our commitment to Net Zero matters to our staff, our suppliers, and our audiences.”

Transition Plan Highlights

The strategy, developed in alignment with the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) Disclosure Framework, focuses on three pillars:

1. Ambition: Reducing, optimizing, and innovating energy use with low-carbon solutions.
2. Action: Equipping staff across operations, editorial, and production with skills to embed sustainability.
3. Accountability: Updating the plan at least every three years and maintaining transparency through climate-related disclosures.

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Concrete actions already taken include:

• Transitioning to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in production trucks, replacing diesel fuel.
• Installing heat pumps to replace refrigeration chillers and gas-fired boilers in offices.
• Continuing to independently verify greenhouse gas emissions data to ensure accountability.

A Broader Vision

The BBC’s Net Zero target is part of its broader Sustainability Strategy, which includes two additional pillars—Nature Positive and People Positive. These initiatives aim to inform, educate, and entertain audiences while embedding environmental stewardship into its operations.

In October 2021, the BBC announced 2030 Near-Term Targets to halve emissions, with specific reductions for operational emissions (46%) and supply chain emissions (28%). The Transition Plan builds on this foundation, aiming for industry-leading decarbonization.

“We invite everyone we work with to get involved as we reduce our environmental impact,” Mulder added.

The BBC plans to regularly update its Transition Plan and maintain annual reporting through its existing climate disclosures and Annual Report. With this strategy, the Corporation seeks to lead by example, influencing industry practices and contributing to global sustainability goals.

Read BBC’s full climate transition plan here.

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