Sky commits to become net zero carbon by 2030

Sky has today announced plans to go net zero carbon by 2030 by cutting the emissions created from the use of its products, its suppliers across the world and by its business.

Sky will become net zero carbon by:

• making all of its tech products more energy efficient
• developing the world’s most sustainable film and TV studios
• making every Sky original production, TV channel, show and film net zero carbon
• transforming its 5,000 vehicles to create a zero emissions fleet
• helping the 11,000 companies that work with Sky, whether they’re making Sky boxes or producing the next hit TV series, on their path to net zero carbon
• And by planting trees, mangroves and seagrass to absorb the carbon it can’t cut… yet.

Sky will seek validation of its targets from the SBTi (Science-Based Target Initiative) and will publicly report its carbon footprint.

Jeremy Darroch, Group Chief Executive, Sky, said: “We are entering a critical decade on the long road to climate recovery, and all businesses have the opportunity to accelerate progress and become part of the solution.

“Every business depends on and is fundamentally connected to the environment, and we have a responsibility to protect it. We need to take action now – because the world can’t wait.

“We’re on the journey, and we want to bring everyone with us. Sky Zero will transform our business, advocate for change and inspire our 24 million customers to go zero.”

Transforming its business

Sky’s plans are aligned with limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C, showing its commitment to supporting the United Nations Global Compact's Business Ambition for 1.5°C.

Sky has been a carbon neutral company from its direct emissions since 2006 and it was the first media company to make that step. It is now starting the next phase of its journey, taking it further and reaching net zero carbon across its entire value chain by 2030.

Sky’s value chain includes the emissions from direct business operations, but also those from 11,000 suppliers and the use of Sky products in the homes of millions of customers.

Sky is also switching its entire fleet of 5,000 vehicles to zero emissions, making products like Sky Q even more efficient and ensuring its new studios, Sky Studios Elstree, are the most sustainable production facilities in the world, with all Sky original productions net zero carbon as well.

Inspiring others to #GoZero

Sky will also use its channels and programming to encourage others to #GoZero, spreading the word to millions of people every day.

Sky has been campaigning for the environment for more than a decade, from Rainforest Rescue to Sky Ocean Rescue, and its channels – like Sky News, Sky Documentaries (launching Spring 2020) and Sky Nature (launching Spring 2020) – will inform audiences and explain how they can start the journey and #GoZero.

Sky Ocean Rescue will continue to champion ocean health with WWF, and rally people to #BeAnOceanHero by pledging to help save our oceans. And Sky’s £25million impact investment fund Sky Ocean Ventures will continue to support innovations stopping the flow of plastic into the sea.

Andrea Leadsom, Secretary of State for Business and Energy: “This Government is committed to both tackling climate change and to making the UK the best place in the world to grow a business. An ambitious commitment like this one from Sky shows these can be done at the same time, and I am sure many other businesses will follow suit.”

Tanya Steele, WWF Chief Executive, said: “Sky’s net zero pledge is ambitious and hugely welcome as it stretches across its supply chain and will reach millions of its customers. Only a handful of UK businesses are showing the leadership that is needed to help tackle the climate crisis in this way, despite the devastating toll that climate change is taking on our planet. We hope that Sky’s pledge will inspire and support customers and communities to live a lower-carbon lifestyle so the impact will be felt throughout the country.

“We are running out of time to act. More companies urgently need to follow Sky’s lead and commit to a science-based target limiting global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C. The Government must deliver the policies that businesses need to cut their carbon and minimise their impact on nature, not just within their organisations but throughout all their business activities including the products and services they offer to customers.”

Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba, UN Special Envoy for the 2019 Climate Action Summit, said: “We need concrete, realistic plans by 2020 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% over the next decade, and to net zero by 2050.

“Climate change requires an unprecedented effort from all sectors of society and business leadership demonstrated by setting science-based targets at 1.5°C will send strong market signals as we look to identify the scalable and replicable solutions needed to secure a world where no one is left behind.”

Contact

Sian Parry - Senior Corporate Campaigns Manager, Sky
Sian.Parry@sky.uk / 07585242821

About Sky

With 24million customers across seven countries, Sky is Europe’s leading media and entertainment company and is proud to be part of the Comcast group. Our 32,000 employees help connect our customers with the very best of Sports, News, the arts and to our own local, original content.

Following the success of Sky originals like Chernobyl, we plan to double our investment in original content by 2024 and we unveiled our plans to build Sky Studios Elstree, which is expected to lead to the creation of over 2,000 new jobs and generate an additional £3bn production investment in UK creative sector in the first five years alone.

Our technology allows customers to watch what they want, when they want, how they want, and as we connect millions of families to content they love, it is our responsibility to do it safely – that’s why we offer services like Sky Broadband Buddy and the Sky Kids app. And our online streaming service, NOW TV, brings viewers all the enjoyment of Sky with the flexibility of a contract-free service.

We also believe that a company of our scale has a responsibility that goes beyond our business, and into the community. We’re committed to being Europe’s first net zero carbon media and entertainment company by 2030 – two decades before we have to – and we’re a proud employer recognised by The Times and Stonewall for our approach to inclusivity.