BBC’s first Climate Transition Plan targets ‘low-carbon future’

The BBC has announced its first-ever Climate Transition Plan, setting out a clear roadmap for reaching Net Zero by 2050. This initiative forms a key part of the broadcaster’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable media industry and reducing its environmental impact.

Danielle Mulder, Director of Sustainability at the BBC, described the move as a “hugely important milestone” in the organisation’s sustainability journey, reinforcing its commitment to a low-carbon future.

Aligning goals to Science-Based Targets for accountability

The BBC’s efforts are underpinned by science-based targets, which is a key factor when it comes to ensuring accountability in planning and implementation. Earlier this year, the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved the BBC’s long-term commitment to reducing emissions by at least 90% by 2050. This builds on existing short-term goals, such as halving emissions by 2030.

To track its progress, the BBC has launched EARTH (Environmental Accounting Reporting Tracking Hub)—a carbon accounting platform that maps emissions across all divisions, cost centres, and even supply chains. This platform will empower different teams to take ownership of their emissions, identify areas for improvement, and collaborate with suppliers on targeted reduction strategies.

A look at the BBC’s next steps

The Climate Transition Plan aligns with the Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) Disclosure Framework and is built around three core areas: Ambition, Action, and Accountability. The plan highlights key measures, including:

• Optimising energy use by shifting to low-carbon solutions such as heat pumps and energy-efficient refrigeration systems in BBC offices.
• Reducing emissions in production by replacing diesel fuel with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for generators and trucks, as seen on the set of Blue Lights.
• Developing in-house sustainability expertise to ensure all teams, from content production to operations, are actively contributing to the BBC’s decarbonisation efforts.
• Engaging with industry-wide initiatives to help the broader media sector transition towards sustainability.

A comprehensive sustainability framework

Within the umbrella of strategy, an organisation’s Climate Transition Plan should be seen as a piece of the pie that makes up an organisation’s larger sustainability framework. The BBC’s transition plan is part of its broader Sustainability Strategy, which focuses on three key pillars:

• Net Zero: A commitment to eliminating emissions across all business areas.
• Nature Positive: Protecting biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts.
• People Positive: Promoting sustainability awareness and engagement within the organisation and beyond.

How can my organisation get started with a Climate Transition Plan?

For organisations looking to develop their own Climate Transition Plan, some key steps include:

1. Assessing your carbon footprint – Identify emissions across all business areas, including supply chains.
2. Setting science-based targets – Establish clear short-term and long-term sustainability goals.
3. Developing a roadmap – Outline actions to reduce emissions, optimise energy use, and integrate sustainability into operations.
4. Regularly review and update – Adapt to new regulations, technologies, and business expectations.

If your organisation is seeking support or has further questions on Climate Transition Plans, get in touch with our Compliance and Net Zero Team for a no-obligations chat.