The BBC is to begin tracking the carbon footprint of a significant proportion of its TV programming from April this year as part of a wider sustainability plan to reduce its environmental impact.
From April 3, the broadcaster will use the Albert carbon calculator for TV production across its factual, comedy, drama, entertainment and daytime shows to identify their footprint.
The scheme was devised by the BBC and is now managed by the BAFTA Albert Consortium. Calculating an Albert footprint helps to identify where carbon hot spots are in the production process, informing best practice on how to reduce environmental impacts
Completion of a footprint is already the standard for the majority of BBC productions, made by both BBC Studios and independent production companies. The decision to make the scheme mandatory has been backed by BBC director of content Charlotte Moore, who said: ““The BBC is an industry leader in sustainable television production, and the Albert scheme has played a large part in that.
“Making the calculator mandatory is a practical way to help production teams reduce their impact on the environment and to embed sustainable production values in all our shows.”
The move has also been supported by PACT, the trade association representing the commercial interests of UK independent television and media companies.
Max Rumney, deputy chief executive of the association, said: “PACT members understand the importance of transitioning their productions to environmental sustainability and welcome the BBC’s commitment to this goal by making the use of the Albert production calculator mandatory”.
A number of BBC programmes have already reduced their carbon footprint, such as Dragon’s Den which purposely uses low energy lighting, small office space and cool temperatures during filming.