The BBC has revealed its Net Zero targets have been verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with the broadcaster expected to be Net Zero by 2025.
The Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling organisations to set emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. Its goal is to accelerate companies across the world to support the global economy to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve Net Zero before 2050.
The BBC’s new targets build on its existing aim to halve emissions by 2023, and reduce all emissions by at least 90 per cent by 2050.
The SBTi standard requires a 90 per cent reduction in emissions with no more than 10 per cent offset by 2050, favouring emissions reductions rather than offsetting to achieve true Net Zero, said the broadcaster.
Following approval by the SBTi, the BBC has set both Near and Long-Term Target:
- Near-Term Targets: The BBC had committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 46.2 per cent by FY2030/31 from a FY2019/20 base year. It also plans to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 28 per cent within the same timeframe.
- Long-Term Targets: The BBC is aiming to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 90 per cent by FY2050/51 from FY2019/20 base year.
The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks, it added.
Danielle Mulder, BBC group director of sustainability said: “Our Near-Term Targets paved the way to setting Long-Term Targets to achieve true Net Zero by 2050.
“Adoption of the Long-Term Targets within the industry standard provides a credible approach that is underpinned by scientific rigour. Our approach to Net Zero is also fully aligned to our impact on biodiversity and nature positive plans.”
