The media technology sector stands at a pivotal point, with sustainability evolving from a peripheral concern into a strategic business priority. Spurred on by a convergence of global regulations, shifting stakeholder expectations, and rapid technological advancements, companies across Europe and North America are rethinking their environmental impact and long-term resilience.
While environmental responsibility is a driving force, many media tech organisations are initially approaching sustainability through the lens of cost savings, especially by improving energy efficiency. High-performance computing, data centres, and production infrastructure consume significant power, and optimising energy use delivers immediate benefits: lower emissions, reduced operational costs, and faster ROI. These early wins help build internal momentum. Once companies see the savings, the shift to broader sustainability, through circular product design, emissions reporting, or responsible procurement, becomes a far more attainable next step.
Regulatory landscape: Europe and the UK
The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), adopted in late 2022, originally introduced sweeping requirements to increase corporate transparency around sustainability impacts. Under the initial scope, the CSRD would have applied to approximately 50,000 companies across the EU and beyond, including large listed and non-listed companies, many non-EU companies with significant operations in Europe, and even small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that were publicly listed. Companies were required to report extensively on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters using the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), with disclosures tied to double materiality, both how sustainability issues affect the company and how the company impacts society and the environment. The first wave of reports was set to begin for financial years starting in 2024, with subsequent years expanding the scale of corporate sustainability reporting across the European market.
As the CSRD implementation approached, however, concerns mounted over the administrative burden it placed on businesses, especially smaller companies. Policymakers recognised that the original timeline and breadth of the directive risked creating compliance bottlenecks and competitive disadvantages for European companies. To address these challenges, the European Commission introduced the Omnibus legislation in early 2025, aiming to “stop the clock” for smaller and non-complex companies. By extending deadlines, raising reporting thresholds, and allowing voluntary opt-ins for listed SMEs, the EU sought to maintain its leadership in sustainable finance while ensuring a more manageable and phased rollout for businesses. As a result, most media tech companies will see a reprieve in reporting deadlines, in order to help them prepare.
The United Kingdom has established a robust framework for corporate sustainability reporting, focusing on transparency and climate risk management. Since April 2022, over 1,300 of the UK’s largest companies and financial institutions have been mandated to disclose climate-related financial information in alignment with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations. This includes publicly traded companies and private companies with more than 500 employees and £500 million in turnover.
In addition, the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations require large UK companies to report on their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. This applies to public companies and large private companies meeting specific financial and employee thresholds.
North American developments: California and beyond
In March 2024, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted a rule requiring publicly traded companies to disclose climate-related risks and greenhouse gas emissions. However, in April 2024, the SEC issued a voluntary stay on the rule’s implementation pending judicial review due to legal challenges. In March 2025, the SEC voted to cease defending the rule in court, effectively halting its enforcement. Despite this, the rule technically remains in effect, though its future is uncertain. Companies are advised to monitor developments and consider aligning with other climate disclosure frameworks, such as California’s SB 253 (see below) and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
California continues to lead the United States in advancing climate-related disclosure regulations. In September 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law two groundbreaking laws—SB 253 and SB 261—which require large companies doing business in California to report on their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks. These laws are the most ambitious climate disclosure mandates in the US, affecting thousands of large companies regardless of whether they are headquartered in California. Their requirements parallel many aspects of the EU’s CSRD and are seen as a domestic alternative amid uncertainty surrounding federal SEC rules.
In March 2025, both laws were amended to extend the timeline for finalising details as well as delaying the reporting of Scope 3 emissions. Additionally, businesses are now allowed to submit consolidated reports at the parent company level, easing the compliance burden for multinationals. Like the CSRD Omnibus, this change gives companies more time to collect and verify complex emissions data.
Canada advanced its sustainability agenda with the introduction of the Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS) in December 2024. These standards align with international frameworks and aim to enhance transparency in sustainability reporting.
The regulatory landscape, while more defined than in previous years, remains fragmented. From the EU’s tightening of ESG disclosures to California’s pioneering state laws and Canada’s voluntary frameworks, media tech companies operating across borders must manage compliance across a mosaic of standards, requiring strategic alignment and agile reporting systems.
Media tech leading by example
Irdeto, a leader in digital platform security, has embedded sustainability into its core operations through its Sustainability@Irdeto programme. The company’s initiatives include integrating ESG principles into all programmes and policies, focusing on protecting the planet, empowering communities, and adhering to international sustainability standards.
EVS has been recognised with the MTSS Excellence in Sustainability Honours and other awards for its leadership in ESG practices. The company’s sustainability strategy centres on reducing emissions from product use, which account for over 60 per cent of its carbon footprint. With commitments aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative, a DPP Commitment to Sustainability badge, and a Silver EcoVadis rating, EVS continues to integrate eco-design and responsible governance into the heart of its media technology solutions.
Finland-based Genelec has long been a sustainability frontrunner in the media tech sector, embedding environmental responsibility into every aspect of its product design and operations. Known for its energy-efficient loudspeakers and durable enclosures made from recycled aluminum, Genelec manufactures all products at its ISO-certified factory powered by 100 per cent renewable energy. The company’s commitment to longevity, serviceability, and circular design has earned it global recognition, and consistent praise across the pro audio community for setting a high bar in sustainable manufacturing.
MetaBroadcast, an emerging ESG leader in the media tech sector, is taking early but impactful steps toward sustainability. The company has begun integrating environmental considerations into product development and internal operations, focusing on energy-efficient software architecture and cloud optimisation. Socially, MetaBroadcast fosters an inclusive culture, emphasising mental health, flexible working, and equitable hiring practices. Governance efforts include transparency in decision-making and a growing commitment to ethical business practices. As a small, agile team, MetaBroadcast is well-positioned to innovate responsibly, setting the foundation for a purpose-driven approach to growth and ESG leadership in the evolving media technology landscape.
MTSS Excellence in Sustainability Honours
The Media Tech Sustainability Series (MTSS) presented the Excellence in Sustainability Honours at the 2025 NAB Show, celebrating organisations and individuals leading the way in ESG practices. Awards were given in three categories: Top ESG Company Award, ESG Leader Award, and ESG Person to Watch Award. These honours highlight the industry’s commitment to sustainability and recognise those making significant impacts in the media tech sector.
On June 17, the third annual MTSS Summit will be presenting the latest in sustainability and ESG initiatives within the media tech sector.
As the media technology industry navigates this evolving regulatory and market landscape, sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it is a strategic imperative. Organisations that embrace sustainable innovation, invest in responsible technologies as well as social responsibilities while they report transparently will be best positioned to thrive. The road ahead requires coordination, creativity, and commitment—but it also offers an unprecedented opportunity to align industry growth with global climate goals.
