Creating a more sustainable society
STV Zero is an ambitious and wide-reaching sustainability strategy to become net zero carbon by 2030; and to encourage viewers, colleagues and partners to join in creating a more sustainable society, as together we tackle humanity’s greatest challenge.
STV Zero targets
Achievement of our headline commitment to be a net-zero carbon business by 2030 will be achieved through changes to current business processes, the adoption of new ways of working and behavioural change.
Our programme of activities and related targets to reduce the carbon impact of the business covers five key areas. These are demonstrated in the infographic below, and covered more widely in our STV Zero strategy.
“STV is in a perfect position as a broadcaster and programme maker to raise awareness of environmental issues and we recognise the crucial role we can play in helping to effect change. STV Zero is an ambitious strategy we hope will galvanise support from our colleagues, partners and audiences. The immense challenge presented by the global climate crisis requires us all to work together and do our bit to make a difference.”
Simon Pitts, Chief Executive
Progress and highlights
Connecting with viewers
In August 2023, STV hosted its first ever Sustainable Scotland week - a seven-day, cross-platform mission to raise awareness of how climate change is impacting Scotland’s communities and inspire viewers to live more sustainably. STV’s programming featured a sustainability focus, with hour-long special, Sean’s Scotland SOS - fronted by STV weatherman, Sean Batty leading the schedule. In addition to sustainability-focused programming and a series of special news reports, a series of special clips featured across the schedule, offering practical and actionable tips to make small, green lifestyle changes. STV reached 1.5m people during Sustainable Scotland week, with 72% more likely to make sustainable choices. The highlights of the week feature in the video above.
Find out more about Sustainable Scotland week. To watch the promo campaign, please visit the STV Zero page.
STV Green Fund
STV Green Fund offers £1m match-funded advertising support for Scottish businesses who provide or promote sustainable products and services.
Find out more about STV Green Fund.
Behind the scenes
Making, broadcasting and streaming shows sustainably is more important now than ever before. So we’re proud to say that STV is now a certified CarbonNeutral® company and we’ve partnered with project albert and Ad Net Zero to ensure all programming and commercials produced by STV and STV Studios achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
STV signs the Climate Content Pledge
At COP26, STV joined some of the UK’s largest media brands as a signatory of project albert's Climate Content Pledge to commit to using content to help audiences understand what tackling climate change might mean for them, as well as inspire and inform sustainable choices. The Climate Content Pledge, has led to more programmes which include ‘climate content’ now reaching audiences – and winning awards – across a wide range of genres including comedy, factual, drama, entertainment and events.
Find out more about the actions STV has taken as part of its commitment to the Climate Content Pledge.