BBC trials electric broadcast vans; introduces biodegradable glitter for ‘Strictly...’
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BBC News is testing one of the world’s first electric broadcast vehicles, as well as introducing biodegradeable glitter to its entertainment shows, in a drive to become a more sustainable broadcasting company.
News-gathering operations teams are using the electric van for simple live outside broadcasts throughout London, such as from outside court cases, with the broadcasting corporation also purchasing 100 per cent renewable energy for all its major sites, a move the corporation says is substantially cutting its carbon emissions.
Internal targets have been set for 2022, including reducing its carbon emissions by 24 per cent, its energy use by 10 per cent and its waste by 10 per cent, as well as increasing total recycling by 75 per cent.
BBC’s director general Tony Hall said the measures would bring about a wide-ranging and coherent approach to environmental sustainability at the BBC.
He added: “From this, additional benefits will follow: reducing energy consumption saves money, which will enable us to spend more money on programmes and content.”
Focusing on changes across the UK and the world in tackling plastics pollution, its ‘Plastics Watch’ initiative show is influencing audiences, with 11 million people watching the launch video.
The organisation said that this new sustainability strategy aims to help audiences understand the contribution they can make, as well as taking responsibility for its own sustainable broadcasting and operations.
Hall said: “Blue Planet II and our new Plastics Watch initiative shows that, through our programmes and content, the BBC can be a force for social good.
“In time, we want our environmental impact to be positive, too. We want, above all, to be a model for sustainable broadcasting.”
As part of its sustainability efforts, the BBC has switched its preferred glitter to a 100 per cent biodegradable liquid glitter for its popular dance contest show, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Furthermore, the corporation has said that as well as making the change on glitter for theme weeks, ‘Strictly...’ is now 90 per cent single-use plastic free and is using biodegradable make-up wipes on its presenters, judges and contestants.
In news relating to plastic bottle waste, highlighted by the BBC, a new process has been developed which converts plastic bottle waste into aerogels, a valuable material used to insulate buildings, clean up oil spills and absorb carbon dioxide.
Regarding green vehicles, Prime Minister Theresa May said at the Zero Emission Vehicle Summit in Birmingham in September that she wants Britain to be a leader in green technology, announcing a £106m plan to push green vehicles.
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