TV broadcasters are uniting around a methodological framework published in a white paper by the Ecoprod association to better manage the decarbonization of the sector.
Ecoprod’s member broadcasters have joined forces to create a methodological framework for factoring the carbon footprints of audiovisual program production into their group carbon footprints. This collaborative approach, unprecedented in the sector, illustrates a strong desire to pool efforts and build a coherent, transparent and comparable approach between players.
This framework, result of consultation between the CSR managers of ARTE, CANAL+, France Télévisions, M6 and TF1, and validated by the members of the “Ecoprod Diffuseurs” working group, Bein Sports, TV Monaco, Mediawan and NRJ Group, responds to a shared need: to have a harmonized, clear, and operational methodology to better assess, manage, and reduce the environmental impact of the content that broadcasters produce or co-produce, in line with their CSR and climate commitments.
In a regulatory and societal context where the expectations of public authorities, investors, and the public are growing, this framework constitutes a strategic lever to support the ecological transformation of the audiovisual sector. The publication of this white paper thus responds to a major challenge: harmonizing methods to enable a common language, improving the transparency and reliability of broadcasters’ carbon footprints, and encouraging all stakeholders to take concrete steps toward decarbonization.
Voluntarily applied, this framework marks a structuring step in the construction of a common language around climate issues in the audiovisual sector, and a harmonization of practices. It is voluntarily limited to carbon emissions generated by the production phase of audiovisual content. It does not cover the impact of broadcasting, viewing by audiences, or the internal operations of media companies.
“This work of analysis and consultation was essential. It’s essential to be able to exchange ideas constructively with other broadcasters, as we do within Ecoprod,” emphasizes Marine Schenfele, CSR Director at Canal+ Europe and CEO of the Canal+ Foundation.
The framework is structured around three main areas:
- What: what activities and perimeters need to be taken into account to establish the carbon footprint of audiovisual and film production?
- Who, when: who is responsible for accounting for the carbon emissions generated by program production, and when should they be included in the broadcaster’s carbon footprint?
- How: what methods should be used to quantify these emissions (real, monetary, modelled) and ensure consistency between the various balances?
This work is a continuation of the actions carried out by Ecoprod, a pioneer in eco-production in France, and extends the momentum initiated with Carbon’Clap, its free carbon calculator, approved by the CNC and the Union des Marques, dedicated to audiovisual, film, and advertising productions. With this framework, Ecoprod is continuing its mission to provide a tool for the entire industry to accelerate the ecological transition and strengthen consistency between the different links in the value chain.
“At a time when the accounting and reduction of carbon emissions is becoming a strategic issue for the audiovisual sector , in line with the national low-carbon strategy, this collective work outlines a concrete path for broadcasters committed to the ecological transformation of their value chain. Ecoprod enables us to engage in this constructive dialogue,” says Birgit Gabriel, CSR coordinator at ARTE Strasbourg.
