SBS, Australia’s most diverse broadcaster, is now also Australia’s first 100% renewable media organisation thanks to a deal struck with ZEN Energy.
ZEN Energy will supply SBS’s New South Wales and Victoria-based operations with 100% renewable energy over the next 10 years with Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) uniquely paired with the 226.8MW Collector Wind Farm in NSW.
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SBS is the first Australian media organisation to switch to 100% renewable energy in FY23. This commitment will now be achieved over the long term through the 10-year agreement with ZEN.
SBS has set the most ambitious target of any Australian media outlet, to reach net zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2045. SBS has also partnered with Scope3 to measure emissions from advertising technology, affording advertising clients greater transparency of carbon emissions from their advertising campaigns.
ZEN was Australia’s first energy company to commit to the global Science-based Targets initiative for corporate action on climate change. SBS has also applied to have its net zero targets validated by the initiative.
RATCH-Australia’s Collector Wind Farm commenced full operations in 2021 and consists of 54 turbines collectively producing 528GWh each year, capable of powering 80,000 NSW homes and saving close to 320,000 tonnes of CO2 emission each year. The wind farm project has also involved an industry-leading community benefit sharing scheme.
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SBS head of sustainability Abigail Thomas said, “This 10-year agreement with ZEN Energy through wind power ensures that SBS’s commitment to carbon reduction is not just a short-term initiative but a long-term strategy.
“By securing a decade of 100% renewable energy, we are taking significant steps towards our net zero targets and demonstrating our dedication to sustainability efforts and innovation in Australia’s media sector.”
