Immediate has released its third annual climate impact report, outlining the company’s progress in reducing its environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices within the media industry.
The report highlights Immediate’s commitment to net zero by 2045, with a target of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030. Between 2022-2023, Immediate says it has made significant strides in reducing its carbon output. Immediate’s latest report reveals the company has reduced emissions across its operations by 6% over the last 12 months, as it embeds a culture of sustainability across the business. The publisher outlines that there have been improvements in several key areas:
Print publications
Immediate says it recorded a 9% reduction in print intensity emissions. This was driven by a 12% reduction in magazines printed, alongside a reduction in paper tonnage and increased energy efficiencies at their printers. Meanwhile transport and distribution emissions were reduced by 13% by moving Radio Times to a printer with on-site mailing capabilities.
Energy consumption
Immediate says optimising energy usage in its offices and production facilities, has helped the company reduce its energy-related emissions. All its offices are now powered by 100% renewable energy backed by REGO certificates (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin).
Supply chain
Immediate says it has worked with its suppliers to identify and implement more sustainable practices, reducing its carbon footprint associated with procurement. The company states that it is on course to meet its 30% reduction goal by 2030 and to achieve this ambitious target, and has implemented a range of initiatives.
Strengthening internal tools and processes
Immediate says it has developed robust governance structures and policies to guide its sustainability efforts. Over the past year the company says it has strengthened and widened its carbon data collection to include more of its Scope 3 emissions. This involves working with its suppliers to gather more accurate data and use fewer assumptions.
Developing industry partnerships
The company says it has been a founding signatory of the PPA Action Net Zero Pathway, working with other publishers to accelerate change.
Promoting sustainable content
Immediate says it is committed to using its platforms to inspire audiences to live sustainable lives, with a focus on training staff in climate literacy and embedding a culture of sustainability across the business. Immediate hosts an annual all-company Climate Action Day bringing all its people together from across the business to learn, reflect, and take action on sustainability as well as a regular programme of workshops across the year.
In addition, Immediate’s titles feature sustainability related content: Radio Times, the UK’s number one entertainment brand, welcomed Chris Packham as guest editor to mark World Earth Day, whilst BBC Gardeners’ World and Good Food have promoted more sustainable habits in the kitchen and garden.
Michelle Whitehead, Immediate’s head of sustainability, says: “Our commitment to sustainability is not just a business strategy, it’s a key consideration for everything we do. Our latest report demonstrates the progress we’ve made in reducing our environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices within our industry.”
“We’re in a privileged position to be able to use the power of our brands to support our audiences to live sustainable, healthy, and happy lives. We want to help our audiences understand the need for climate action, how its relevant to all our lives and how we can all be part of the solution. We aim to bring attention to critical issues, normalise sustainable choices and share uplifting narratives of positive change.
She continues: “We’ve always been focused on sustainability but at the start of 2024 we supercharged our efforts. We launched the Good Food Planet Friendlier brand to signpost sustainable content. And in May, Good Food became the first food publication to list carbon calories alongside more common nutritional data. We’re also focused on our people, supporting climate literacy and embedding a culture of sustainability across the business.”
