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TG4 commits to sustainable practices with introduction of mandatory use of albert Carbon Calculator on all productions

Use of albert carbon calculator mandatory on all TG4 productions from January 2021

19.01.21

As part of TG4’s commitment to sustainable production practices and to achieving the targets of the Climate Action Plan, all productions commissioned by TG4 will be required to use the albert carbon calculator to monitor carbon footprint from January 2021. TG4 is the first Irish broadcaster to introduce this as a mandatory requirement.
 

The industry specific BAFTA albert carbon calculator was modified for use in Ireland in 2019 by the Screen Greening coalition formed by TG4, RTÉ, Virgin Media Television, Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, and the BAI.
 

It allows producers to gain a better understanding of their productions environmental impact and ultimately be certified as sustainable production. By inputting some basic information about locations, studios, crew, travel, accommodation, locations, materials, and post-production; the calculator reveals the extent of the carbon footprint on any given production. This awareness will then allow producers to attempt to reduce these emissions by implementing sustainable practices throughout their production, for example the elimination of single use plastic, smart waste management solutions and potential reductions in travel.
 

albert began in 2011 in the UK as a project at the BBC and was adopted by BAFTA early on. BBC, ITV, Channel4, UKTV, Sky and Netflix are required to register their carbon footprint using the tool. albert launched its updated carbon calculator and certification toolkit last week which will help productions to more accurately measure their carbon footprints and compare their production’s impact to the rest of the industry. Updated toolkits will also be rolled out to International partners in local languages. More information about albert can be found here: https://wearealbert.org
 

For productions who want to take their sustainability efforts further, they can choose to undertake albert Certification which awards productions for reducing their environmental impact with a logo for their end board credit.
 

Laura Ní Cheallaigh, Commissioning Editor TG4 welcomed the announcement today saying “We are excited to announce today that TG4 is making the Albert Carbon Calculator a key part of all our independent productions. As a publisher-broadcaster, it is through the production companies that work with us, that we can make a real and positive environmental impact. We hope that use of the tool will encourage and inspire green and sustainable practices across all our productions and help to create a more environmentally sustainable screen industry in Ireland.”
 

Neil Keaveney, Director of Technology for TG4 said, “TG4 is delighted by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the production companies in adopting sustainable production practices. This approach is fully in line with TG4’s own commitment to reducing its energy usage, carbon footprint and playing its part in achieving the targets set by the climate action plan.”