Greener Screens …

It’s over a year since RTÉ announced its ban on single-use plastics in our canteen facilities, but the focus on sustainability continues.

Earlier this month RTÉ donated the living trees from its stunning stage set at the All Together Now festival to the Curraghmore House Estate in Waterford.

And last week, RTÉ announced the first ever Youth Assembly as part of a forthcoming RTÉ On Climate season.

With all that in mind, we’re taking a look at some of the other sustainability initiatives launched by RTÉ.

The Campus is Buzzing.

RTÉ, in partnership with the all-Ireland Pollinator Plan, is contributing to a national programme to reverse pollinator decline in Ireland and restore healthy pollinator populations. Pollinators ultimately contribute to our economy, health and well-being. We’re reducing the frequency of mowing, and introducing wild pollinator nesting habitats, as well as ground nesting habitats for the common mining bee.

Solar, So Good.

RTÉ installed a solar panel system on the roof of one of its main Donnybrook campus buildings in 2015. The photovoltaic system, or solar power system, has generated 60 MWh of renewable electricity, equivalent to powering 43 The Late Late Shows. The system has offset the equivalent of 41.4 tons of carbon.

Down time.

Improving energy performance is key – this week a new system will place all RTÉ desktop monitors into shut-down mode after a five minute period of screensaver display. This reduces electricity consumption, increases the life cycle of monitors, and reduces cooling loads by limiting generated heat.

Getting real.

RTÉ recently formed a new sustainability division. Sustainability and Environment Services is headed up by Eileen Duggan, who has a distinguished record of furthering RTÉ’s achievements in sustainability. Eileen chairs RTÉ’s Green Broadcaster Advisory Group.

Did you know ..?

• In 2017, RTÉ was the Overall Winner in the Pakman Awards for Excellence in Sustainability
• RTÉ is one of the leading public bodies in meeting energy reduction targets as set by SEAI
• RTÉ has signed up to Business in The Community’s ‘Low Carbon Pledge’ (https://www.bitc.ie/publication-research/the-low-carbon-pledge/).
• RTÉ is a leader on Project Albert, a collaborative BAFTA, independent producer and broadcaster-backed project that aims to ensure screen content is made in a way that benefits the planet
• RTÉ is currently sending no waste to landfill; approximately 80% of our waste is being recycled, and the balance being recovered.