RTÉ is committed to the highest level of energy reduction and sustainability, both in the management of existing infrastructure and the development of new infrastructure. These plans have been informed by the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2009 – 2020, which demands that the public sector be seen to “lead by example through strong committed action.”
WATCH our Green Broadcaster story here.
RTÉ recently became the first broadcaster in Ireland and UK to achieve ISO 50001 standard.
The ISO 50001 standard was developed to support organisations committed to efficient energy management to address their impact, conserve resources and achieve cost and emissions reductions.
RTÉ, by increasing energy efficiency by 51.8%, has exceeded the targets set for the public sector in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) – to reduce increase energy efficiency by 33% by 2020.
The following factors have been central to RTÉ’s successes in energy management:
- Energy metering and monitoring to identify areas for energy improvement.
- Building Management System development to ensure efficient system operations & scheduling.
- Extensive use of renewals, including LED lighting, high efficiency heating and cooling systems.
- Investment in energy projects, such as photovoltaic solar panel roof projects on RTÉ’s Donnybrook campus.
- To date this photovoltaic solar panel system has generated 81 MWh of renewable electricity – the equivalent of powering the production lighting and air conditioning requirements of 58 Late Late Shows.
In order to drive continual improvements in environmental performance, RTÉ has established a Green Broadcaster Advisory Group – a configuration of colleagues and external agencies (such as the EPA and SEAI) and external partners (such as Screen Producers Ireland). This helps to plan to the highest standards possible, and leverage external support or ratification where appropriate. Areas of focus include; waste management/prevention; energy consumption and carbon reduction, water conservation, biodiversity and pollution prevention
RTÉ has also taken a leadership role in collaborating with relevant external stakeholders and peer broadcasters (such as TG4 and Virgin Media) to adopt the standards of Project Albert. Originally in operation in the UK, Albert is a collaborative BAFTA, independent production and broadcaster backed bespoke project that provides the film and TV industries with the necessary expertise and opportunities to take action on environmental sustainability. The project aim is to ensure screen content is made in a way that benefits individuals, industry organisations and the planet. Its core objectives are
- to reduce the environmental impact of the production process;
- to enable industry organisations to realise the environmental aspect of their stated vision and its implication for audience engagement.
RTÉ anticipates that we will make significant progress in the rollout of Albert within the organisation, and collectively within the broadcasting sector this year.