SBS has hit a major sustainability milestone, becoming the first Australian broadcaster to have its carbon reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a leading authority that assesses corporate targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring alignment with climate science and the Paris Agreement.

SBS's targets include a 42% reduction in emissions from the fiscal year 2022 base year by 2030, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Additionally, the broadcaster aims to achieve Net Zero by 2045. This makes SBS the first media organisation in Australia to have such targets validated by the SBTi.

Managing Director of SBS, James Taylor, said: "We are immensely proud that our near-term and Net Zero target has been validated by the SBTi. As I have said before, this is an area SBS can and should lead in. We are an organisation that sits at the intersection of both public and commercial media and our commitment to more sustainable practices helps pave a way for others in the industry."

The broadcaster was also the first media organisation to utilise the albert Toolkit from Sustainable Screens Australia for carbon measurement and reduction in production. This toolkit is designed to help media companies measure and reduce their carbon footprint during production processes.

In 2023, SBS outlined a pathway towards Net Zero for all emissions, including direct emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and supplier emissions (Scope 3). This comprehensive approach reflects the broadcaster's commitment to sustainability across its entire value chain.

Interim Chief Executive Officer of the SBTi, Susan Jenny Ehr, said: "Climate science is clear: rapid and deep emissions cuts are essential if we are to achieve global Net Zero. Today, the Special Broadcasting Service steps up, joining the growing list of companies cutting emissions across their entire value chain in line with science, and actively contributing to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius."

SBS has also entered into a 10-year renewable energy power purchase agreement, positioning itself as Australia's first 100% renewable media organisation. This agreement underscores the broadcaster's commitment to renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint.

SBS Head of Sustainability, Abigail Thomas, said: "We are very pleased that SBTi, the leading global organisation in this space, has validated our modelling and confirmed that it is in line with the latest science. We have already taken substantial steps to reduce our carbon footprint – however the work on achieving Net Zero continues and will be a strategic priority for many years to come as we work towards our 2045 target."

In addition to its carbon reduction efforts, SBS Media has launched a Sustainability Challenge. This initiative offers $500,000 in advertising inventory for sustainable TV creative ideas, encouraging innovation and sustainable practices in the media industry.