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MUMBAI:
US merdia conglomerate NBC Universal has launched the Get
On Board initiative.
This
is a company wide programme to improve the environmental impact
of its operations by reducing greenhouse gases, raising awareness
about green issues, and stimulating change in the media and
entertainment industry.
The
campaign is part of NBCU's parent company General Electric’s
'ecomagination' initiative. It is also a significant corporate
extension of the “Get On Board” campaign launched
last month by Universal Pictures and the Conservation Fund
in conjunction with this summer’s debut of Evan Almighty,
NBC Universal’s first movie to “zero out” its
carbon emissions.
Highlights
of 'Get On Board' include:
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Lower emissions and improved energy efficiency across all
operations by reducing GHG emissions at least three per cent
by 2012
-
Commitment to environmentally conscious film and TV production
-
Formation of a dedicated panel on environmental initiatives,
the NBCU Green Council, led by Bravo president Lauren Zalaznick
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Incentives for local communities to “go green” and
multifaceted employee education program
With
the launch of “Get On Board,” NBC Universal says
that it is committed to being one of the most environmentally
conscious companies in the industry, with environmentally
advanced productions, content that educates and informs, internal
energy efficiency, and green incentives for employees and
their communities.
The
company’s efforts will be guided by the NBCU Green Council,
made up of senior executives from across NBCU’s businesses
and led by Zalaznick. The Green Council will meet regularly
to assess and monitor progress and set new objectives.
NBCU
intends to continually review best practices on environmental
issues and to make advances available to other companies and
the general public to help reduce the overall environmental
impact of businesses across all sectors.
NBC
Universal president and CEO Jef Zucker says, “Now is
the time for us not just to think green but to act green.
We must run our businesses in a way that respects and protects
our most valuable resource, the environment. This comprehensive
program is a first series of steps that we hope will set a
new course for the entire industry.”
The
multifaceted programme will involve three broad areas: production
and content, theme parks and operations, and employees and
communities.
Production and Content :NBC Universal has made a commitment
to “go green” for its film and television productions.
Its carbon-neutral production efforts involve reducing emissions,
purchasing carbon emission offsets, and using hybrid or electric
production vehicles whenever possible.
In addition, the company is committed to supporting extensive
recycling programs and to maximizing the use of nontoxic cleaning
products and low-emission paints, sealants and lacquers.
This
follows the production of Evan Almighty, NBCU’s
first effort to significantly reduce the environmental impact
of a major motion picture. The film’s carbon output was
offset through a donation to the Conservation Fund, which
planted more than 2,000 trees to “zero out” the
carbon emissions generated by the production of the movie;
all the landscaping, lumber, windows and other reusable materials
were donated to Habitat for Humanity; crew members were given
bicycles to reduce car usage; recycled paper, plastic, aluminum,
and glass were used on set; and after production was completed,
trees were planted near the site of the ark in Crozet, Virginia.
Additionally,
iVillage will launch an “iGo Green” web channel
on its site, designed to show women across the country just
how easy it is to go green (see separate press release). From
organic food to recycled fashion to eco-friendly home décor,
iGo Green will offer female-focused editorial, quick and simple
ideas, tools and other features around living the green life.
Content
designed to raise environmental awareness using platforms
of NBCU includes:
NBC
News has appointed Anne Thompson as Chief Environmental Affairs
correspondent, covering issues such as alternative fuels,
global warming, land usage and new technologies for all NBC
News broadcasts including "NBC Nightly News with Brian
Williams" and "Today," as well as on MSNBC
and online at www.msnbc.com.
All
DVDs distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment and
Universal Pictures International Entertainment will carry
messaging about going green. In addition, USHE has adopted
the use of several groundbreaking environmentally conscious
packaging and display products.
A
“Live Earth” concert will be broadcast across NBC
Universal’s television networks and on other platforms
around the globe on 7 July 2007, featuring performances by
the world’s top musicians and inspiring individuals,
corporations, and governments to take action to solve the
climate crisis.
NBC
Olympics will participate in all green initiatives put forth
by the Olympics Organizing Committee. Get
On Board also has employee and community outreach components
that will include a dedicated internal website to teach employees
how to go green, along with green stories in NBCU’s employee
newsletter, feature stories on employees who make going green
part of their lives, and an idea box to solicit employee input
on how NBCU can be greener.
The
company also offers discounts on energy-efficient appliances
such as those in GE’s “Energy Star” line. In
addition, funding from the NBC Universal Foundation has been
set aside to support local environmental initiatives in communities
where NBCU employees live and work.
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