SBS takes new green push, appoints first-ever head of sustainability
While sustainability remains top of mind for consumers, SBS has had it as a core strategic focus the past year, and has now appointed its first-ever head of sustainability, Mumbrella can reveal.
SBS’ Abigail Thomas, who has been at SBS for close to seven years, has been appointed to the new role.
Thomas
Thomas has led the development of the broadcaster’s long-term sustainability strategies, sustainability implementation, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework.
SBS’ new ESG framework was developed based on a comprehensive materiality assessment, designed to elevate key positive impact areas.
Her appointment is part of a wider business initiative to improve its sustainability practices, which, given the energy consumption of TV networks, is becoming more important.
“I’m very pleased to see Abigail appointed to this position,” SBS chief financial officer, Nitsa Niarchos, told Mumbrella.
“She has been a driving force in elevating ESG and sustainability as an important strategic focus within the business.
“We are now into the third year of measuring our carbon emissions and Abigail, along with wider parts of the finance team, have been working on evolving our ESG framework as we look to reduce our environmental footprint.
“We are acutely aware that there is an important role for a business like SBS – at the intersection of public and commercial media – to proactively demonstrate how media companies can be proactive in addressing the challenges in this space.”
SBS plans to now look to reduce its carbon footprint towards Net Zero, through energy efficiencies, purchase of renewable energy, rigorous focus on supply chain vendors, and industry-wide partnerships.
Thomas takes on the role in addition to her existing product strategy responsibilities.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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