On June 5, Sweden will host World Environment Day – a reminder that we are all caretakers of this beautiful planet we call home. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the annual event is the largest global platform for environmental outreach, with millions of people from across the world engaging to help protect the environment.

In our commitment to the wise use of the Earth’s resources, NEP launched Project Earth and created a global team of “environmental ambassadors” across the NEP Worldwide Network to implement green initiatives in all NEP divisions. The NEP UK team is one of our businesses helping to lead the way through its commitment to sustainability. To reduce CO2 emissions and move toward carbon net zero/carbon neutrality, NEP UK switched its fleet of OB trucks to be powered by recycled biofuel. By moving its fleet of trucks to using a sustainable renewable replacement for fossil diesel, NEP looks to reduce its greenhouse gases related to transport by 95% and improve local air quality by reducing tail pipe emissions by up to 85%.

Sustainability is essential in today's business climate

Sustainability is no longer just a “nice to have”—it is an essential part of the business and clients are holding us accountable, said Marie Ellis, Head of Marketing for NEP UK & Ireland. The UK ambassadors meet monthly to explore different sustainability initiatives across all businesses. These initiatives also focus on renewable energy, eliminating single use plastic, recycling, travel, and carbon offsetting. NEP UK President Steve Jenkins has championed the effort and has been working closely with the team, according to Ellis.

“A lot of people feel very passionately about it and are very keen to get involved,” she said.

In another effort to reduce carbon emissions, NEP Connect is providing the next generation of news gathering vehicles for UK broadcaster ITV. NEP Connect will supply ITV News with a world-class fleet of eco-friendly, plug-in hybrid vehicles equipped with interior electronic systems powered by battery, eliminating the need for a petrol or diesel generator. Fourteen of the 16 vehicles in the fleet are plug-in hybrids and will provide up to 35 miles of zero-emission driving.

The team is also focused on building remote workflows so people on site are connected to locations away from the event, such as the new London Production Centre. As a result, fewer people and less equipment will have to travel to the site, leaving a smaller carbon footprint. One example is the eSkootr Championship™ (eSC), which selected NEP as broadcast partner. NEP Group will help eSC deliver sustainable production through a combination of on-site and remote broadcast solutions, bringing a low environmental impact sporting experience.

In addition, NEP UK is a partner of Extreme E, a new concept in electric racing in remote corners of the world. Extreme E utilizes its platform to promote electrification, sustainability, and gender equality. The production was led by London headquartered Aurora Media Worldwide in collaboration with North One, who approached NEP’s team in the UK for a broadcast solution.​ NEP worked with Aurora to create a complete end-to-end, sustainable solution.

Learn more about NEP’s Project Earth sustainability goals.