Carbon footprint and broadcasting
Posted on 04. Aug, 2009 by Grace in Carbon Footprint
As our awareness of the phenomenon of global warming increases, our awareness also rises of the different factors that contribute adversely to the increase of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
The level of carbon dioxide emissions created, due to individual, domestic, corporate or industrial activities over regular periods of time, is what is referred to as a carbon footprint.
A steady increase in carbon dioxide emissions and the predicted rise of global warming have led many people to reduce their carbon footprints, by shifting into ecologically-sustainable and environmentally-friendly lifestyles. Certain business companies and industries have undertaken steps that would help reduce levels of carbon dioxide emissions, such as by funding new large tree plantations which will help absorb the same relative amount of carbon dioxide, or by making modifications in existing corporate or industrial operations, such as energy use, power consumption and air conditioning.
With the strong connection between carbon footprint and broadcasting, the necessary shifts in the operational methods of corporate and industrial sectors have also been made in the broadcasting industry.
For example, in order to have a lower carbon footprint, broadcasting companies, including television, radio, and publication companies, undertake efforts to reduce energy consumption in their stores, offices, and television and radio stations, by simply turning off office equipment and appliances when not in use, or through sophisticated "green policies." This includes using vehicles that run on alternative energy sources, such as biofuels, and establishing working groups to study the different options on energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction.
One of the major contributors to a high carbon footprint is that a broadcasting company usually requires huge power consumption. As a result, the efforts of broadcasting companies to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions begin with policies to cut energy costs and strike a balance between a reduced carbon footprint, and reduced broadcasting operation costs. This includes factors such as daily office activities, production vans and transmitter towers, and overall electrical requirements.
One example is the installation of passive infrared sensors that automatically turn on lights in occupied rooms, and turn them off when the rooms are empty.
With the objective of further reducing their carbon footprint, the broadcasting industry has started on the conversion of incandescent tower lighting systems into systems of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This change contributes to about 75% reduction in power consumption, and also reduces the need to replace light bulbs due to the higher life span of LED lights.
While this is but a small contribution in our overall efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, broadcasting companies nevertheless believe that in the long run, it will result in a sustainable and progressive reduction.
In alignment with their plans to sustain a long-term reduction of their carbon footprint, broadcasting companies are exploring sources of renewable energy, such as hydroelectric and wind energy, as well as a more comprehensive approach toward sustainable ecological conservation.