Gravity Media Unveils Sustainability Goals in First ESG Report

Gravity Media has outlined its sustainability priorities through the release of its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report titled “Our People and Our Environment.” This report marks a significant milestone for the company as it details efforts aimed at adopting more environmentally friendly practices across its operations.

Among the highlights, Gravity Media has commissioned its first fully electric 19-ton tender vehicle. The company has also achieved recognition as the first outside broadcast (OB) supplier listed in the BAFTA albert sustainable supplier directory. Furthermore, it published its ISO 14064-audited carbon footprint and received a commendable score in the DPP Committed to Sustainability assessment.

Rohan Mitchell, Group ESG Director at Gravity Media, expressed pride in the report’s transparency. He stated, “Gravity Media wanted to be among the first in our sector to openly share both our environmental and social performance. This isn’t just about showcasing our achievements; it’s about demonstrating how we’ve reconfigured our approach to sustainability and inviting collaboration with our industry peers.” According to Mitchell, the report aims to encourage the industry to engage in open discussions about the challenges faced in sustainability efforts.

The report emphasizes the importance of sharing carbon data and addressing industry challenges candidly. “Real progress happens when we’re willing to have frank conversations about what’s working and what isn’t. We hope this encourages others in the industry to adopt a similar approach as we’ll only tackle these challenges together,” he said.

Gravity Media operates over 100 outside broadcast trucks, flypacks, and specialist camera and RF equipment. Additionally, the company manages more than 30 studios and facilities globally. Mitchell explained that Gravity has implemented a data-driven approach to decarbonization, focusing on identifying immediate actions that yield impactful results while concentrating on areas with the highest emissions.

Mitchell highlighted that the availability of HVO fuel in the UK has facilitated a quicker transition to lower-carbon fuel compared to other markets. For the company’s Scope 2 emissions reduction, which includes indirect emissions from electricity and cooling, Gravity is prioritizing energy efficiency and consumption reduction.

The report outlines the emissions inventory prepared in compliance with the GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard and ISO 14064-1:2018 specification. It reveals that Scope 3 emissions, encompassing indirect emissions from the company’s value chain such as purchased goods, travel, and commuting, account for the largest portion of Gravity’s carbon footprint at 53,968 tCO2e. In comparison, Scope 1 emissions, which are direct emissions from assets controlled by Gravity, totaled 4,840 tCO2e, while Scope 2 emissions reached 4,510 tCO2e.

According to Mitchell, addressing Scope 3 emissions is a significant challenge for Gravity, but the company is actively pursuing multiple strategies. “For business travel, we’ve developed a crew database to source local talent where possible, and we’re working with our travel management agency to prioritize eco-certified hotels. The key is getting better activity data,” he noted.

Mitchell emphasized the importance of supply chain engagement, stating, “We’re collaborating with clients and freight providers to identify lower-carbon options wherever possible. The global expansion of our remote production facilities is a critical factor here, offering significant reductions in both freight and crew travel emissions.”

When discussing relationships with vendors and suppliers, Mitchell expressed a desire for more transparent data regarding product emissions and comprehensive life cycle assessments.

In 2024, Gravity Media conducted a Double Materiality Assessment, evaluating sustainability from two perspectives: the impact of the company’s activities on people and the planet, and how factors like climate change could affect the company. This assessment has been instrumental in shaping Gravity’s five strategic ESG pillars: Climate, People, Circularity, Supply Chain, and Digital Impact/Cyber Security.

Mitchell stated, “We’ve established an ESG Committee with executive leadership representation across multiple functions, ensuring sustainability considerations are embedded in our decision-making processes.” The company now operates nine remote production centres worldwide, supporting both on-site and distributed remote production. Mitchell referred to remote production as a central objective in Gravity’s sustainability strategy, noting that it plays a vital role in achieving emissions reduction targets.

“Investing in remote production capabilities isn’t just operationally smart; it’s essential to achieving our emissions reduction targets,” he concluded.

For more information, readers can access the full report on Gravity Media’s website.