NBC Universal Launches Eco-Friendly Initiative

UNIVERSAL CITY, May 25: As
part of General Electric’s “ecomagination” initiative, NBC Universal has
unveiled “Get on Board,” a new company-wide program 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 being led
by Jeff Zucker, the president and CEO of NBC Universal, and extends 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. 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. In connection with the film, Universal Pictures and the
Conservation Fund have launched www.getonboardnow.org, an online destination where people can take real
action to slow the effects of global warming.

The program pledges to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all its operations by 3 percent by 2012.
It is also committing itself to environmentally conscious film and TV
production, and has formed a dedicated panel on environmental initiatives, the
NBCU Green Council, led by Bravo president Lauren Zalaznick and made up of
senior executives from across NBCU’s businesses. 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.

On the production front,
efforts will be made to reduce emissions, purchase carbon emission offsets, and
use 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. Further, iVillage will launch an “iGo Green” web channel
on its site, offering female-focused editorial, quick and simple ideas, tools
and other features around living the green life. 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. 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 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 July 7. SCI FI
has launched a “Visions for Tomorrow” public-affairs initiative that encourages
individuals, organizations, and policymakers to explore creative solutions to
challenging environmental problems. USA Network will air 30- and 60-second
spots highlighting “green” as its character of the month, featuring newsworthy
celebrities who are committed to the environment.

Efforts are also being
made at the company’s theme parks. Tram engines at Universal Studios Hollywood
have been upgraded to high-efficiency diesel units, which emit 37 percent less
greenhouse gasses and 65 percent less nitrogen oxide, and vehicles and Jaws
boats at Universal’s theme park in Orlando have been converted to B-20
biodiesel, which emits approximately 15 percent less CO2 than regular diesel. The
Universal Studios lot has installed its first solar energy system, with 630
solar panels capable of generating in excess of 100 kilowatts of power, which
is enough to operate 10 production producers’ bungalows. NBC Universal is using
reclaimed water for irrigation and is the largest purchaser of reclaimed water
in Los Angeles County.