SBS has entered into a 10-year renewable energy power purchase agreement with ZEN Energy to supply the network's New South Wales and Victoria-based operations.

The energy will be supplied with Large-scale Generation Certificates (LGCs) uniquely paired with the 226.8 MW Collector Wind Farm in NSW.

SBS is the first Australian media organisation to switch to 100% renewable energy in FY23. The broadcaster has set a target to reach Net Zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2045. To measure emissions from advertising technology, SBS has partnered with Scope3, providing advertising clients with greater transparency of carbon emissions from their advertising campaigns.

ZEN Energy claims to be the first Australian energy company to commit to the global Science-based Targets initiative for corporate action on climate change. SBS has applied to have its Net Zero targets validated by the Science-based Targets initiative.

The Collector Wind Farm, which commenced operations in 2022, consists of 54 turbines producing 528 GWh each year, capable of powering 80,000 NSW homes and saving close to 320,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. The wind farm project has also involved an industry-leading community benefit sharing scheme.

SBS Chief Financial Officer, Nitsa Niarchos, said: "SBS is proud to lead the way in the media industry by committing to 100% renewable energy. Our partnership with ZEN Energy underscores our commitment to sustainability and sets a new standard for reducing carbon emissions in media. Our goal is to inspire others in the industry to take meaningful steps towards a greener future."

SBS Head of Sustainability, Abigail Thomas, said: "This 10-year agreement with ZEN Energy through wind power ensures that SBS's commitment to carbon reduction is not just a short-term initiative but a long-term strategy. By securing a decade of 100% renewable energy, we are taking significant steps towards our Net Zero targets and demonstrating our dedication to sustainability efforts and innovation in Australia’s media sector."

ZEN Energy CEO, Anthony Garnaut, said: “As part of our responsibilities under the Science-Based Targets Initiative, ZEN has voluntarily committed to reduce its scope 3 (sold electricity) emissions. This means we are partnering with our customers to transition their contracts to 100 per cent renewable electricity, and we’ve committed to only sign new contracts where 100 per cent renewable is achieved within the contract period."