SBS is claiming an industry first after measuring the carbon footprint of one of its television program's production through Sustainable Screens Australia.

The Cook Up with Adam Liaw, now in its sixth season, had its carbon footprint validated by the albert calculator, a tool used to calculate and validate greenhouse gas emissions. SBS is a founding member of Sustainable Screens Australia.

The Cook Up with Adam Liaw recorded emission levels below international industry averages. SBS has initiated the process for submitting its net zero targets to be validated by the global standard Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi will audit the broadcaster's decarbonisation modelling to ensure it aligns with the latest science. The broadcaster plans to reach net zero emissions by 2045.

SBS Director of Television,Kathryn Fink, was thrilled to see The Cook Up with Adam Liaw achieving this important Australian television first.

"At SBS, we have ambitious plans in sustainability and are committed to ensuring they are credible, sound and have meaningful third-party validation which the albert Calculator provided. The Cook Up with Adam Liaw recorded emission levels below international industry averages, demonstrating the work being done both behind and in front of the camera to lead in sustainability," she said. "Not only does the show itself value and celebrate sustainable food and cooking practices, but our production crew have also made impactful changes to catering and transportation to minimise our carbon footprint. This is an important first step for this show and others to minimise emissions in production and set up the blueprint for our next shows in this process: Insight and Going Places with Ernie Dingo."

To coincide with Earth Day on 22 April, SBS also confirmed SBS Audio will launch the first two episodes of a new podcast, Everything We Need, exploring how regional communities are meeting the challenge of climate change. The podcast will be free to stream on the SBS Audio App, LiSTNR, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms.

Meanwhile, a new Earth Day Collection featuring documentaries and programs with a sustainability theme is now available on SBS On Demand.

At its 2024 Upfronts, SBS put ESG centre stage, and announced it had achieved net zero on its direct emissions and that it was also setting an ambitious target to reach net zero by 2045 across all three scopes, including its supply chain.