Commercial, GHG Emissions  -  March 31, 2021

Netflix unveils 2022 net zero ambition

Netflix announced March 30 an ambitious target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions and maintain it going forward by the end of 2022.

The digital entertainment company released the details of its new “Net Zero + Nature” plan, which includes three key targets: reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 45% before 2030; neutralizing unavoidable emissions, including Scope 3, by investing in ongoing carbon mitigation projects; and, by the end of 2022, investing in projects that focus on regeneration natural ecosystems that remove carbon from the atmosphere. Such projects include restoring grasslands, mangroves and healthy soils and developing carbon capture and storage projects.

The company found that in 2020 its carbon footprint was 1.1 million metric tons. Approximately half of this was from the physical production of Netflix-branded films and series. Around 45% of the remaining footprint came from corporate operations and purchased goods, including marketing spend, and the remaining 5% is accounted for with the cloud providers that stream the platform, including Amazon Web Services and the Open Connect content delivery network.

“Today, I’m fortunate to be able to combine my love of science and storytelling at Netflix, where we aspire to entertain the world,” Emma Stewart, Ph. D., sustainability officer at Netflix, said in a statement. “But that requires a habitable world to entertain. And scientists around the world agree we need to stabilize the climate at no more than a 1.5ºC temperature rise to avoid the worst results of climate change - and ensure healthy life support systems for our children.

Netflix’s climate strategy includes targets that follow the Science-Based Targets initiatives guidelines. The company is also part of the U.N.’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C group and the America is All In coalition, while their sustainability strategy has been shaped by advice from key scientists and experts in the energy fields.

A final key aspect of the new climate plan includes joining research initiatives into the carbon footprint of internet use and video streaming.