Article: Fox TV’s “24” Reaches Its Carbon Neutral Goal

TREEHUGGER.COM

by Roberta Cruger, Los Angeles on 03.4.09

“We know that we can’t solve the problem in 24 hours, but by making energy-conscious decisions on our set, we’re contributing to a solution,” states Keifer Sutherland, star of 24, in a Fox TV PSA addressing climate change. The producers of the hit series made a commitment to the environment a year ago, and after a delay from the writer’s strike, the program reached its goal this season. But it wasn’t enough to just “go green.” 24 boasts it’s the first-ever television show to go carbon neutral.

"This is a passion project for us at 24," says Executive Producer Howard Gordon. Inspired by the unlikely environmentalist, Fox honcho, Rupert Murdoch, who set 2010 as the corporation's carbon neutral target, the spots encourage viewers with eco-tips. Check-out the company’s Global Energy Initiative, which describes 24’s carbon footprint and the efforts to eliminate it. Charts and graphs illustrate the calculation of its whopping 2,179 tons of CO2 emissions and the 43 percent reduction, accomplished through a long list of behind-the-scenes green actions.

...With Clear Carbon Consulting, the team evaluated the show’s entire greenhouse gas emissions, including onsite generators, special effects, shipping equipment, and air travel. Then cut 940 metric tons of carbon dioxide by buying renewable energy (wind, solar and hydro) from California utilities and making changes in transportation. Hybrids and bio-diesel reduced gas usage by 1,300 gallons. Though just a part of the estimated 1,000 gallons of gas consumed by the series each week, it reached the original intention of lowering the season’s carbon footprint by a single episode. 

To read the full article, click here:  http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/03/fox-tv-show-24-goes-carbon-neutral.php

More stories on "24" becoming carbon neutral:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/02/arts/television/02twen.html?_r=2&scp=3&sq=24&st=cse

http://www.greenmuze.com/celebs/green/877-24-carbon-neutral-.html

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b102243_24s_jack_bauer_fights_bad_guys_global.html

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118000785.html?categoryid=14&cs=1