Netflix has announced its plan to reach “net-zero” greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2022. By 2030 the company also aims to reduce its electricity use and carbon emissions by 45%. Netflix has dubbed this green initiative “Net Zero + Nature”.
How Does Netflix Hope to Achieve This?
In a press release, the company outlined a roadmap that would help achieve its environmental goals.
The first and most obvious step listed by Netflix is to reduce its carbon emissions. This will be done keeping in mind “the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C.” Specifically, Netflix plans to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.
In an attempt to “retain existing carbon storage,” Netflix will conserve natural areas such as tropical forests. Additionally, the company will also “neutralize” Scope 3 emissions by promoting and investing in “projects that prevent carbon from entering the atmosphere.”
Furthermore, Netflix will also “remove carbon from the atmosphere” by investing in projects that restore forests, grasslands, mangroves, and healthy soils.
Netflix gave examples of various environmental conservation projects that it has invested in. These include the Lightning Creek Ranch Project and the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project.
Netflix will achieve net zero emissions by the end of 2022, with a plan to reduce, retain and remove carbon in concert with nature. Read about our climate commitment: https://t.co/twZ26HxWPX
— We Are Netflix (@WeAreNetflix) March 30, 2021
To ensure its climate goals are met, Netflix has appointed “an independent advisory group of experts” who will guide the company as and when needed.
Netflix further expanded upon its “Reduce, Retain, Remove” strategy via a detailed article on LinkedIn.
The Carbon Footprint of Netflix
In a first for Netflix, the OTT platform also released a detailed report [PDF] of its annual carbon footprint.
The company’s carbon footprint in 2020 was 1,100,000 metric tons.
“Physical production” of its films, TV series, and documentaries accounted for 50% of the total emissions. This includes Netlfix-branded media that was directly produced or delegated to third-party production houses.
Corporate operations constituted 45% of its carbon footprint, with data centers accounting for the remaining 5%.
Using a “calculator tool” built by a team of researchers from the University of Bristol, Netflix concluded:
One hour of streaming on Netflix in 2020 to be well under 100gCO2e, equivalent to driving a gas-powered passenger vehicle a quarter mile (or 400 meters).
What Lies Ahead for Netflix
Needless to say, achieving net-zero emissions by 2022 is a challenging task for a company the size of Netflix. But it is entirely possible if it actually follows through with the roadmap it has laid out.
Other companies such as Razer have also pledged to go green and cooperation is imperative if these companies are to achieve their goals.