In an era where sustainability is no longer a mere buzzword but a fundamental driver of industry evolution, NXTGENbps’s ITV Expo provided a stage for some of the most thought-provoking discussions on the intersection of technology and environmental responsibility. For those who missed it—or those eager to revisit the key moments—the full recordings are now available on-demand. And trust me, they’re worth every second.
The Power of Innovation: Jono O’Reilly and James McAleer’s Conservation Mission
One of the standout sessions of the day featured Jono O’Reilly in conversation with James McAleer, the founder of the Firestone Bridge Conservation Project. If anyone needed a reminder of the potential for technological innovation to serve environmental sustainability, this was it.
McAleer’s pioneering approach leverages mosses to combat CO2 emissions—a concept as fascinating as it is impactful. As he explained, mosses act as natural carbon sinks, filtering pollutants and improving air quality in ways scientists are only beginning to fully understand. But what made this discussion even more compelling was the role of cutting-edge broadcast tech in enabling conservation efforts.
NXTGENbps’s Goat battery—an ultra-portable power solution designed for remote operations—has become a vital asset in McAleer’s mission. Operating in some of the most off-grid locations imaginable, traditional energy sources simply aren’t viable. The Goat battery, however, provides clean, renewable power that ensures ongoing research and deployment of moss-based CO2 reduction methods without reliance on fossil fuels.
It’s a striking example of how technological advancements originally developed for one sector—in this case, broadcasting—can make waves in entirely different industries. More importantly, it underscores a broader trend: sustainability is no longer confined to corporate boardrooms. It’s actively shaping fieldwork, scientific innovation, and practical solutions to global environmental challenges.
Fireside Chat: EarthSonic Project
Another riveting discussion took place when Lesley Marr and Kim Rowell took the stage to introduce the EarthSonic project—a groundbreaking initiative that redefines sustainability in the creative industries. Their session explored how carbon literacy can drive real change, underscoring the importance of making environmentally conscious decisions in media production and beyond.
Marr and Rowell highlighted how the EarthSonic project integrates sustainable principles into artistic and broadcasting practices, encouraging a shift towards greener production workflows. Their discussion went beyond theory, providing tangible steps for individuals and organizations to embed sustainability into their operations. Whether it’s reducing waste, optimizing energy use, or selecting eco-friendly materials, they emphasized that even small changes can contribute to meaningful environmental impact.
What stood out was their insistence that sustainability isn’t a burden but an opportunity for creative industries to innovate. By integrating sustainable solutions into everyday workflows, media professionals can lead by example, inspiring others to follow suit. The conversation served as a powerful reminder that innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry.
Addressing Greenwashing: A Hard-Hitting Industry Panel
Following this insightful fireside chat, a panel discussion moderated by Jennie Marwick-Evans took the stage to tackle some of the broadcasting industry’s biggest sustainability challenges. The lineup was a who’s who of industry leaders: Phil Holdgate, Frank Andrews, John Malpas, Brian Leonard, and Darren Long. With a panel of this caliber, it was no surprise that the conversation cut through corporate platitudes and went straight to the heart of the matter.
One of the most pressing issues on the table? Greenwashing. As more companies seek to market themselves as eco-friendly, the panelists dissected the fine line between genuine sustainability initiatives and mere PR spin. The takeaway was clear: authenticity is key. Companies that fail to back up their sustainability claims with real action not only risk reputational damage but also slow down industry-wide progress.
But it wasn’t just about pointing out problems—the panelists also provided actionable solutions. From integrating carbon footprint tracking into production workflows to rethinking energy use on set, the discussion was packed with practical advice. It was a wake-up call for businesses that sustainability isn’t a box to be ticked but an ongoing commitment requiring real investment and innovation.
The Role of Technology in Driving Change
Another major theme that emerged throughout the event was the pivotal role of new technologies in making sustainable broadcasting a reality. From energy-efficient LED lighting to remote production solutions that reduce travel emissions, the expo showcased a range of cutting-edge innovations designed to lessen the industry’s environmental impact.
A huge shout-out goes to the kit manufacturers who played a crucial role in the event’s success. Their latest advancements provided attendees with valuable insights into the future of broadcast technology and how it’s evolving to meet both performance and sustainability demands.
The Takeaway: A Call to Action
If one thing was clear from the discussions at ITV Expo, it’s that sustainability isn’t just an ideal—it’s an imperative. The industry is at a crossroads, with the choices made today shaping the landscape for decades to come. But the good news is that innovation is rising to meet the challenge. Whether it’s portable power solutions enabling conservation efforts or new production techniques reducing emissions, progress is happening.
For those in broadcasting looking to make a difference, the message from the event was clear: now is the time to act.
And for those who couldn’t attend in person, do yourself a favor and catch the on-demand recordings. Because if there’s one thing this event proved, it’s that sustainability and innovation aren’t just compatible—they’re inseparable.
