albert Certification For Have I Got News For You

BBC comedy quiz show, Have I Got News For You, has received a top rating in Bafta's albert certification scheme. By employing a number of sustainable practices, the show – which is made by Hat Trick Productions – has significantly reduced its environmental impact.

Some of the initiatives that helped to achieve the three-star rating include:

• A full recycling policy, resulting in a 90% recycling rate
• Lights, heating, air con, computers, printers and other appliances switched off when not in use
• EDF supplied office power from renewable sources, and low energy and LED light bulbs
• A Camden office selected for its public transport links: all staff are encouraged to use public transport, cycle or walk to work. Car share and train travel encouraged for longer journeys and use of video conferencing whenever possible.
• Hybrid cars are used when road travel absolutely necessary
• Suppliers and products selected on the basis of 'greenest rather than cheapest'
• Opt-in policy for printing: estimated saving of 30 reams of paper per series, or 60 reams across series 50 and 51
• Use of reusable water bottles
• Use of biodegradable catering supplies
• 80% of viewings of clips and programme materials are via links rather then DVDs
• Tapeless records save up to 5 x 120 mins tapes per episode (95 x 120 mins across the year)
• The main set continues to be recycled and tweaked for every series as it has been since the beginning.

Laura Djanogly, Joint Director of Production at Hat Trick, said: "Working with albert has encouraged us to look very closely at all areas of our working lives and to seek to further our green credentials. We are proud of the progress we have made to date and of receiving recognition from such a worthwhile industry wide initiative."

Aaron Matthews, Industry Sustainability Manager albert, added: "Hat Trick's achievements are commendable and demonstrate how a fully joined up green policy across both their work space and their output can result in carbon and cost savings for a production company."

(JP/CD)