Case study: Clear Channel

Clear Channel UK has managed to reduce its overall carbon footprint by 50% since 2008. They acquire 100% of their electricity from renewable sources and 98% of their waste avoids landfill.

One key activity has been upgrading 45,000 fluorescent tubes in their bus shelter panels to new, bespoke LED tubes, a first for any Out of Home media owner. This has seen a reduction of up to 65% in the panels’ energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Clear Channel UK’s initiatives include:

• Rolling out a new fleet of electric and low emission vehicles.
• Installing rain collection tanks in their depots to supply water for the cleaning of their estate.
• Running an internal initiative called Green Channel, with activities including giving out reusable coffee cups to all staff and introducing reusable lunch bags in all offices and depots.
• Taking part in Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘Waste Less Workplace’ pilot scheme to reduce waste and improve recycling in office.
• Clear Channel UK staff also regularly volunteer in environmental projects around the UK run by Keep Britain Tidy, and have planted over 400 trees in partnership with Trees for Cities.

These initiatives have positively impacted multiple areas of the business. They have also driven engagement with key stakeholders as follows:

External Stakeholders

• Support positioning as ‘a Platform for Brands and a Platform for Good’ that has proven to be attractive to new and existing clients.
• Boosted credentials in tenders, helping to renew and win contracts with public authorities and private landlords.
• Garnered industry recognition, including awards nominations. The LED tubes installation initiative was nominated for Campaign Media Awards and Edie Sustainability Leaders Awards.

Internal Stakeholders

• Positive feedback from staff and improved internal behaviours.
• Greater appeal of the business to job candidates.
• Led to substantial cost savings, particularly for energy consumption. As a result of the LED tubes installation, the business’ un-metred electricity consumption has been reduced by almost 40%.