The seventh series of Glow Up continues to push its standards for sustainability in the television industry. With a strong commitment to reducing environmental impact, the production team has implemented a range of eco-friendly initiatives both on and off-screen.
According to the BAFTA Albert 2023 Annual Review, there was a 33% increase year-on-year in emissions per hour of content, equating to 16.6 tCO2e/hr. This is roughly the average annual carbon footprint of three people in the UK. In response, the Glow Up team has intensified their sustainability efforts for the seventh series.
Building on previous initiatives, the production team has introduced several new measures:
Beef-free catering: Recognising the high carbon footprint of beef, the catering team has eliminated it from the menu. One serving of beef (100g) is equivalent to around 50 miles of driving.
Silicone make-up equipment: On-screen, we see Contestants now use reusable silicone cases and mats instead of single-use plastic containers and disposable tissues.
Animal-free materials styling: On-screen talent are encouraged to recycle and reuse clothing, avoiding animal-derived materials.
New crafts & coffee station: A proper coffee machine using real coffee beans has replaced the coffee pod machine, and healthier snacks baked freshly by the catering team are provided, reducing plastic-packaged snacks
These efforts build on existing practices such as using eco-friendly make-up brands, printing only essential documents, holding online meetings to reduce travel, and reusing sets and props. The availability of Albert footprints and Carbon Action Plans from previous series has also been instrumental in guiding these initiatives.
"We are incredibly proud of the steps we've taken to make Glow Up more sustainable," said Melissa Brown, Executive Producer. "None of this would be possible without the dedication of our brilliant team and suppliers. Together, we're making an impact and helping to create a more sustainable TV industry."
