Sky has launched a £2 million campaign to inspire environmental change and help fast-track sustainable initiatives through advertising.
Media agencies, creative agencies and brands are being invited to compete for the £2 million pot of media value by submitting their advertising ideas to change the world for the better.
The Sky Zero Footprint Fund forms part of Sky’s own bid to become net zero carbon by 2030. Applications will be open from 6 April until 14 May, when 10 submissions will move forward to a live/virtual pitch.
From this process, the five most creative and impactful ideas will go-on to share the £2 million. Each business is guaranteed at least £250,000 with the best and strongest execution securing £1 million for its campaign.
Judges include Sir John Hegarty, Su-Mei Thompson, CEO of the Media Trust, Juliet Davenport, CEO of Good Energy, Linsey Clay CEO Thinkbox, Stephen Woodford, chair of the Advertising Association, Jo Combs, founder of AdGreen, Gideon Spanier, UK editor in chief of Campaign and Karen Blackett OBE Country Manager at WPP & GroupM UK CEO.
The panel also includes senior Sky representation from Debbie Klein, Sky’s group chief marketing, corporate affairs and people officer, Fiona Ball, group director of Bigger Picture and new Sky Media MD, Tim Pearson.
Pearson said: “Using the power of TV we truly believe we can help transform attitudes and inspire real change. The Sky Zero Footprint Fund is designed to support businesses that want to foster positive change and protect our environment. We believe there is no better way to demonstrate this than through the scale, reach and storytelling capability of TV/Video advertising.”
The five winners will be announced in June with the £1 million winner judged and selected in October.
Klein commented: “We want to use our knowledge and passion to help others make a difference. The Sky Zero Footprint Fund builds on our track record and commitment to reducing our impact on the environment.
“At Sky we have pledged to be net zero carbon by 2030, but we understand that we’re all in this together and as a media industry, we have a duty to use our voice to drive tangible change. We’re delighted to announce this new initiative to realise the combined benefits for our planet when we work together.”
All winning ads must be produced in line with the Advertising Association’s AdGreen standards and brands will be supported through the process.
