JD Buckley, CEO of Sky Ireland, said:

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Sky Zero Footprint Fund in Ireland. Reducing our carbon footprint and being net zero carbon by 2030 is a major goal for us at Sky and we have done a huge amount of work to structure our business around achieving that. We want to use those learnings to support businesses who are equally determined to make a positive change. I am excited to see the creative and innovative ideas that come through the submission process.”

Sky launches fund to help businesses fast-track sustainable initiatives

Three winners will be selected to receive €100,000 each in advertising support

Sky Ireland today announced the ‘Sky Zero Footprint Fund’, which aims to help accelerate and amplify positive environmental messages and behavioural change, through the power of TV.

Over the past 15-years, Sky has committed to reducing its impact on the environment and is now using its experience to inspire others to do the same, with the launch of the ‘Sky Zero Footprint Fund’ in Ireland. Through the initiative, three winners will be selected, with the most impactful and creative ideas each securing €100,000 in advertising support.

The new Sky Zero Footprint Fund initiative established as part of the Sky Zero campaign will support brands that are committed to driving positive behavioural change and making a tangible impact towards a more sustainable future. Open to media agencies, creative agencies and brands, the fund will support businesses to amplify their own initiatives to change the world for the better through Sky’s innovative advertising platforms.

Speaking about the initiative, Sky Ireland CEO, JD Buckley, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Sky Zero Footprint Fund in Ireland. Reducing our carbon footprint and being net zero carbon by 2030 is a major goal for us at Sky and we have done a huge amount of work to structure our business around achieving that. We want to use those learnings to support businesses who are equally determined to make a positive change. I am excited to see the creative and innovative ideas that come through the submission process.”

The winning ideas will be selected by a panel of judges with strong backgrounds in advertising, creativity, and sustainability. The judging panel will evaluate entries based on how their submissions highlight a commitment to a carbon zero future – from showcasing how their business operates in a sustainable way, to how their products are built to help reduce their carbon footprint, or how they are inspiring positive behavioural change.

Sitting on the Sky Zero Footprint Fund panel will be Head of Environmental Campaigns at Sky, Jodie Alliss; Sky Ireland CEO, JD Buckley; Director of Regulatory & Corporate Affairs at Sky Ireland, Mark Carpenter; Today FM presenter, Ian Dempsey; Head of Responsible Business at Sky, Marianne Matthews, Director of Sky Media Ireland, Malcolm Murray, and Mindy O’Brien Chief Executive of VOICE of Irish Concern for the Environment.

Also speaking about the launch of the fund, Director of Sky Media Ireland, Malcolm Murray, said: “The Sky Zero Footprint Fund is designed to support businesses that want to protect our environment and drive positive change. Through this fund, we’ll provide a platform for such businesses to demonstrate this through the scale, reach and storytelling capability of TV and Video advertising. Using the power of TV, we truly believe we can help transform attitudes and inspire real change.”

Applications are open from today 1^st November and will close on 3^rd December. Shortlisted entries will then be selected to take part in a pitch with the judging panel. Three winners will then be chosen and awarded €100,000 each in airtime from the €300,000 media value fund. The winners will be announced in February 2022.

For all the details and to find out how you apply for the Sky Zero Footprint Fund, visit www.skymedia.ie/sky-zero-footprint-fund.

Download the entry kit here