The UK has revealed Sky as a new sponsor for COP26, as it gears up for a year of climate action ahead of the international climate change summit in Glasgow this November.

Sky becomes the fifth Principal Partner who will support the delivery of COP in November. SSE, ScottishPower, NatWest Group and National Grid were announced in November 2020.

Through these partnerships, the COP26 Presidency claims, it is showing a clear commitment to working with businesses who are taking real steps towards net zero.

In February 2020, Sky set its commitment to be net zero carbon by 2030 across its entire value chain. Since then, Sky has become the first broadcaster to sign up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Sports for Action Framework and has achieved CarbonNeutral® certification for all of its UK Sky Original productions.

Sky is also building what aims to be the most environmentally friendly film and TV studios in the world at Sky Studios Elstree.

In addition, Sky has announced a series of new commitments for its TV productions. Every future Sky Original will now adhere to clear guidelines to help achieve Albert Sustainable Production Certification. Sky Sports is targeting certification for every live host broadcast in 2021.

COP26 President Alok Sharma said: "This is an exciting year as we prepare for COP26 in Glasgow. Businesses have a key part to play in the summit and in building back greener, so I am delighted to welcome Sky as a Principal Partner for COP26. Their Sky Zero campaign shows how ambitious they are to take meaningful action for the future of our planet and I look forward to working together in the run up to COP26".

Jeremy Darroch, Executive Chairman Sky, was equally upbeat: "This year will require us all to focus and adapt as we accelerate our efforts to tackle the climate crisis. At Sky, we believe that our voice and reach can play a vital role in empowering our customers, partners and industry peers to build a better world, because it's the actions of business, the government and individuals, that will define our generation. I hope Sky's new Planet Test and Sustainable Production Principles will spur others to make the transition to net zero with us".