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NBC UNIVERSAL LAUNCHES 'GET ON BOARD' PROGRAM


May 24, 2007 -- NBC Universal today launched "Get On Board," a comprehensive, companywide program to improve the environmental impact of its operations by reducing greenhouse gases, raising awareness about green issues, and stimulating change in the media and entertainment industry. Led by Jeff Zucker, President and CEO, NBC Universal, the campaign is part of NBCU parent company General Electric's "ecomagination" initiative. It is also a significant corporate extension of the "Get On Board" campaign launched last month by Universal Pictures and the Conservation Fund in conjunction with this summer's debut of Evan Almighty, NBC Universal's first movie to "zero out" its carbon emissions.

Highlights of "Get On Board" include:
--Lower emissions and improved energy efficiency across all operations, reducing GHG emissions at least 3% by 2012
--Commitment to environmentally conscious film and TV production
--Formation of a dedicated panel on environmental initiatives, the NBCU Green Council, led by Bravo president Lauren Zalaznick
-- Incentives for local communities to "go green" and multifaceted employee education program

With the launch of "Get On Board," NBC Universal is committed to being one of the most environmentally conscious companies in the industry, with environmentally advanced productions, content that educates and informs, internal energy efficiency, and green incentives for employees and their communities. The company's efforts will be guided by the NBCU Green Council, made up of senior executives from across NBCU's businesses and led by Zalaznick. The Green Council will meet regularly to assess and monitor progress and set new objectives.

NBCU intends to continually review best practices on environmental issues and to make advances available to other companies and the general public to help reduce the overall environmental impact of businesses across all sectors.

"Now is the time for us not just to think green but to act green," said Zucker. "We must run our businesses in a way that respects and protects our most valuable resource, the environment. This comprehensive program is a first series of steps that we hope will set a new course for the entire industry."

The multifaceted program will involve three broad areas: production and content, theme parks and operations, and employees and communities.

1. Production and Content

NBC Universal has made a commitment to "go green" for its film and television productions. Its carbon-neutral production efforts involve reducing emissions, purchasing carbon emission offsets, and using hybrid or electric production vehicles whenever possible. In addition, the company is committed to supporting extensive recycling programs and to maximizing the use of nontoxic cleaning products and low-emission paints, sealants and lacquers.

This follows the production of Evan Almighty, NBCU's first effort to significantly reduce the environmental impact of a major motion picture. The film's carbon output was offset through a donation to the Conservation Fund, which planted more than 2,000 trees to "zero out" the carbon emissions generated by the production of the movie; all the landscaping, lumber, windows and other reusable materials were donated to Habitat for Humanity; crew members were given bicycles to reduce car usage; recycled paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass were used on set; and after production was completed, trees were planted near the site of the ark in Crozet, Virginia. In connection with the film, Universal Pictures and the Conservation Fund have launched www.getonboardnow.org, an online destination where people can take real action to slow the effects of global warming.

Additionally, iVillage will launch an "iGo Green" web channel on its site, designed to show women across the country just how easy it is to go green (see separate press release). From organic food to recycled fashion to eco-friendly home décor, iGo Green will offer female-focused editorial, quick and simple ideas, tools and other features around living the green life.

Content designed to raise environmental awareness using platforms of NBCU includes:

--NBC News has appointed Anne Thompson as Chief Environmental Affairs correspondent, covering issues such as alternative fuels, global warming, land usage and new technologies for all NBC News broadcasts including "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams" and "Today," as well as on MSNBC and online at www.msnbc.com.
--All DVDs distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures International Entertainment will carry messaging about going green. In addition, USHE has adopted the use of several groundbreaking environmentally conscious packaging and display products.
--A "Live Earth" concert will be broadcast across NBC Universal's television networks and on other platforms around the globe on 7.7.07, featuring performances by the world's top musicians and inspiring individuals, corporations, and governments to take action to solve the climate crisis.
--Bravo's suite of digital broadband properties (BravoTV.com, OutZoneTV.com, BrilliantButCancelled.com and getTRIO.com) will all "go green" for the day on May 24 with a variety of themed content all branded "It's Not Easy Being Green."
SCI FI launched a multifaceted "Visions for Tomorrow" campaign, a public-affairs initiative that encourages individuals, organizations, and policymakers to explore creative solutions to challenging environmental problems.
--USA Network will air 30- and 60-second spots highlighting "green" as its character of the month, featuring newsworthy celebrities who are committed to the environment.
-- NBC TV Stations are airing "Going Green" segments about local green efforts in communities around the country.
-- Sundance Channel's weekly eco-destination, "The Green," is presented by Robert Redford and features an original 30-minute program followed by a documentary premiere every Tuesday evening.
--NBC Olympics will participate in all green initiatives put forth by the Olympics Organizing Committee.
-- "The More You Know" will continue to create new PSAs focusing on the environment.

2. Theme Parks and Operations

The company is also announcing a strengthened commitment to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency in its operating activities. Initiatives include:

--NBCU has committed to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction measures that would exceed GE's goal of reducing total GHG emissions by 1% before 2012. NBCU intends to reduce overall GHG emissions at least 3% between 2004 and 2012. So far, NBCU has reduced emissions approximately 2% below its 2004 baseline, which is equivalent to GHG emissions from approximately 1,500 cars or 1,000 homes.
-- Tram engines at Universal Studios Hollywood have been upgraded to high-efficiency diesel units, which emit 37% less GHG and 65% less nitrogen oxide, and vehicles and Jaws boats at Universal's theme park in Orlando have been converted to B-20 biodiesel, which emits approximately 15% less CO2 than regular diesel.
--The Universal Studios lot has installed its first solar energy system, the largest in the industry. Located on approximately 2.5 acres of hillside property, the system's 630 solar panels are capable of generating in excess of 100 kilowatts of power, which is enough to operate 10 production producers' bungalows. NBC Universal's long-term goal is to secure an increasing portion of its power from solar or wind generators.
--NBC Universal is using reclaimed water for irrigation and is the largest purchaser of reclaimed water in Los Angeles County.
-- NBC Universal has re-lamped parking structures and implemented energy-efficient lighting, chillers and boilers.

3. Employees and Communities

"Get On Board" has employee and community outreach components that will include a dedicated internal website to teach employees how to go green, along with green stories in NBCU's employee newsletter, feature stories on employees who make going green part of their lives, and an idea box to solicit employee input on how NBCU can be greener. The company also offers discounts on energy-efficient appliances such as those in GE's "Energy Star" line. In addition, funding from the NBC Universal Foundation has been set aside to support local environmental initiatives in communities where NBCU employees live and work.

As part of its 25-Year Vision Plan, NBCU has submitted the proposed Universal Village development for consideration as a U.S. Green Building Council LEED-ND (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Developments) pilot project. The site's location and proximity to the nearby Metro public transit station make it an ideal candidate for this new program, which focuses on walkability and connection to transit.

In a further step, NBCU is enhancing its cooperation with local authorities in the areas where it operates. In a first step in California, the City and County around Universal are to host a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event for employees and the community.

This is one of several announcements GE and its businesses are making today at their Green is Universal event in Los Angeles, California. For more information or to see the other announcements, please visit www.ecomagination.com.

NBC UNIVERSAL