🎙️ Playback Pioneers – Episode 2Thierry Fautier Hosts Ben Schwarz – The Truth About Streaming’s Carbon Footprint In this episode of Playback Pioneers, Thierry Fautier (Former VP of Video Strategy at Harmonic and MD of Your Media Transformation) takes the host seat to sit down with Ben Schwarz, President of Greening of Streaming, for a candid conversation about sustainability in streaming. From what’s really driving energy consumption to why “bitrate reduction” isn’t the silver bullet it’s made out to be, Thierry and Ben dig deep into the challenges, contradictions, and future of greener streaming. Expect a smart, nuanced take on how the industry can (and must) evolve—along with some surprising personal insights along the way. This is not a greenwashing pitch—it's a reality check for the media tech world. Expect:🌍 The truth behind streaming’s carbon footprint⚙️ Why your home devices are the real energy culprits📉 The limitations of bitrate reduction📝 How RFPs and industry standards are shifting💡 A look ahead at 2025 initiatives and real-time energy measurement🎶 Baroque flutes, empathy, and streaming faves Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome to Playback PioneersJosh Seeley opens the episode and introduces Thierry and Ben. 01:49 – Sustainability in Streaming: A New EraBen sets the scene for why the industry needs to think differently. 08:52 – The Role of Greening of StreamingHow the organisation is creating space for collaboration and accountability. 13:02 – Understanding Key Sustainability ConceptsAttributional vs. consequential data and why it matters. 19:05 – Current Energy Consumption InsightsBen breaks down where the biggest environmental impact actually lies. 22:38 – Comparing Device Power ConsumptionA closer look at home devices vs. networks and data centres. 27:47 – Impact of Bitrate on Power ConsumptionWhy bitrate adjustments alone won’t save the planet. 33:15 – Sustainability in RFPs and Industry StandardsHow procurement is starting to demand change. 34:30 – Government Initiatives in Streaming SustainabilityFrom content recycling to ESG guidance. 35:36 – The Green Button vs. Gold Button DebateShould viewers opt-in to eco modes, or should it be default? 37:52 – Key Initiatives for 2025What’s ahead for Greening of Streaming and beyond. 41:11 – Technical Innovations for Energy MeasurementWhy measuring device usage is still a huge challenge. 43:19 – Personal Insights and AdviceThe best advice Ben’s ever received and lessons from his journey. 48:07 – Streaming Preferences and TrendsWhat Ben watches—and why content variety still matters. 50:21 – Final Thoughts and Party TricksA lighthearted wrap-up including a musical surprise.