Olympic stars battle climate change in EDF Energy campaign

LONDON - Olympic athletes of today and tomorrow star in EDF Energy's latest television ad in an effort to unite the nation in the race against climate change, marking the first time the energy firm has used its sponsorship of London 2012 in a campaign.

The campaign, created by Euro RSCG London and directed by Benito, launches on Sunday and marks the second phase of EDF's "It's not easy being green" marketing activity.

The first phase included a TV ad made entirely from "recycled" film clips, including visuals of flood scenes, an excerpt from one of John F Kennedy's speeches stating that our environmental problems are man made, and a clip from a government ad urging consumers to watch their gas and electricity meters.

The new campaign features London 2012 hopefuls and former champions including Paralympic silver medallist Liz Johnson, gymnastic Olympic hopeful Louis Smith and four-time gymnastic Olympic gold medallist Olga Korbut.

There will be a 40-second, two 30-second and two 10-second TV ads as well as radio and digital activity.

It is the first time that EDF has used its sponsorship of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games in national TV advertising.

The creative concept is based on the idea that sport has the power to unite and inspire people to want to fight for a better future.

It juxtaposes the personal challenge athletes face when preparing for and competing in the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the challenge that individuals face in the race against climate change.

Each execution will emphasise EDF Energy's role as the first sustainability partner of London 2012 and will call for consumers to join the EDF Energy 2012 Carbon Challenge at savetodaysavetomorrow.com.

The TV ads will be aired across 150 terrestrial and multi-channel commercial stations including ITV1, Channel 4, Five, E4, Sky One, Living and Discovery. The TV work is supported by radio, which breaks on June 2 across 28 stations nationwide.

Martin Stead, brand director at EDF Energy, said: "EDF Energy is using sport as a catalyst for change, motivating people to join with us and take action in the fight against climate change.

"At the heart of our campaign is our 2012 Carbon Challenge. We know it's not easy being green but we are working with householders to give them all the tools they need to save energy and money to guide them through this journey."

You have

[DAYS_LEFT] Days left

of your free trial

Subscribe now

Get a team licence 

 Give your teams unrestricted access to in-depth editorial analysis, breaking news and premium reports with a bespoke subscription to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10.

Find out more

Market Reports

Get unprecedented new-business intelligence with access to ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s new Market Reports.

Find out more

Looking for a new job?

Get the latest creative jobs in advertising, media, marketing and digital delivered directly to your inbox each day.

Create an Alert Now