Mark Downes is a climate science and low carbon production tutor at ADGREEN, an industry body uniting the sector to eliminate the negative environmental impacts of content production. Designing unnecessary carbon emissions out of the process is the easiest way to reduce them. Like not having an office or removing baked-in emissions at script stage. The main red flag areas are emissions TRANSPORT, SPACES, MATERIALS & DISPOSAL. Alternatives ARE always available. Remember a low carbon production should be a creative opportunity to be celebrated. Below is a checklist of actions Green Eyed Monster Films follow on all productions.
Pre-Production
*let all clients, cast & crew know of low carbon ambitions from the outset. Most are desperate for solutions so it's easier than you think to get everyone on board
*Ensure production is signed up for predicted carbon footprint and action plan
*Allow budget for carbon offsetting when reduction is not possible
*Consider opportunities to raise awareness of net zero carbon, change the brief!
*Engage suppliers, asking for their sustainability metrics and standards and any new best practices they can bring to production
*Plan for low-emission travel and transport, materials, supplies, energy, catering and accommodation
*Provide sustainable production training for all relevant people; engage everyone and hold them accountable
*Make construction ‘benign by design’ – easy to deconstruct for reuse or recycling
*Editorial teams to do virtual recce’s & PPM’s where possible
*Un-bake emissions from script, consider stock footage or alternatives scenes
Production
*Employ local crew and choose accommodation close to set
*Use renewable energy where possible
*Use green fuel and/or electric vehicles for travel
*Minimise air travel and avoid domestic flights
*Reuse, Repurpose and Recycle
*Apply Circular Economy model and aim for net-zero waste to landfill
*Use locally sourced vegetarian & in season catering
*Ensure Green Memo is sent to all Crew
*No single use plastics on set
*Reduce paper- go digital for all documents
*Consider opportunities to raise awareness of net-zero carbon
Post-Production
*Review and store all reusable materials, scenery, props and costumes
*Re-purpose or donate when possible to local schools / theatres
*Recycle remaining materials
*Use preferred post-production facilities, that are powered by green-tariffs
*Remote post-production when possible
*Complete carbon calculator and certification AdGreen // Albert
*Offset any unavoidable emissions with Trees For Life
*Debrief with production and editorial teams
Key Sustainability Standards:
Below are our key sustainability standards that we recommend adding to the green memo for all stakeholder engagement:
*Training & Awareness: Getting our facts straight
*Sustainable production training for everyone at the beginning of each production
*Distribution of Green Memo
*Travel & Transport: Low or No-Emissions
*Utilise public transport where possible. Think car-share or carpool where not possible
*Reduce international flights where possible, consider schedule and location and script
*Use ZOOM rather than travelling to meetings
*Hire electric rental cars as much as possible and where available
*Insist on ‘no idling’ for all vehicles on production
*Use green taxis and couriers
*Use bicycle couriers for shorter deliveries
*Use LED lighting on and off set where possible
*Use rechargeable batteries
*Switch off vehicles, lights and appliances when not in use and no devices on charge overnight
*Reuse Repurpose Recycle: Keep it in use
*Source second hand, pass on assets you no longer need
*Pledge to reduce personal waste (e.g., food packaging waste, coffee cups, etc) and waste generated in your role within the production … and out of landfill
Waste Management
*Cut departmental waste, avoid single use plastics and look for packaging free options
*Use the clearly signed recycling & compost bins in all work areas including set and unit bases
*Catering, Coffee & Water: Consume consciously
*Pre-order all catering, coffee and water in line with production set up
*Avoid single use plastics: bring your own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, food containers and cutlery and encourage everyone to do the same
*Any leftover food to be donated locally- OLIO
*Ensure food waste is placed in the dedicated composting bin
*Sustainable Materials: Avoiding hidden habitat destruction
*New materials have a high carbon footprint. Reduce our impact by using existing materials, recycled content and renewable sources where not possible to reuse or repurpose
*Go paperless where possible, an ‘opt in’ policy for printing is in operation and always print double sided
*Source from local suppliers rather than shipping from far afield