How Global Production Companies Can Make Sustainable Choices
The production process, from pre-production to post-production, has a significant ecological footprint, but there are effective ways to reduce it.
1. Reduce Energy Consumption
- LED Lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED lights to cut energy use and reduce cooling costs.
- Solar Power: Use solar panels or solar generators to power equipment, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Energy-efficient Equipment: Upgrade to energy-efficient cameras and sound gear to lower the carbon footprint.
2. Reduce Waste and Promote Recycling
- Sustainable Set Construction: Use eco-friendly materials like recycled wood and bamboo.
- Zero-Waste Strategy: Implement waste separation, composting, and avoid single-use plastics.
- Upcycling Props: Donate or repurpose costumes and props instead of discarding them.
3. Greener Transportation Practices
- Electric Vehicles: Use electric or hybrid vehicles for transporting crew and equipment.
- Carpooling and Group Transport: Encourage carpooling and shuttle buses to reduce emissions.
- Remote Production: Leverage digital tools for remote production, reducing the need for travel.
4. Sustainable Sourcing of Materials and Resources
- Eco-friendly Costumes: Opt for sustainable fabrics or rent second-hand clothing.
- Sustainable Catering: Serve plant-based meals and source local, organic produce. Compost food scraps to minimise waste.
- Eco-friendly Props: Use recycled or biodegradable props, prioritising local sourcing to reduce transport emissions.
5. Green Certification and Environmental Standards
- Green Production Standards: Follow environmental guidelines like the Green Production Guide or UK’s Albert Sustainable Production.
- Carbon Offsetting: Offset emissions by investing in projects like reforestation or renewable energy.
6. Promote Digital Innovation and Paperless Processes
- Paperless Production: Use digital documents instead of printing paper for call sheets, scripts, and schedules.
- Cloud Collaboration: Use cloud-based platforms for file sharing and post-production to reduce physical storage needs.
7. Educate and Raise Awareness
- Training: Educate teams on sustainable practices and encourage eco-friendly behaviours on set.
Conclusion
Sustainability is essential in today’s production industry. By adopting energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste, sourcing sustainable materials, and promoting green transportation, production companies can make a positive impact on both the environment and their projects. The entertainment industry has the opportunity to lead by example, proving that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand.
