Helping London’s film and TV industry take action on climate change
Contents
1. Foreword Boris Johnson, Mayor of London 2 2. Introduction 4 3. Why take action? 6 4. How big is our carbon footprint? 7 5. How can we cut emissions by 60 per cent? 8 6. Practical Recommendations 9 6.1 Management and Leadership 9 6.2 Ventilation, air conditioning, heating and hot water 12 6. 3 Lighting 14 6.4 Minimising Travel Emissions 15 6.5 IT and AV equipment 15 6.6 Boiler renewal and controls 16 6.7 Buildings and electrical insulation 16 6.8 Power factor correction 17 6.9 Greater cooperation between studio and production 18 6.10 Sound and camera 18 6.11 Location filming 19 6.12 Procurement and disposal/recycling 20 Greater London Authority April 2009 7. Success stories 21 Published by 8. Thinking more broadly 25 Greater London Authority 9. Carbon calculator for production planning 26 City Hall 10. Thank you! 27 The Queen’s Walk More London Appendix 2: sample letter to suppliers 29 London SE1 2AA Appendix 3 Where to go for further information and help 30 www.london.gov.uk Appendix 4: How is technology having an impact? 32 enquiries 020 7983 4100 Appendix 5: Methodology 34 minicom 020 7983 4458 A5.1 Scope of screen production footprint analysis 34 A5.ii Methodology principles: overall footprint 35 ISBN: 978-1-84781-253-7 A5.iii Methodology principles: studio emissions 35 Copies of this report A5.iv Methodology principles: production company emissions 35 are available from A5.v Methodology principles: location-shooting emissions 36 www.london.gov.uk A5.vi Methodology principles: post-production emissions 36 A5.vii Methodology principles: conversion factors used 37
1 1. Foreword Boris Johnson, Mayor of London
The film, television and commercial The screen production industry in London ‘London is the world’s greatest film city! At extremely encouraging to see key players industries are estimated to directly produces around 125,000 tonnes of carbon Film London we have helped transform the from across the film and broadcast industry contribute an income of £13.6 billion to emissions each year - 125,000 tonnes is capital into one of the world’s most film- showing leadership and commitment to London’s economy. However, influence goes equivalent to approximately 24,000 London friendly film cities. Everyone needs to play produce an action plan to reduce climate far beyond this, as they arguably have an homes. This excludes distribution and their part to reduce carbon emissions and change emissions.’ unparalleled opportunity to influence the exhibition of films and programmes, or tackle climate change, but people working in general public. production office travel. film and broadcasting are in a unique position to inspire and educate audiences of Adrian Wootton This guide contains really practical We can take action on climate change, cut millions with this vital message. It is Chief Executive, Film London information on how to reduce energy use, our energy bills, and play a role in creating reducing emissions and saving you money in the new low-carbon economy. In an industry the process. known for being progressive and creative, this is one way in which studios, producers, We can make London the world’s greenest and talent can take the lead. place to film. This is not about compromising the quality of productions or hampering creative endeavour. Many of the actions Boris Johnson require little effort to implement, they just Mayor of London need your leadership to achieve change.
2 3 2. Introduction
London’s creative industries are celebrated Film London and the London Filming ‘Having just initiated a green campaign at First things first the world over and are visible contributors to Partnership Ealing Studios, we are delighted to support The first step in reducing emissions is to the capital, both economically and culturally. Film London is the capital’s film and media and endorse the Green Screen campaign. understand what has the biggest impact on There is a huge appetite in the television and agency. The Arts Council England, the From the moment we decided to make the industry’s carbon footprint. film production industry to tackle the London Development Agency and the UK Ealing more earth friendly, Film London and environmental issues we now face. The Film Council fund it. Film London aims to the Mayor’s office have given us enormous The Mayor’s Office and Film London, in Mayor of London and Film London responded promote, develop, facilitate and sustain encouragement. We are very pleased to be partnership with The Carbon Trust and their to this by supporting the production of this filming of all types in London. part of this initiative to ensure the film expert carbon consultants, worked with many Green Screen Guide, which is tailored industry has a healthy future.’ production companies and studios to In 2005, Film London launched the London specifically to the screen production industry. estimate the carbon footprint of the screen Filming Partnership, representing a Barnaby Thompson, Head of Studio, production industry. Audits of real-life Green Screen is the result of many people in commitment from everyone involved in and James Spring, Managing Director, situations were taken and this information the industry coming together to inspire London film and media production to Ealing Studios was then scaled up using reliable indicators change and really make a difference. encourage filmmaking in the city. such as the number of employees in different The Green Screen Guide focuses on The work of the London Filming Partnership sectors of the industry, the size of studios and production, and there is the potential to is steered by an Executive Task Force and At every stage of a production, carbon the number of location filming days. By expand this to the distribution, exhibition or supported by an Advisory Committee, both emissions savings can be made. From the definition any mapping exercise is indicative. sales of films and programmes. comprised of key stakeholders from the moment research begins, scripts are printed, We believe however that this process has industry and the public sector. The aim is to sets constructed - through to capture and created one of the first mappings of its kind make sure that location filming in London is post production. Green Screen is about within the industry and will help prioritise efficient and successful, thus maximising recognising the daily realities of the screen areas for further reduction initiatives. the benefits that a thriving television and production industry and suggesting steps to The appendix contains more film production industry can bring. reduce the industry’s environmental impact. information about the methodology See www.filmlondon.org.uk/lfp and assumptions used. for more information.
4 5 3. Why take action? 4. How big is our carbon footprint?
Take the lead Attract talent In order to enable a reduction in London’s The total carbon footprint of London’s London is the third busiest production centre Many leading directors, actors, and other screen production industry’s carbon emissions, screen production industry is approximately in the world after Los Angeles and New York creative talents have a strong personal our starting point was to measure where the 125,000 tonnes a year1. This is roughly and in recent years filming on the capital’s interest in this area and are increasingly emissions are coming from. Working with the equivalent to the annual emissions from streets has risen dramatically. Attracting influencing decisions about where films are industry, we were able to identify the main almost 24,000 homes. inward investment from filming makes an made on the basis of the strength of the problem areas that provided us with a picture This figure does not include emissions from important contribution to London’s global environmental credentials of a particular of where best to focus our efforts to achieve international or employee travel, or those competitiveness and the Mayor’s economic country, city or studio. If London can the most effective results. associated with the distribution, sales and recovery plan for the capital. become the greenest place to film this will exhibition of films and programmes. create a new commercial advantage at a Because of this huge influence, and because time when competition from other location of the significant public subsidy the industry capitals is intense. enjoys (fiscal support, grant-in-aid, National Total screen industry emmissions = 125,000 tonnes/year Lottery funding, the licence fee, gifted spectrum), the screen production industry ‘The film industry has never been noted for recognises it has both an opportunity and its green credentials and no industry can 15% obligation to play a leadership role in helping afford to ignore environmental to address the issue of climate change. sustainability if it is to survive.’ Studio emissions Save money David Parfitt, Producer, Trademark Films 40% Being green saves you money. TV and film production activites 17% Many of the ideas in this plan – switching to Who is this guide for? Location shoots greener lighting, reducing energy consumption, The Green Screen Guide is for anyone working re-using materials – will, in the medium term, in London’s screen industries, from small save you a considerable amount of money. Post production emissions independent production companies to large With volatile electricity, gas and oil prices, there studios and broadcasting corporations. is a financial urgency to take action. ‘This guide aims to take you through some of The financial pressures being felt throughout the most practical and effective ways to 28% the capital by companies big and small reduce your energy use and make London’s TV combined with rising energy prices, means and film production greener – whilst also that there is an urgency to take action. saving you money. It complements the It is only a matter of time before legislation Location Filming in London Code of Practice catches up with green issues. There is already (www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop), a voluntary 1 This estimate was derived from a number of industry case studies and data sources. In keeping with London’s Climate Change Action Plan new legislation concerning lighting and light code for all filmmakers that sets out best (http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/environment/climate-change/ccap/index.jsp), international travel and general employee travel is not included. fittings. Industries that get ahead of the game practice advice and guidance on the statutory However, travel directly relating to production activity, such as couriers and travel to/from London based location shoots has been included. Due can not only better influence policy but reduce obligations to which all those engaged in to the lack of historical data, 2007 has been taken as the base year for the calculations used in this report. More information on sources can be found in the appendix. the pain and unnecessary cost of hasty filming must adhere. compliance later on.
6 7 5. How can we cut emissions by 60 per cent? 6. Practical Recommendations
Without action, emissions and fuel bills will Where do I start? Some actions that Studio Heads, Directors grow. There are plenty of things we can do to One of the biggest challenges is deciding and Producers can champion are listed decrease the environmental impact of where to start. below. screen production - both on location and in You can start with the quick wins to spark SAVING = 5 to 7 per cent of carbon emissions studio environments, without sacrificing ideas and get people moving in the right from this area of the footprint artistic quality. direction. Total savings identified to 20252 • Conduct a carbon footprint survey, to work Or find out which actions would have the out your company’s individual footprint. biggest impact and start there. It’s important to know where most of your Major investment The Green Screen Guide identifies key action emissions come from so that you can required in combined heat and power or areas that are likely to have the greatest prioritise reductions. The Carbon Trust 160,000 renewable energy at studios and production impact in terms of the carbon savings that offers free surveys to identify high areas of 140,000 facilities. Action also required at a national can be achieved. It also tells you where you carbon emissions, and help you develop an and European level e.g. 120,000 changes in grid can make financial savings. Where initiatives action plan to reduce them (www. electricity generation require financial investment, we have carbontrust.co.uk or call: 0800 085 2005). 100,000 calculated the expected amount of time it 80,000 will take for the savings to pay back the 60,000 investment. Over the past year and a half ITV Tonnes CO2 per annum
20,000 Productions has introduced a 6.1 Management and Leadership systematic measurement of its carbon 10,000 footprint that is externally verified as Effective leadership from the top, combined part of its corporate responsibility 0 with grass roots engagement, is the best report. It is this measurement that has Gap Travel IT/AV way to achieve change. Lighting Insulation formed the baseline upon which ITVP Target for 2025 Location filming Staff can make significant savings in all has pledged to reduce its corporate Current footprint Sound and camera Power factor correction filming environments by adopting standard energy use by 15 per cent by the end of Do nothingManagement - 2025 scenario & leadership Boiler renewal and controls Heating, cooling and ventilation ‘good practice’. However, without top down 2012 and increase recycling from 30 to Procurement and dispoal / recycling support these efforts are unlikely to be 50 per cent by 2009. Cooperation between studio and production sustainable – the greatest savings will come from senior industry figures setting the tone early in the production process and inspiring their colleagues.
The ‘do nothing’ – 2025 scenario assumes that film industry emissions grow in line with London’s commercial and public sector growth. Recommendations regarding each of the measures in this chart are listed below.
8 9 • You can’t manage what you don’t • Designate ‘green’ responsibilities to • Write ‘green’ policies into contracts Did you know… A Londonwide switch to measure: record your company’s energy specific staff members. Global Action where possible: this will ensure that double-sided printing could save 17.5 consumption (where possible to hourly Plan www.globalactionplan.org.uk offers your suppliers are also working with you billion sheets of A4 paper every year, detail), to identify peaks in usage. Where short training for environmental to reduce the impact of your purchases enough paper to wrap around the earth building management systems are champions who then disseminate the on the environment. Sign up to the four times? installed, use these to record plant lessons they learn. Mayor’s Green Procurement Code - (Carbon Trust, Brother UK) operation. Comparing this to energy usage http://www.greenprocurementcode.co. • Ask technical staff (typically those that can identify significant savings (eg high uk/ - for help with designing a green control high energy consuming recorded energy usage could be as a result procurement policy for non-technical equipment) if there are ways of using Individual productions of heating/cooling/ventilation operating goods and communicating your the equipment more efficiently in order • Make a ‘carbon budget’ during pre- continuously or outside of necessary approach to staff and suppliers. Top tips to consume less energy or if they are production planning: carbon budgeting is hours). Be aware that changes in energy for green procurement are included at aware of emerging technologies that a good way to manage energy, materials consumption might be because of the the end of this document. may have a positive impact. use and carbon emissions. The Mayor’s weather, so it might be useful to monitor • Consider purchasing ‘green tariff’ Office, Film London and the Carbon Trust the temperature outside too. renewable electricity: this will help have developed a TV and Film Carbon • Write an action plan to articulate your support the adoption of renewables Calculator to develop an initial carbon goals and targets. Outline your plan to The BBC is introducing an technologies, but may not in itself lead to footprint for a single production and achieving those targets and define environmental champions’ network. a direct reduction of UK carbon emissions. highlight areas where emissions could be responsibilities. More information on The plan is to recruit 300 champions Therefore sourcing green tariff electricity reduced. Set a budget as you would for action plans and how to draft one can be that can offer advice on recycling waste, is not a substitute for the other actions your financial costs and try and plan the found at http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/ ensure PCs and lights are turned off, suggested in this document. production around both your financial and energy/startsaving/tech_energy_ grey water is recycled and encourage carbon budget. Make this a challenge to management_implementation.htm the use of bicycles. your creative team. More information on the carbon calculator can be found at the • Involve staff: end of this report. • Set out the basic ‘green’ standards expected for staff and crew. This can be • Write an energy management policy: this as simple as specifying that lights are could include specific energy targets and switched off, waste minimised and policies and will allocate clear energy recycled when possible (and providing management responsibilities. the means to do this) heating and cooling settings are always correct/ switched off when spaces are not in use, and paper is printed on both sides, and on two pages per sheet where possible.
10 11 6.2 Ventilation, air conditioning, Office, rehearsal and control room areas Split of studio emmissions by area 1% heating and hot water • reduce temperature for nighttime hours (eg set heating in frost protection mode) 4% SAVING = 10 to 12 per cent of carbon Rehearsal space • set thermostats for lower temperatures in emissions from this area of the footprint workshops and storage areas Stages 6% All areas • install a ‘deadband control’ between • don’t run cooling at same time as heating heating and cooling so that neither is O ce space – avoid using electric heaters turned on until temperatures are outside 10% acceptable levels of comfort (typically 19 - 33% • check thermostats are carefully situated 24 degrees Celsius.) Cafeteria (ie away from drafts and direct sunlight) Studio spaces • regularly check airflows from ventilation • where health and safety allows, make sure systems and ensure filters are clean in air Warehouse space air conditioning systems are not operating handling units in well-ventilated studio spaces eg during • reduce your immersion thermostat to 60 set construction Outdoor lighting degrees Celsius. Do not reduce the • review operational times and parameters temperature of stored hot water below 60 for heavy use equipment, including Props/workshop space 22% degrees as this increases the risk of the chillers eg install automatic controls to Legionella bacterium reduce over ventilation • install insulation on internal appliances, • install air quality sensors and temperature and with external walls, windows and sensors (Investment required. Payback roofs (Investment required. Payback estimate = 1-2 years) 24% estimate = 1-2 years) • fit a modern Variable Speed Drive (VSD) to • check regularly for dripping taps and fit control the supply fan motors of any washers where needed. oversized motors (Investment required. Payback estimate = 1-2 years).
Did you know… A dripping tap can waste as much as one litre of water per hour? In one week that’s enough to fill a bathtub.
12 13 6. 3 Lighting standard tungsten and is expected to last 6.4 Minimising Travel Emissions 6.5 IT and AV equipment up to 10,000 hours compared to 500 SAVING = 10 to 11 per cent of carbon SAVING = 10 per cent of carbon emissions SAVING = 9 to 10 per cent of carbon emissions hours for tungsten lamps (Investment emissions from this area of the footprint from this area of the footprint from this area of the footprint required. Payback estimate = 2.5 years) External lighting • use dimmers to rest lights between scenes Staff: • turn off computers, monitors, printers and • switch to energy efficient bulbs – swap rather than switching individual lights on • use public transport where timings and photocopiers when not in use, overnight standard tungsten bulbs with low energy and off (Investment required. Payback safety allows and on weekends. If you can’t switch off CFL bulbs or replace external lighting with estimate = 1 year) the entire computer, turn off the monitor • encourage car sharing LEDs (Investment required. Payback and printer and avoid using screen savers • replace flickering, dim and burned out estimate = 2.5 years) • travel by rail domestically rather than lights (Investment required. Payback • set photocopiers to energy saving mode flying where possible Internal non-studio lighting estimate = 1 year). • unplug video players, television monitors • change tungsten lamps used in general • use video conferencing where face-to-face and other similar equipment with stand- lighting applications for compact meetings are not essential. by mode when not in use fluorescent or other low-wattage Suppliers: alternatives (Investment required. Payback • when buying computers, monitors, • minimise the frequency of deliveries/ estimate = 2.5 years) printers, and photocopiers, look for models collections through better planning Did you know… Lighting an office with good energy-efficiency ratings that • set timer switches, fit occupancy sensors overnight wastes enough energy to heat • use cycle couriers can switch to a power-saving mode when and lighting control systems to reduce water for a thousand cups of tea? not in use (Investment required. Payback energy use in infrequently used areas eg • reduce touring volumes by using trusted (Carbon Trust, Brother UK) estimate = 3-5 years). stairwells and restrooms. (Investment local partners, eg use local lighting rigs required. Payback estimate = 1 year) • procure local food produce • turn off decorative and non-essential • use email or Royal Mail rather than couriers lighting particularly in unoccupied areas for non sensitive/non urgent mail. Did you know… Switching off non- • to maximise natural light, clean fixtures, essential equipment in an office diffusers and windows regularly. overnight saves enough energy to run a Lighting/Studio location lighting small car for 100 miles? • ensure all non-essential lighting is switched off between shoots (ie during break periods) • use high effciency Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) wherever possible, which reduces power demand by around 60 per cent as well as HVAC cooling needs. Fluorescent lighting provides ten times more light per wattage compared with
14 15 6.6 Boiler renewal and controls 6.7 Buildings and electrical 6.8 Power factor correction • correcting the power factor of buildings insulation can be a very quick and inexpensive way of SAVING = 8 to 10 per cent of carbon emissions SAVING = 7 to 8 per cent of carbon emissions making energy and financial savings: it is from this area of the footprint SAVING = 7 to 9 per cent of carbon emissions from this area of the footprint cheap to install and will have little impact from this area of the footprint on operations. A power factor survey is • switch to high efficiency/condenser Power factor correction is the process of needed to find out where these savings boilers and convert oil boilers to gas. New The age and size of the building, along with adjusting the characteristics of electric loads can be made boilers are over 15 per cent more efficient. other factors, determines the investment in order to optimise the efficiency of the Boilers have an official efficiency rating of required and payback period for these power supply and reduce electricity costs. It • following power factor correction, A to G, with ‘A’ being the most efficient. recommendations. However, many are likely is possible to purchase equipment to correct electrical equipment will need to be (Investment required. Payback estimate = to payback the investment within two years. power factors. This equipment is generally tested and possibly adjusted. Power factor 5 years) worthwhile investing in for studios or equipment needs to be reviewed at least • ensure building insulation is brought up productions that have a heavy use of motors every twenty years or following significant • service your boiler annually to minimum standards and improve or other energy-intensive equipment being equipment or layout changes (Investment further where practical • turn down your thermostat by one degree. used on a fairly constant basis. required. Payback estimate = 3 years). On average this can save up to eight per • consider additional insulation to each cent on heating costs floor level to reduce the impact of heat gain rising through buildings • use automated controls (rather than manual); install thermostatic valves on • improve insulation of hot water storage wet radiators (Investment required. (tank and pipe) and electric heating Payback estimate = 1.5 years). cupboards. KEY INSIGHT: Working together to set environmental policies Production companies often treat studios as another location environment, bringing in their own contractors and suppliers – sometimes duplicating services such as waste management and catering. Equally studios don’t always provide environmentally friendly facilities or services, making it hard for producers to lower the environmental impact of their production. Studios can create policies that place environmental practices at the heart of operations. A policy could commit the studio to reduce its own environmental impacts, as well as requiring production companies using its facilities to reduce their environmental impact during their on-site production activities. Environmental policies typically: • provide guidance on best practice in managing energy, waste, water and transport • include a statement of commitment, signed by the head of the company (CEO, president, chair) • set environmental targets for the next financial year • contain a plan with actions, responsibilities and deadlines for reaching the target.
16 17 6.9 Greater cooperation between 6.10 Sound and camera 6.11 Location filming • plan the production so that only the studio and production trucks and technical equipment needed SAVING = 4 to 5 per cent of carbon emissions SAVING = 5 per cent of carbon emissions for the day’s shoot travel to the location from this area of the footprint from this area of the footprint SAVING = 5 to 10 per cent of carbon emissions • ensure fuel-efficient driving techniques from this area of the footprint • unplug video players, television monitors • when planning a location shoot, find out and vehicles are employed. See http:// and other similar equipment with stand- whether it is possible to use locally www.theaa.com/aattitude/driving-truths/ Studios: by mode when not in use available power sources to reduce the use environment/index.jsp for more • provide recycling and energy management of generators information. facilities for production companies and • when purchasing or hiring technical others using the studio and provide equipment, ask about energy-efficient • encourage the use of fluorescent lights for information on carbon saving opportunities alternatives or enquire about more work areas on location e.g. wardrobe, art, etc. efficient ways to use technical equipment
• provide production companies with 31% (Investment required. Payback estimate = 7% accurate meter readings to help them 63 % 3-5 years) improve their energy management. 3% • where quality allows, use digital processes Productions: for filming and sound recording. • ask if the studio in which you are filming 6% has recycling and energy management facilities and, where budget allows, use facilities that are available. 0% 1% 13% 40% 36% Cast Trailer Catering & Facilities Director's Trailer Make Up Trailer Power all trailers Set Power & Lighting Transport to locations Generato r Cooking Grid electric Chart Split shoot of location emissions 1: emissions Chart Split of generator 2: chart from down ( break 1)
18 19 7. Success stories
6.12 Procurement and disposal/ • light bulbs and lamps - many suppliers Blue Peter audits energy use as first step to ‘The Green Screen report into the carbon recycling will collect dead bulbs reducing emissions emissions of Blue Peter has provided the Blue Peter and the BBC are keen to reduce BBC’s Environmentally Sustainable • aim to separate as much waste as possible. SAVING = 1 per cent of carbon emissions their carbon footprint and as part of the Productions project and Blue Peter itself This can take slightly more effort in from this area of the footprint Mayor of London’s Green Screen programme with a very useful set of data which has temporary locations, but can be achieved Blue Peter was audited to collect data on the helped us begin the process of working out by using well marked receptacles. Disposal and recycling carbon emissions involved in its production. what we can do to make our productions • encourage the arts department to find Procurement The audit provided useful information on more environmentally efficient.’Charles methods of set construction which enable Use your buying power to support green energy use, carbon emissions and identified Simmonds, News Director and leader of the easy dismantling and recycling suppliers and products. excellent saving opportunities. The main BBCís Environmentally Sustainable recommendations coming out of the audit Productions project • avoid the use of unrecyclable materials, • sign up to the Green Procurement Code. were to: such as polystyrene, expandable foam and See the ‘top tips for green procurement’ at MDF board the end of this document and www. • upgrade existing T8 fluorescent bulbs to greenprocurementcode.co.uk for more LED tube lights - this could reduce Using rechargeable batteries saves 93 per • aim to use washable plates and cups information electricity use by 50 per cent and save cent of the cost of disposables. where possible and biodegradable where almost 1.5 tonnes of CO2 each year A major news studio was annually spending not; try to avoid disposables in order to • try to purchase non-VOC paint: Toxins c£25K on disposable batteries to power the reduce landfill waste. released from VOCs (Volatile Organic • reduce energy use from IT equipment by wireless talk back units used by floor Compounds) in paint release low-level setting up sleep/hibernate modes when • dispose of your Electronic Waste and managers. Disposables were used due to toxic emissions. Most paint manufacturers not in use during the day, switching them Electrical Equipment correctly - Since July lack of confidence in rechargeable batteries, now produce one (or more) non-VOC off out of hours and upgrading existing 2007, under the WEEE (Waste Electrical and the perceived risk of failure during live variety of paint. Look for VOC content on PCs - altogether, this could save around 1.3 and Electronic Equipment) directive all transmission. labels: usually listed in grams per litre, this tonnes of CO2 per year businesses need to dispose of equipment can range from 5 to 200 However, following a successful trial, it was in a sustainable way. When you purchase • reduce office temperature by one degree - discovered that battery technology has electronic equipment ensure your • wherever possible, source timber from this could save more than 0.6 tonnes of evolved sufficiently to provide the necessary supplier specifies in the contract how sustainable forests. Look for the Forest CO2 each year reliability, and senior management these items need to be disposed at the Stewardship Council certification • turn off studio lighting when not in use - sanctioned the switch over. The investment end of their life cycle • buy 100 per cent recycled paper this could save around 23 tonnes of CO2 in suitable rechargeable batteries cost £1.5K, • follow the ‘waste hierarchy’ of REDUCE, each year and is delivering per annum savings of • avoid using bottled water as much as REUSE, RECYCLE, DISPOSAL. Aim for higher around £23K. possible, and on location environments • reduce background cooling when the reuse and recycling rates use fewer larger bottles rather than studio is not occupied - 1.8 tonnes of CO2 • implement recycling schemes for: personal bottles for everyone could be saved each year • sets, props and costumes, as these can • hire or use second hand costumes where • conduct a power factor survey to correct often be sold and reused possible the power factor of the Blue Peter studio.
This could generate CO2 savings of at least • batteries, as these release toxic • if materials must be dry-cleaned, seek eight tonnes. materials in landfill suppliers with environmental practices.
20 21 Recycling at 3 Mills: studios and production Recycling and reusing sceneries and props - receive a revenue from the sale proceeds of Pinewood Studios: Reducing carbon companies working together generating cash from waste the stored props. The amount of revenue is emissions through building international 3 Mills Studios has instigated a procedure During the production of Lesbian Vampire dependant on the value and saleability of street scenes in London with London waste contractor Bywaters to Killers, Skyline Productions took advantage the items. Pinewood Studios plans to build ‘Pinewood’, provide production companies with a of a new service being offered to the screen a living and working community for the Metering and monitoring energy use: you comprehensive recycling service. industry in London. Scenery Salvage collect, creative industries situated adjacent to the can’t manage what you don’t measure! from a location or studio, any unwanted studios, between 2010 and 2021. Pinewood On site compactors and localised recycling Monitoring emissions and energy use, and scenery, which they then sort into reusable, will have ‘atmospheric streetscapes’ inspired bins enable the segregation, collection and targeting reductions where they’ll have the recyclable and non-recyclable material by a variety of popular filming locations recycling of a range of waste materials, biggest impact, lies at the heart of any streams. including New York, San Francisco, including paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, effective approach to reducing carbon Amsterdam and Paris. These will be real metals and even timber. Reusable items, subject to production emissions. streets inhabited by real people, with up to approval, are photographed and catalogued Improved waste management is essential to However, this is only possible if energy can 1,400 sustainable dwellings powered by and put on the company’s website (www. reducing carbon emissions. Materials be accurately metered and recorded renewable energy. scenerysalvage.com) for re-sale back to the contain ‘embodied’ emissions, which are frequently. This relies on the studio having industry at competitive rates. Recyclable Pinewood Studios estimates that filming at released if they are sent to landfill. By suitable metering in place. items are broken up in to their constituent Pinewood could potentially reduce the following to the ‘waste hierarchy’ of Reduce, materials, ie timber, metal, plastic, textile, Ealing Studios has the capability to provide carbon emissions of a typical film, television Reuse and Recycle, these emissions can be polystyrene, carpet etc and then processed weekly electricity meter readings to production or commercial by up to 77 per reduced, if not avoided. for recycling through major recycling production companies using its studio cent, by running on low carbon energy and The service offered by Bywaters at 3 Mills companies in Europe. spaces, thereby offering those productions providing opportunities for filmmakers to gives production companies using the much greater visibility and control over their avoid carbon intensive travel associated with The basic principle is that the extra costs of studios a significant boost in reducing studio energy use and associated emissions. location filming outside of the UK. disposal are covered by what can be resold carbon emissions from waste materials. from the production. In theory, it is possible This estimate is based on a carbon footprint to actually make money. Scenery Salvage assessment of a hypothetical film or therefore offers the screen production television drama (representative of a typical ‘3 Mills Studios has been developing green industry a sustainable outlet for its set small to medium scale production). The initiatives for some time. We are delighted materials and unwanted scenery which may carbon profiles of the film, both with current to support this campaign and to encourage otherwise be disposed of to landfill – a more facilities and with Pinewood, were and help companies using 3 Mills Studios to carbon intensive and, increasingly, more determined using Arup’s carbon footprinting review their own procedures for global costly option. tool, a robust methodology that integrates benefit. With a little forethought we can different resource streams into a dynamic all look forward to an environmentally The company also operates model using full life cycle emission factors. friendly future.’ PropSupermarket – a facility for warehousing The traditional scenario included shooting unwanted props and marketing them back Derek Watts, Studio Executive, 3 Mills Studios overseas on location with post-production in to the industry which is done via a website the UK using conventional energy sources. (www.propsupermarket.com). What this The Pinewood scenario included shooting in means for productions is that they can clear the Pinewood ‘filming streetscapes’ with costly prop rooms quickly and efficiently and
22 23 8. Thinking more broadly
post-production at Pinewood Studios using ‘Because we’ve waited, because we’ve ‘The challenge is fundamental. It’s not just renewable energy sources. turned our backs on nature’s warning signs about cleaner cars or energy-efficient light and because our political and corporate bulbs. It’s about changing the DNA of our The overall carbon emissions could be leaders have consistently ignored the businesses.’ reduced by up to 77 per cent compared to overwhelming scientific evidence, the traditional filming methods. Of this Zac Goldsmith in the above interview with challenges we face are that much more reduction, Leonardo DiCaprio difficult…. Much of the vision – is • forty-four per cent comes from a reduction complicated. But that’s unavoidable.’ in air travel and air-freight Leonardo DiCaprio • ten per cent comes from reducing the number of nights spent at hotels and other accommodation while filming on The actions represent a set of first steps Stars also have influence beyond those they location by filming at Pinewood instead forward. To achieve the scale of emissions work with – being in the public eye presents • three per cent comes from reduction in reductions necessary to avoid catastrophic a unique opportunity to demonstrate road transport due to easier access to climate change (see the Stern Review http:// environmental concerns, for example by production facilities (staff and crew www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/independent_ seeking alternatives to fast/large cars at commuting, equipment road freight and reviews/stern_review_economics_climate_ off-screen showcase events which may have transport of daily ‘rushes’) change/sternreview_index.cfm or the a wide public influence. London Climate Change Action Plan http:// • forty-three per cent comes from www.london.gov.uk/mayor/environment/ completing the filming and post- climate-change/ccap/index.jsp), more production at Pinewood Studios and fundamental changes will need to happen. ensuring that streetscape filming and Pinewood Studios’ facilities are powered One way of achieving this is through by low carbon sources of energy. encouraging top talent to set a good example on set. If the top talent takes a smaller trailer space and gives up private vehicles, the rest of the cast are likely to be inspired to follow the lead. Conversely, bad examples will also have an impact on how production staff will act.
24 25 9. Carbon calculator for production planning 10. Thank you!
The carbon footprint of a specific production If you don’t know a specific piece of It would not have been possible to develop is determined mostly during pre-production information or a question doesn’t apply, then this programme without the incredible – through the numerous decisions made in you can leave it out and the calculator will engagement from London’s screen lighting, staging, set design and so on. still be able to calculate a footprint based on production industry. Our particular thanks the information you have put in. To help you understand the environmental go to: implications of these decisions, we have The carbon calculator is available for developed a carbon calculator to estimate download at www.london.gov.uk/mayor and the carbon footprint of each of the main www.filmlondon.org.uk 3 Mills Studios production areas. This is intended to AEAT highlight which areas in a given production are the biggest creators of carbon BBC emissions. Using the advice and guidance Carbon Trust in this document can significantly help reduce this footprint. Channel 5 Ealing Studios Sample input page Film London
What is the production budget? £s Framestore
How many actors will be involved in the production? No Greening the Screen, New Zealand
What is the total number of crew, production team, extras, etc? No ITVP
If the production is being filmed outside the studio, how many different locations will be used for No London Remade shooting? National Trust What is the total distance between the locations and the studio? km Pinewood Studios What will be the final running time of the production (programme or film)? hours Skyline Productions How many days are designated for… days • Pre-production Sky • Production • Post-production The London Filming Partnership
What is the size of the studio? m2 Working Title Films
26 27 4 Appendix 1 Top Tips for Green Procurement 3 Appendix 2: sample letter to suppliers
Green procurement needn’t be complex. Use • Source green alternatives. Product listings Use the sample letter to suppliers below to this action plan to implement green are available from the sustainable product encourage more environmental practices in purchasing in your workplace through a directory on the Green Procurement your supply chain. simple step-by-step process: website • Do you need to buy it in the first place? • Incorporate green procurement criteria Dear Valued Supplier, Can existing products or equipment be into all key contracts, starting with those In response to current environmental concerns and the need to conserve our valuable used instead of buying new goods? Can that are high spend, have a high natural resources,
3 Source: Mayor of London’s Green Procurement Code www.greenprocurementcode.co.uk 4 Source: Live Earth environmental guidelines, 2007 (adapted)
28 29 Appendix 3 Minimising Travel Emissions Where to go for further information and help www.theaa.com Website with a route planner – this can be used to calculate the mileage to set. The website also contains tips on green driving practices
Online resource guide if looking to minimise the effects of motoring on www.greencarsites.co.uk the environment. The latest industry news and information on UK is Management and Leadership available – info on electric, hybrid, alternative fuel and very efficient conventional diesel and petrol cars To book in a carbon footprint survey www.carbontrust.co.uk www.tfl.gov.uk Up to the minute travel info with a journey planner to help you journey from A to B using public transport. Details on the Low Emission Zone. www.globalactionplan.org.uk Global Action Plan offers short training for environmental champions who then disseminate the lessons they learn Transport Direct provides journey planning and emissions calculations www.transportdirect.com for national travel
www.greenprocurementcode.co.uk The Mayor’s Green Procurement Code Recycling A website to help compare green electricity tariffs www.greenelectricity.org www.recycle-more.co.uk A recycling information site. Local recycling sites can be sourced Environmental Media Association, an LA based organisation created in www.ema-online.com 1989 to inform those in the entertainment business with resources, www.ukcra.com UK printer cartridge recyclers association facts and links to environmentally friendly applicable products, services, www.scenerysalvage.com Company that where possible collects and recycles scenery technologies and also provide everyday green lifestyle tips A company offering a free nationwide collection service for all plastic www.plasticwaste.co.uk Energy Saving Trust is an excellent source of advice (although primarily waste http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/ domestic focused, advice is easily applied to the work environment) www.communitywoodrecycling.org.uk National wood recycling unit LDA Envirowise offers free, independent & confidential advice and www.communityrepaint.org.uk Paint recycling service and outlet for unwanted and re-useable paint support, and links to numerous sources of further information. If you are www.envirowise.gov.uk not sure what help you need, are just starting out or would like to www.london-recycling.co.uk/reporting/weee.php Information on the WEEE directive simply discuss your options, the Envirowise Advice Line (0800 585794) www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk Good website for information on how and where to reduce, reuse and can point you in the right direction recycle in London and in the rest of UK NZ filming has created some excellent guidelines on green filming www.greeningthescreen.co.nz/ behaviour www.freecycle.org Recycling network www.traid.org.uk Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development - committed to protecting the environment and reducing world poverty through recycling London Remade Solutions can assist businesses in reducing the waste www.londonremade.com/greening-the-office they produce; reusing office items; starting up or improving office recycling
Location Filming (also see the travel and recycling sections)
www.filmlondon.org.uk/cop Film London’s Code of Practice for advice on location shooting www.greencarsites.co.uk Online resource guide if looking to minimise the effects of motoring on the environment. The latest industry news and information on UK is available – info on electric, hybrid, alternative fuel and very efficient conventional diesel and petrol cars
Procurement
http://www.fsc-uk.org The Forest Stewardship Council has information on sustainable forestry www.greenprocurementcode.co.uk The Mayor’s Green Procurement Code
30 31 Appendix 4: How is technology having an impact?
Off-site data centre energy consumption Increased demand and sophistication is emissions of filming and digital technologies contributes almost as much to the footprint balancing improvements in technologies. has been outside the scope of this study. as offices and equipment used in post- As digital technology continues to advance Finally, industry definitions are expected to production its capabilities, the role of post -production continue to blur, in particular as films, TV and will become increasingly important. The computer gaming increasingly overlap. A reduction in materials used in construction broader view of entertainment industry All screen industry areas Post production and special effects will achieve savings in emissions may be required in the future. 125,000 tonnes CO2 14,000 tonnes CO2 embedded carbon consumption. However, based on recent patterns, it is possible that the broad volume of studio filming is 4% unlikely to be affected. Did you know… Perhaps one of the most Due to the emissions from computing power overlooked energy consumers in the value and data centres, post-production activity is chain is in data storage? For example,
41% by no means emissions free – with increased data centres account for almost half the demand for data storage matching entire footprint of post-production. efficiencies in computing power. Significant strides are being made in data centre efficiency, so it is important that For example the time to render CGI images you are asking your off-site data storage 55% hasn’t changed much in the last decade: providers to supply energy consumption with image quality and complexity of effects information. These costs are ultimately progressing at much the same rate as passed on, so encouraging their efficiency improvements in hardware. Technology will result in financial savings. drivers include: • exponential increases in Graphics Post production emissions split Processing Units (GPU) processing power Office electricity • dramatic increases in parallel central processing unit (CPU) power Datacentre • increases in storage and memory speed and size. Office gas use There is also expected to be a long-term footprint reduction as filming technologies switch from film to HD, and as the film industry moves towards digital cinema. However, the converse may be true in the short term until digital storage capacities improve, and quantifying the life cycle
32 33 Appendix 5: Methodology
A5.1 Scope of screen production as this can be a very significant area, A5.ii Methodology principles: • Pinewood studios have been included in footprint analysis particularly for larger production overall footprint this report as it is a facility that sells itself as companies. See notes in Travel section for being within easy reach of London, This report has looked at screen production more information. In order to scale up the audit data to although we acknowledge it is not a across the value chain of production estimate a footprint for the entire screen London-based facility. • Embedded emissions – this relates to activities from pre- to post- production. production industry in London, the following waste materials and emissions related to assumptions were used: A5.iv Methodology principles: Excluded activities water use. Variability and lack of detailed production company emissions • Dashed boxes in the diagram below are information relating to materials used, • percentage utilisation of studio space was activities that are not included in the waste disposal routes chosen and water use estimated at 100 per cent Footprint calculation framework: scope of the footprint analysis. meant that direct and embedded emissions • the total stage space of London studios is (Average emissions/employee) x relating to these sources could not be • Staff journeys to work. Although this has 77,096m2. (# employees working in production) accurately calculated. However, these not been factored into the footprint emissions sources are likely to be small in calculations, recommendations on travel A5.iii Methodology principles: Data sources: the context of the overall carbon footprint emissions reductions have been included studio emissions • skillset industry employee data (2006 for TV and film production in London. employment census) Footprint calculation framework: • emissions from production activity taken Pre- production Filming Post-production Sales &/or distribution (# studio stages) x (size of stages) x from Green Screen audits and Sky (average emissions/stage m2) published data. NOT INCLUDED Studio shooting/ Post production NOT INCLUDED • Ideas stage location shooting Data sources: Assumptions: • Rough cut Film distribution & exhibition • Film London information on studio stages • production data specifically relating to use • Initial finance development • Principal • Acquisition of screening rights photography • Post production sound (supplemented by company website) of studios, post-production houses, or from • Script development • Exhibition in cinemas location shoots, is included in those • Filming • Digital effects and titles • average emissions from studio audits • Packaging (package script categories rather than the production • Grading and colour • DVD distribution into full commercial • Lighting and sound • specific data from studio audits relating to figure. Thus ‘production emissions’ proposition: initial casting, set up • Final mix detailed budgeting and detailed emissions sources. primarily relate to office and non-filming financing) • Acting • Final cut travel activity Assumptions and comments: • Securing financing • Construction of special effects • studio emissions will vary across • although the budget and scale of an technologies and age/type of building entire production varies significantly, the • Financial facilities. Several stages were included in relationship between production office supervision the averaging, to smooth this out emissions and FTE employees is much more consistent. This provides a further Pre-production NOT INCLUDED • similarly, because size and number of stages degree of confidence in the averaging • Casting has been used as the scaling mechanism, TV acquisition & broadcast approach taken here this assumes that the proportion of office • Storyboarding • Acquisition of broadcasting rights Ongoing production company involvement and related spaces is of a broadly similar • sub-regional employee data is calculated • Production design • TV transmission proportion to stage area, across all studios by applying national splits in occupations • Special effects
• Planning, logistics 34 35 to regional totals. Thus this data assumes Excluded: • the sub-regional employee data contained Excluded: that London employment splits are similar • non-London and international travel and in the Skillset census was calculated by • staff journeys to work to national averages. Since London is by transportation of materials and equipment applying national splits in occupations to • emissions outside of the post-production far the largest employer, this will be regional totals. This data assumes that • non-London filming days ie days filmed by environment eg bikes, runners and broadly accurate. London employment splits are similar to London companies outside of London. couriers. national averages. Since London is by far Excluded: the largest employer, we expect this to be • early pre-shoot activities (such as the A5.vi Methodology principles: post- broadly accurate. arrangement of financing, script production emissions development), as they are too nebulous Footprint calculation framework: and open ended to be usefully considered. (average emissions/employee from audits) A5.v Methodology principles: x (# employees in post production in London) A5.vii Methodology principles: conversion factors used location-shooting emissions Data sources: Energy type Factor (kg CO2/kWh gross) Source Footprint calculation framework: • Skillset industry employee data (2006 Electricity (grid) 0.523 (average location footprint/day) x employment census) Electricity - CHP 0.295 (# days location shooting in London) Defra conversion factors • average emissions from Global Action Plan Electricity (onsite renewables) 0.000 audit of Framestore. Data sources: Natural gas 0.185 • sea Renue audits of three location shoots Assumptions:
• total FTEs for London region counted in Transport type Factor (kg CO2/km) Source • AEA audits of two film sets and one TV Skillset post-production employment environment Car/Taxi 0.21 database. Given freelancers may work less Bus/coach 0.09 • Film London location shooting days than full time employees, it has been Rail 0.06 (relates to location shoots where assumed that the companies audited as permissions are required). part of this work have an employee: Underground 0.05 freelancer ratio that is in line with the Motorbike 0.11 Assumptions: Defra conversion factors industry average • London travel directly associated with the Walking/Cycling 0.000 production is included ie staff travel for • the environments audited as part of this Van 0.27 business purposes during working hours, work are sophisticated specialist post- Flight – long haul international 0.12
transportation of materials and equipment production houses, which may have slightly Flight – short haul international 0.14 higher IT/data centre demands than the • all filming days in London are included (ie Flight – domestic 0.17 industry average. This means that the total filming done on location by both London post-production emissions figure estimated and non-London companies). in this report might be slightly higher than Waste Factor (tonnes CO2/tonne) Source if smaller post-production houses had General Waste 0.447 Carbon Trust been used
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