The motion picture industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact. In Canada, film productions have access to various resources, tools, and incentives to adopt electric solutions, minimize waste, and utilize existing green infrastructure.
This guide provides an overview of how Canadian film productions can implement these sustainable practices.
1. Transitioning to Electric Power
Reducing reliance on diesel generators is a significant step toward sustainability. By tapping into existing electrical grids, productions can lower carbon emissions, reduce noise pollution, and cut fuel costs.
Environmental Impact of Diesel Generators
Diesel generators have been a staple in film productions for on-site power needs. However, their environmental footprint is considerable. According to the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance (SPE), each film production emits around 3,370 metric tons (Mt) of CO2 or about 33 Mt for each shooting day. This figure is equivalent to over 7 million miles driven by a car. That applies to production with an average budget of $70 million, while smaller films emit about 400 Mt.
Benefits of Using Grid Power
Utilizing grid power offers several advantages over diesel generators:
Emission Reduction: Grid power, especially from renewable sources, significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel generators.
Cost Savings: Productions can save on fuel expenses. For instance, using electric power stations instead of diesel generators can lead to fuel savings of approximately $2,000 per week on set.
Noise Reduction: Electric power sources operate more quietly, creating a better working environment and reducing noise pollution.
Industry Initiatives and Alternatives
Major studios and streaming platforms are actively seeking sustainable alternatives to diesel generators. Collaborations are underway to develop clean mobile power solutions, aiming to replace traditional diesel units and reduce the carbon footprint of film and TV productions.
Companies like Portable Electric, MBS Canada, and Sunbelt Rentals, offer energy-efficient power stations tailored for the film industry, enabling productions to minimize environmental impact without compromising on power needs.
By embracing grid power and innovative clean energy solutions, the film industry can make significant strides toward sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly practices.
British Columbia is leading the charge in green energy use within the film and TV industry by expanding access to clean power alternatives. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Reel Green™ at Creative BC encourages productions to utilize grid power instead of diesel generators, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality. By leveraging BC’s existing clean energy infrastructure, the industry is setting a standard for greener filmmaking.
British Columbia Initiatives:
Reel Green's Clean Energy Toolkit: Creative BC's Reel Green program offers a comprehensive toolkit that guides productions on accessing grid power. It includes information on available infrastructure and best practices for integrating clean energy into film projects.
Grid Power Access Maps: An interactive map highlights locations across British Columbia where productions can connect to the electrical grid, facilitating the use of clean energy on set.
Ontario Initiatives:
Ontario Green Screen Grid Tie-in Map: This map identifies locations throughout Ontario where film productions can plug into existing electrical access, reducing the need for diesel generators.
Grid Tie-in Reference Sheet: Provides detailed information on accessing and utilizing grid tie-ins, ensuring productions can effectively plan for clean energy use.
2. Leveraging Green Infrastructure and Incentives
Utilizing existing green infrastructure and taking advantage of available incentives can further promote sustainability in film productions.
City of Vancouver – Clean Energy Discount: Vancouver offers a discount on filming fees for productions that utilize clean energy sources, encouraging the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
City of Vancouver also has electric kiosks around the city, making it easier for productions to plug in. Each kiosk is a fixed power supply that can replace the diesel generators still powering many film sets with renewable energy drawn from the local power grid.
"These kiosks use a new and improved technology over the first clean energy kiosk installed in 2018 in šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square – the plaza by Vancouver Art Gallery. Since this historic installation – the first in Canada – Vancouver has shared their best practices and blueprints with other cities." - Vancouver Economic Commission Press Release
City of Surrey – Clean Energy Discount: Similar to Vancouver, Surrey provides financial incentives for productions that commit to using clean energy, supporting the city's sustainability goals.
Metro Vancouver Filming Guidelines: Metro Vancouver offers resources and guidelines for sustainable filming practices, including information on permits and the use of green infrastructure.
Maple Ridge Electric Kiosks - The all-new Electrified Film Kiosk at the Port Haney Rail Lot is now active and will now power film productions for years to come. Maple Ridge is the only municipal location outside of Vancouver to construct one of it's kind for the film industry.
3. Implementing Best Practices
To effectively integrate these sustainable measures, productions should consider the following steps:
Early Planning: Incorporate sustainability into the initial planning stages of production to identify opportunities for using clean energy and reducing waste.
Engage with Local Authorities: Collaborate with city officials and local organizations to understand available resources, infrastructure, and incentives that support sustainable practices.
Educate the Crew: Provide training and resources to crew members about the importance of sustainability and how they can contribute to green initiatives on set.
The Rest of Canada is Catching Up
In addition to the existing initiatives, several Canadian provinces have established programs to promote sustainable practices in the film and television industry:
Nova Scotia: Screen Nova Scotia's Film Sustainability Program
Screen Nova Scotia offers resources and guidelines to help productions adopt eco-friendly practices, focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable set design. Their program provides tools and strategies to minimize environmental impact during filming.
Alberta: Alberta Sustainable Production Guide
Calgary Economic Development has developed the Alberta Sustainable Production Guide, which assists the screen industry in transitioning to eco-friendly and sustainable practices. The guide offers access to vendors and service providers specializing in green services, including biodegradable materials, recycling, composting, and energy-efficient power solutions.
Quebec: Rolling Green (On Tourne Vert)
Rolling Green, known as "On Tourne Vert" in French, supports the audiovisual production sector in Quebec through its ecological transition. They provide a comprehensive range of tools and resources, such as guides, a supplier directory, accreditation programs, and a carbon calculator tailored to productions. Their goal is to integrate eco-responsible practices into daily production activities.
These initiatives, along with those in British Columbia and Ontario, demonstrate a nationwide commitment to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in Canada's film and television industry.
By embracing electric power solutions, adopting low-waste practices, and leveraging existing green infrastructure and incentives, Canadian film productions can significantly reduce their environmental impact and lead the way in sustainable filmmaking.
Stay Connected for More Sustainable Filmmaking Insights!
The shift toward greener film production is happening now, and with the right tools and resources, the industry can continue leading the way in sustainability. Whether you’re a producer, crew member, or industry advocate, embracing clean energy, reducing waste, and utilizing green infrastructure is key to building a more sustainable future for film and TV in Canada.
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