Sustainable filming

The audiovisual sector can promote sustainability in storytelling as well as production, distribution and screening. By gaining insight into the impact of logistical choices and by exploring alternatives, productions can reduce their ecological footprint and save costs.

Sustainability competencies are also becoming increasingly important for financiers and clients. Major players such as broadcasters and streaming services must comply with European reporting requirements such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), making sustainable production practices a competitive advantage.

Sustainability also offers added value for employees: it increases well-being, stimulates creativity and gives meaning to work.

Sustainability goes beyond CO₂ reduction. International frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) criteria, the 3P approach (People, Planet, Profit) and the CSRD emphasise a broad view of impact. For the audiovisual sector, this translates into the following areas, among others:

Planet

• Climate impact and CO₂ emissions
• Pollution, toxicity and impact on biodiversit
• Respect for nature and heritage sites
• Responsible use of raw materials and resources

People

• (Mental) well-being, health and work-life balance
• Gender equality and inclusion, on set and on screen
• Safe working conditions
• Impact of filming on the neighbourhood
• Intimacy coordination, MeToo policy and "Nothing About Us Without US"-principles

Prosperity / Business operations

• Fair and equal pay
• Fair working conditions, including for interns
• Clear mission, vision and decision-making
• Reasonable payment terms

Many organisations and film funds emphasise sustainability at the project level. Productions must meet certain criteria and often map their carbon footprint. The success of this depends heavily on support within the team. Sustainability only works when it is shared, not when it is imposed top-down.

A production team can embed sustainability in concrete terms by:

• Assessing experience and motivation around sustainability during job interviews
• Making clear agreements about which sustainability goals apply to the project
• Discussing, per department, which logistical, technical and creative choices have an impact on sustainability and budget
• Allowing time and space for dialogue on these issues
• Actively involving suppliers

Not every project has the same sustainability priorities. Therefore, determine which aspects of ESG are relevant to your production. This depends, among other things, on:

• Logistical complexity: mobility, energy, catering, waste, materials, post-production
• Co-production structure: different partners may each apply their own sustainability criteria; coordination is essential here, both in terms of the focus of the sustainability criteria and reporting
• Location conditions: nature and heritage managers (such as Natuurinvest in Flanders) may impose specific rules
• Obligations of major players: broadcasters, streamers and international production companies must report in accordance with European directives such as the CSRD — and expect the same from their suppliers

Priorities can be assessed on the basis of one's own experience, in collaboration with an eco-consultant, in consultation with location managers or according to the guidelines of the funds involved.

However, it can also be a conscious strategic choice to embed sustainability at company level. This involves taking initiatives to a higher level, with or without a focus on the planet, people and prosperity/business operations. This conscious choice has several advantages:

• You are consciously addressing sustainability and giving your employees social relevance
• There is a strategic advantage: a clear vision on sustainability increases your chances of obtaining external financing. Sustainable suppliers are also attractive in an international context, where external companies are looking for local sustainable co-production partners (cf. CSRD regulations)
• Sustainable choices often lead to significant financial savings. Efficient use of energy, focus on mobility, etc. often lead to lower expenditure

There are a number of tools you can use to embed sustainability at company level:

• Sustainable Entrepreneurship – VLAIO: https://www.vlaio.be/nl/begeleiding-advies/duurzaam-ondernemen
• Brussels Environment – Ecodynamic Enterprise Label: https://leefmilieu.brussels/pro/milieubeheer/duurzamer-worden/het-label-ecodynamische-onderneming-laat-uw-acties-voor-het-leefmilieu-renderen
• Sustatool: Sustainability Dashboard: https://www.mvovlaanderen.be/nl/sustatool
• CSRD: https://www.vlaio.be/nl/begeleiding-advies/duurzaam-ondernemen/duurzaamheidsverslag/corporate-sustainability-reporting-directive-csrd