Sustainability in Film & TV: Cutting Energy and Water Waste on Set

In this post, I focus on sustainable solutions for energy and water consumption on film and TV sets, as well as in studio settings. Producing any film or TV show requires significant resources; however, to reduce CO2 emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, the entertainment industry must change its use of resources. To significantly reduce CO2 emissions in studio settings and during the production phase, enterprises would require financial incentives. If productions can save money by reducing electricity, heating, and water consumption on set, they are more likely to implement these changes. While we’re accustomed to seeing large production budgets, studios and film/TV production companies still seek opportunities to save money, which could be redirected to other departments. If the production is on the studio lot, it’s easier to monitor resource consumption (energy, water) and implement necessary changes, such as generating renewable energy on-site or partially on-site, to reduce production costs and decrease reliance on fossil fuels. Mobile sustainable solutions are also available. Depending on where your production is based, you might require more time allocated in pre-production to finding substitutes to traditional fossil fuel-based setups.

Below is a list of changes and adjustments that can and in many instances should be implemented to minimise water usage and reliance on fossil fuels during the production of films and TV:

• In the future, it will be standard to design passive buildings for studio-based productions, emphasising features such as abundant natural light, heat recovery systems, natural ventilation and cooling, as well as solar shading and thermal gain to minimise the reliance on electric lighting and heating. For the time being, existing studios will need to adapt, although some industry insiders may argue that this approach isn’t cost-effective.
• Installing solar panels or turbines (quieter frequencies) in a studio setting would help produce energy and, in the long run, make studios independent from fossil fuels.
• In instances when energy production isn’t feasible, switching to green energy suppliers is another possibility.
• Using battery storage and microgrids to increase energy storage would help store energy that is produced but not used.
• For mobile productions, hiring mobile renewable energy units can be a viable option. Trailers equipped with solar roofs, biodiesel, and battery-powered generators are readily available. If the renewable energy generators are supported by sufficiently large battery storage, the energy can be utilised most effectively.
• Traditional fossil-fuel diesel generators are typically used to power high-demand lights. However, switching to low-energy lighting can also meet the needs of the director and the production. Additionally, innovative battery technology could be used as a backup for when production needs a lot of energy.
• The current focus when it comes to water consumption is to reduce the number of plastic bottles used. However, water is utilized in many other scenarios and setups on film and TV sets. Therefore, it’s important to consider water usage beyond just the reduction of plastic bottles.
• Implementing sustainable solutions, such as rainwater collection, is more challenging on mobile film sets. While it’s not impossible, it would require additional planning during pre-production and extra time for setup and wrap-up at the end of the day.
• Studios could redesign their water systems to capture rainwater and recycle wastewater, reducing the demand for the main water supply.
• Runoffs from washing up, washing machines, flushing toilets, cooling the building, etc., can be used to irrigate green areas in the studio.
• Rainwater harvesting (collection, treatment, storage, and distribution) can reduce water demand from the leading supplier and can be used for drinking and cooking during production.
• Greywater recycling (which is generated from buildings but excludes toilets and kitchens) involves the collection, treatment, storage, and distribution of water. This process requires filtration, biological treatment, and disinfection.
• Composting toilets are becoming a more viable alternative to flushing toilets. They can be installed in studio settings or hired as mobile sanitation units.
• Incorporating green infrastructure into studios or selecting locations with easy access to such features can help cast and crew relax and socialise, positively impacting both the environment and individuals’ mental health.
• Buildings covered in plants help with insulation and water runoff. Some parts of the studio infrastructure could be converted to green walls.
• Installing monitoring equipment will help identify usage patterns and estimate potential savings in studio settings and on locations.

All the solutions mentioned above have been implemented in tiny houses or homesteads on a smaller scale. These changes can be achieved with patience, research, and a commitment to long-term thinking, rather than focusing on short-term gains that deplete natural resources and create a legacy of pollution for generations to come.