We try to reduce the amount of waste we produce, and when unavoidable, we recycle or compost to the best of our abilities. For example, all our offices and shoots are paper-free, and if paper is essential, we use recycled paper.
On shoots, we implement a waste separation system and train all our staff to adhere to this. Waste is separated and signposted into three categories: compostable, recyclable, and non-recyclable. We have a ban on single-use plastics on set and provide refillable drinking stations with reusable glasses and containers. We also attempt to donate any leftover food to local charities.
In our offices, we incorporate energy-saving strategies when possible, including using LED lights, upgrading windows to double glazing, sealing floorboards, and using programmable thermostats. We are committed to using renewable energy suppliers and ensure that all appliances have high energy ratings. This commitment includes the small, turning off lights and devices when not being used, and the potentially overlooked, we use the company EcoPing to reduce carbon emissions for the website you are reading this on.
We measure energy emissions for each of our offices and all our shoots. For shoots, this means collating the impact when prepping for the job and working with creative teams to think of ways to reduce carbon-intensive elements. This can include switching to energy-efficient lighting, heating, and electric generators. We also favor suppliers, facility vehicles, studios, and accommodation that run on 100% renewable energy, and we use GreenVendors to seek out these suppliers in each area we are working.
We want to curb the amount of water we use. We attempt to do this in multiple ways, such as identifying and fixing leaks promptly and using water-saving features like low-flow taps, dual flush toilets, and smart water appliances. We also include signage in our offices and sets to remind everyone that a little water goes a long way.
We engage in responsible disposal processing for all electronics, conforming to local regulatory requirements and best practices. Ahead of this, we use all electrical assets to their full productive life and donate used technology, when the time is right, to bonafide philanthropic organizations. Only when something is no longer operational and can’t be reused for any other purpose do we consider it e-waste for disposal. This policy also extends to our vendors, and we favor those with sound e-waste management processes.
Transportation is our most significant cause of emissions; 75% of the carbon we produce is a product of flights. To mitigate this, we have opened offices worldwide, making us local global, reducing our travel pollution while supporting our clients on a regional basis. We also encourage all our employees to use public transportation or cycle to work when possible.
On shoots, we implement policies to alleviate emissions, such as prioritizing electric and hybrid vehicles and car sharing when possible, favoring local cast and crew, asking drivers not to idle their vehicles while stationary, and using couriers that offer low-carbon delivery.
We attempt to use local and environmentally friendly supplies, over working with big corporations. On set, we provide organic, seasonal, and locally sourced food, offering vegetarian and vegan options, through Trade and Prosper.
For all the materials used in our work, we discuss reuse and rehoming plans for any set build items, props, and costumes, and we aim for zero waste in this area. We have established a zero-styrofoam policy on set for all departments. We also avoid any unnecessary consumables; if necessary, we source alternatives like recycled blu-roll and non-plastic tape. We also encourage avoiding single-use plastic bags and ask the wardrobe department to use a laundry service that uses ecologically friendly detergents and soap.
When purchasing anything for a project, we consider what will happen to it once it is over and ask: is it really needed?
Our employees are provided with a list of environmentally friendly vendors. We support local, small businesses that are underrepresented-owned. We also favor brands that have certifications like Fair Trade, are B-Corps, and support 1% for the Planet.
We check suppliers' publicly available sustainability commitments and policies; these range from reducing packaging and using products that use recycled materials to brands that do not use toxic chemicals.