The Sustainable Production Alliance released a report in March of 2021, that analyzed the carbon footprint of a wide range of film and TV productions across North America and found, not so surprisingly, that fuel consumption is responsible for the lion’s share of our industry’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

We burn that fuel in the planes that bring talent from elsewhere, the vehicles used to move people and gear around, and in the generators that power our sets and circuses. Besides reducing unnecessary travel (fewer flights, unit moves and single-occupant trips and no idling for a start) another big fix is to switch to the hydroelectric grid whenever possible–by tying into the grid for power and also renting electric vehicles for cast drivers and other frequent drivers like runners and buyers–there are even new electric cargo vans and 5-tons here in Vancouver now!

When that’s not possible there’s also Renewable Diesel–like Petro-Canada’s EcoDiesel–made using renewable resources like non-consumable crop waste, animal fats and used vegetable oils–treated under high pressure with hydrogen (a different process than making BioDiesel).

Other suppliers are also investing in new Renewable Diesel-making plants across North America. EcoDiesel is a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be used in any vehicle that uses conventional diesel–without needing any modifications. According to Petro-Canada it burns cleaner than diesel, but the big savings in GHG emissions come from leaving fossil fuels in the ground and the carbon-sequestering abilities of the plants grown to make the fuel. Productions can rent a tank from Suncor/Petro-Canada/Coastal Mountain Fuels to keep on their lot and refill their gennies and trucks directly from there.

Some of Vancouver’s rental houses are already supplying their generators filled with EcoDiesel. These measures are helping to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels–a big win for the environment with a small change in practice. Drive that change in whatever way you can!

For more ideas on ways to effect change, check out DGC National’s DGC Green site as well as Creative BC’s Reel Green website for new industry initiatives, green vendors, events and courses you can take.

Tell me what your show is doing to be more sustainable! Do you have a green tip or success story you'd like us to share in a future Ebulletin? Send me an email at awilczur@dgcbc.com.

Annabelle Wilczur
Assistant Business Agent