Greener Productions: Sustainability on Set

How Production Companies Can Build Sustainable Location Departments

Everyone in the industry is talking about sustainability — but where in a production is the carbon footprint truly determined?
Often at the location stage. The team that decides where the crew will gather, how resources will be used, and which logistics are required is one of the biggest levers for a greener production.

Give the Location Department a Clear Sustainability Mandate

For sustainability to be more than a box to check, production companies must give the location department a clear mandate:

• Location choices should always factor in public-transit access, local infrastructure, and available power supply.

• Scouting should include sustainability checklists from the very first tech scout (recce).

• Every decision should be viewed through a lifecycle lens: what is the environmental cost of getting here, working here, and restoring the site afterward?

Invest in Digital Scouting Tools

A production company aiming to reduce its footprint should equip its scouts with modern digital tools:

• 3D scanning and VR walkthroughs reduce unnecessary travel.

• AI-powered databases deliver more precise search results, so fewer sites need physical visits.

• Drone documentation provides comprehensive visuals before a single on-site trip is made.

Every avoided car trip is a step toward a greener set.

Demand Sustainable Energy and Logistics

The location department can only deliver on sustainability if the company gives the team the mandate. That means production companies should require:

• Use of existing electrical infrastructure whenever possible — generators should be a last resort.

• Exploration of fossil-free options (battery systems and grid power) as the default.

• Transportation plans that prioritize carpooling, public transit, and local suppliers.

Integrate Sustainability into Contracts and Agreements

Production companies can drive greener practices already in negotiations with property owners, municipalities, and suppliers. For example:

• Agreements covering waste management and restoration.

• Requirements for local vendors (catering, transportation) with green alternatives.

• Clear procedures to minimize single-use items and plastic on set.

Train and Organize for the Future

A sustainable location department isn’t just about tools — it’s about culture. Companies that want to lead should:

• Provide scouts and location managers with sustainability training.

• Introduce a “Green Captain” within the location team, responsible for tracking and reporting on goals.

• Set measurable KPIs for waste reduction, transportation efficiency, and energy savings.

Conclusion — Sustainability Starts with the Production Company’s Priorities

The technology already exists. The commitment from location professionals is already there.
The question is: will production companies give the department the resources and authority it needs?
Those who do will not only reduce their climate impact but also streamline production, strengthen relationships with owners and communities, and build a greener brand identity.

Put simply: the sustainable productions of tomorrow begin with how you organize your location department today.

Action Checklist for Production Companies

Five Steps to a Greener Location Department

1. Introduce a sustainability checklist for all scouting assignments from day one.

2. Invest in digital tools (3D scanning, VR, AI) to cut down on in-person tech scouts.

3. Require fossil-free alternatives for energy and transportation in production logistics.

4. Include sustainability clauses in contracts with property owners and suppliers.

5. Appoint a Green Captain in the location team with KPIs to measure and report progress.

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   Further Reading

• Albert Sustainable Production Report 2024 – BAFTA’s initiative for greener film and TV production. wearealbert.org

• Green Production Guide – Sustainable practices for film & TV (MPA, PGA, IATSE). greenproductionguide.com

• Film London – Sustainability Tools & Best Practices – Case studies and carbon calculators for productions. filmlondon.org.uk

• European Audiovisual Observatory: Sustainability in Film Production (2023) – Trends and data on eco-friendly production in Europe.

• Variety: “How Hollywood Is Cutting Its Carbon Footprint” (2023) – Industry insights into technology and green logistics.

• Evercast Blog: Virtual Scouting in the Age of Remote Filmmaking – The role of digital tools in reducing travel.

• Massif Network: AI & Film Pre-Production – How artificial intelligence is changing scouting and logistics.