27 Ways to Make sets Greener

Earth Day is a global day dedicated to protecting the environment and raising awareness about the climate issues affecting our planet. The fight against climate change is essential to preserving ecosystems, human health, and future generations. The audiovisual industry, like all others, has a role to play: every decision made on a film set, whether related to energy use, transportation, food, or waste management, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Taken together, these small actions have a real positive impact, showing that creating powerful works can also go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.

The AQTIS 514 IATSE Green Sets Committee is actively working to develop tools that support more eco-responsible practices on set. Among these initiatives is the creation of eco-friendly guides offering realistic solutions tailored to different departments. These efforts aim to provide concrete, practical resources adapted to on-the-ground realities, helping teams move forward in their sustainability efforts.

Our association represents technicians working across 27 different departments. It therefore felt natural to share 27 simple, practical tips to help make work on set more eco-friendly - without compromising creativity or efficiency.

Reducing at the source is the most effective way to lower our footprint. Keeping this principle in mind, here are the 27 ideas grouped into five categories:

Organization:

• Encourage your colleagues to actively take part in the fight against climate change
• Encourage production teams to adopt a green plan and measure their carbon footprint
• Hire a green supervisor and a green coordinator for your projects
• Integrate eco-friendly reminders into call sheets

Food:

• Prioritize vegetarian and vegan options
• Source locally and seasonally, and prioritize eco-responsible suppliers
• Encourage the use of reusable utensils and water bottles
• Use reusable dishes for snacks
• Donate leftovers to local organizations

Energy:

• Prioritize connections to the hydroelectric grid instead of diesel generators
• Use LED lighting
• Turn off and unplug unused equipment
• Explore off-grid options, such as solar panels

Transportation:

• Encourage carpooling
• Reduce the number of vehicles
• Rent electric or hybrid vehicles
• Turn off engines when vehicles are not moving
• Centralize filming locations
• Promote public transit, cycling, or walking

Waste:

• Reduce at the source
• Plan for the end-of-life of materials from the pre-production stage
• Digitize documents to reduce printing
• Design reusable or modular sets
• Use recycled materials
• Donate gels/diffusers or other materials to film and theatre schools
• Favor rented or recycled costumes
• Set up clear and visible sorting stations, including compost

Together, by taking these actions every day, we can help create film sets that better reflect the values we stand for—today and for future generations.

 

Visit the committee’s webpage to stay up to date on our activities, partnerships, and available tools!

 

Feel free to write to us if you’d like to get involved! plateauxverts@aqtis514iatse.com

 

In solidarity,

The Green Sets Committee