In his role supporting BAFTA albert, Picture Zero co-founder Steve Smith has played an important role in implementing the albert Studio Sustainability Standard. In this article he gives an overview of the scheme, its benefits and the learnings gleaned from its early stages.

Unlocking Sustainable Success: The Studio Sustainability Standard Revolutionises Studio Facilities

In an era defined by the urgency of climate change, the film and TV industries face a crucial challenge – how to align production practices with sustainability goals. Studio facilities, as integral components of the value chain, have a pivotal role to play in driving the transition towards a greener future. The Studio Sustainability Standard was established in 2022 as a game-changing initiative that offers studio owners and operators the opportunity to not only make a positive impact on the environment but also gain a competitive edge in the industry. 

In this article, we delve into what the Studio Sustainability Standard entails and why joining the scheme brings enormous benefits to studio facilities.

As the global community acknowledges the importance of combatting climate change, audiences and industry stakeholders increasingly demand sustainable practices. Studio facilities, which provide the physical infrastructure for film and TV production, have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in transforming the industry. By aligning with the Studio Sustainability Standard, studio owners and operators demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and position themselves as pioneers in sustainable production practices.

What is the Studio Sustainability Standard? 

The Studio Sustainability Standard, developed by BAFTA albert, the leading screen organisation for environmental sustainability, sets a voluntary global standard for studio facilities to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainability. It provides a comprehensive framework to guide studio facilities towards achieving ambitious sustainability goals, covering six essential categories: Climate, Circularity, Nature, People, Management, and Data. By addressing these areas, studios can create a holistic approach to sustainability that encompasses both operational and environmental considerations.

In a rapidly evolving industry, standing out from the competition is crucial. Through celebrating and showcasing sustainable practices in the Studio Sustainability Standard, studio facilities can differentiate themselves as leaders in sustainable production. This not only attracts environmentally conscious producers but also positions the facility as a preferred choice for industry stakeholders seeking partners committed to sustainable practices. 

Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. The Studio Sustainability Standard empowers studio facilities to optimize their operations, leading to significant cost savings and increased operational efficiency. By implementing energy-saving measures, improving waste management systems, and streamlining resource usage, studios can reduce overhead expenses while enhancing productivity. Studios could then invest these savings into other areas of growth, creating a virtuous cycle of sustainability and financial success.

Participating studios receive valuable performance reports and grades, providing objective evaluations of their sustainability efforts. These assessments enable studio facilities to track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and set realistic sustainability goals. The transparent reporting system facilitates benchmarking against global standards, allowing studios to compare their performance with peers. This not only provides a roadmap for continuous improvement but also demonstrates the commitment to stakeholders and investors.

Year One Learnings… 

2022 marked the first year of the Studio Sustainability Standard with twelve studios* committing to measuring their impact and starting their journey to a building a more resilient and sustainable entertainment industry. In this inaugural year, five studios were awarded ratings of “Very Good”, the highest score in the cohort. But the standard is much more than just a rating, it is about sharing best practices for others in the industry to learn from and facilities committing to reducing their environmental impacts. 

So, what did we learn from the first year of data? 

The Studio Sustainability Standard 2022/3 industry report aggregated the data collected from the first year and found that the participating studios are already taking meaningful measures to reduce their impacts on the environment in high impact areas. For example, 8 of the 12 studios are powered by a 100% renewable energy mix, 10 of the 12 have clear and achievable sustainability targets in place, and 10 of the 12 invest in their local community’s well-being. 

The Studio Sustainability Standard empowers studio facilities to take a proactive stance on sustainability, embracing environmentally responsible practices that drive positive change. By joining this transformative initiative, studio owners and operators gain a competitive edge, differentiate themselves in the industry, and unlock opportunities for cost savings, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. As the film and TV sector continues to evolve, the Studio Sustainability Standard serves as a compass, guiding studios towards a greener and more prosperous future. 

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Find out more about the Studio Sustainability Standard at https://wearealbert.org/2023/07/05/studio-sustainability-standard/ and sign up to take part in the Studio Sustainability Standard here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5TNFLT9

*Participating studios: 3 Mills Studios, BBC Studioworks, BT Studios (delivered by Timeline Television), Elstree Studios, Garden Studios, IMG Studios, Maidstone Studios, Sony Pictures Studios (LA), TBY2 (a Bottle Yard Facility), Wolf Studios Wales, Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden, Wardpark Film and Television Studios