Report highlights need for sustainable practices in European film and TV industry

A new report, titled “Greening European Film Policy: Towards a Sustainable European Film and Television Industry,” has been released, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration between academics, industry leaders, and policymakers in addressing the environmental impact of Europe’s film and television sectors.

The report underscores the importance of applying research in driving policy shifts and industry best practices toward sustainability.

Co-authored by environmental media experts Pietari Kääpä (University of Warwick) and Hunter Vaughan (Emerson College/Cambridge), the report presents a comprehensive analysis of current practices, highlights areas for improvement, and outlines actionable recommendations for industry-wide transformation.

Professor Kaapa, from the Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies at the University of Warwick, explained, “We’re at a pivotal moment where academic research can directly inform and support industry practices, and that’s why working closely with production companies and policymakers is essential. This report offers a roadmap to help the industry embrace sustainable practices and align with broader environmental goals.”

Drawing from detailed surveys and consultations with industry insiders, the report highlights both success stories and challenges across European nations.

Best practices include the implementation of energy-efficient production techniques, reduction of waste, and the integration of sustainable materials in film and TV sets. However, the report also identifies significant needs, such as stronger support structures for smaller production companies and more consistent application of sustainability standards across the continent.

Dr. Vaughan added, “We’ve seen real progress in certain areas, but there are still gaps that need to be addressed, particularly in the way sustainability practices are implemented across different regions. Our goal with this report is to offer clear, practical steps that can be applied at every level—from small independent productions to large-scale international projects.”

The report advocates for a series of industry-focused solutions, such as:

• Collaborative policy development between academics, industry leaders, and policymakers to ensure consistent sustainability standards
• Increased support for industry training and development, particularly for small and medium-sized productions
• Independent third-party audits to ensure transparency and accountability in sustainable practices
• Graduate student initiatives, aimed at equipping the next generation of media professionals with the tools and knowledge to lead the industry’s sustainability efforts.

The report is the culmination of over five years of work by the Global Green Media Network (GGMN), a collective of academics, sustainability experts, and industry professionals committed to advancing sustainable media production practices.

By bridging the gap between academic research and industry practice, GGMN aims to empower future media professionals to drive sustainable change within the audiovisual sector.

Produced in collaboration with key organizations, including Green Eyes (Hungary), Ecomuvi (Italy), Film London (UK), Screen Greening (Ireland), and Neptune Environmental (UK), the report calls for continued partnership and dialogue between academia, industry, and policymakers to achieve meaningful progress in the years ahead.