In British Columbia, environmental sustainability is not an afterthought, it is the foundation of the motion picture industry. This movement is powered by committed crews, innovative vendors, and world leading production facilities that are generating their own renewable energy. Leading the charge is Vancouver Film Studios and Martini Film Studios that are setting the industry standard with their commitment to clean energy and investment in solar power.
Vancouver Film Studios
Vancouver Film Studios has been carbon neutral since 2008, became the first studio in the world to become B-Corporation Certified in 2021, and installed their 129.6 kW solar array in 2022 on Stage E helping them achieve LEED Gold certification. President Pete Mitchell explained this project is part of the studio’s responsibility to lead the industry toward measurable, credible climate action.
“We chose to install solar power on the roof of our newest and largest film and television production stage as part of our long-term vision for climate leadership and operational innovation,” said Mitchell. “This LEED Gold-certified building is the centerpiece of our 13-stage facility and represents a new standard for sustainable production infrastructure. With a 150 megawatt-hour per year rooftop solar array, we’re turning unused roof space into a high-impact energy asset — supporting the intensive power demands of film and television production with clean, renewable electricity.”
The solar array is projected to displace more than 70 metric tons of CO₂ emissions over its 40-year lifespan and is expected to pay for itself in approximately 14 years. Currently, the cost savings from Stage E are passed onto the production using the facility in turn helping with the production’s sustainability goals.
“Our real-time energy dashboard — available both online and in the lobby — displays daily solar performance data, keeping our team, partners, and visitors engaged in the story of sustainable production,” said Mitchell.
Martini Film Studios
Martini Film Studios in Langley installed a 50 kW solar array installed on Building A in 2023, with plans to add panels to other buildings in the future. CEO Gemma Martini said she feels a responsibility to do the right thing and once the decision was made they went all in on the journey to transition to net zero carbon emissions.
“What I appreciate about our industry is that there is a conversation around sustainability,” said Martini. “Installing the solar array on Studio A has allowed us to keep the dialogue going and work together, with Productions, to ensure a more sustainable film industry for generations to come.”
Solar effectiveness and benefits in B.C.
Provincial legislation under the Clean Energy Act requires excess power from renewable sources be sold back to the grid. Both studios access BC Hydro’s self-generation program which requires BC Hydro to issue a credit to the energy producer for energy fed back into the grid. “The grid itself acts as a balancing mechanism, accepting our excess generation and allowing seamless power flow when solar production is low. It’s a model of how regional policy, private investment, and climate leadership can align — and a demonstration of what’s possible when sustainable values are built directly into the foundation of our creative industry,” said Mitchell.
Lower energy bills, and lower emissions are both benefits of solar energy, which now is it is more affordable than ever to install. Additionally, B.C.’s long daylight hours in spring and summer combined with cooler temperatures which improve solar panel efficiency make switch to self-generated clean energy a viable option. Buildings with solar can both generate and store excess renewable energy using a battery storage system. This surplus energy can be drawn on during periods when solar energy being generated does not meet the energy being used and also serves as a backup during a power outage.
Rebates and incentives (current as at August 2025)
Businesses in British Columbia interested in installing solar and increasing energy efficiency can take advantage of BC Hydro’s programs and incentives including:
– Self-generation program allows businesses to use their privately generated renewable energy
– Solar and battery storage system rebates of up to $20,000
– Business energy-saving incentives (BESI) offers funding incentives for upgrading lighting and add-on upgrades to refrigeration and HVAC at commercial and small industrial sites
– Self-serve incentive program (SIP) offers funding incentives for lighting and compressed air system upgrades for industrial sites
With forward-thinking investments in clean energy, these studios are showing the world what is possible when the film and TV industry aligns with climate action, showing that B.C. always produces with the future in mind.
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