New research from Vancouver Post Alliance and New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) Vancouver supported by Reel Green™ highlights how simple energy-saving measures and available incentives can help vendors reduce costs and emissions.

As energy costs continue to rise, post production facilities across British Columbia have opportunities to reduce operating expenses while lowering their environmental footprint. A growing range of utility rebates, tax credits and retrofit incentives can help studios and vendors offset the cost of energy-saving upgrades.

In 2025, Reel Green™ partnered with the Vancouver Post Alliance and a research team from NYIT Vancouver to undertake energy audits at local post production facilities and better understand opportunities to reduce emissions and operating costs.

The findings from two Vancouver-based facility audits revealed savings opportunities ranging from simple operational changes to larger building improvements. In one studio, low-cost measures such as optimizing thermostat settings, server room temperatures and equipment power management were estimated to reduce energy consumption by 13 per cent, saving approximately $1,600 annually. A second facility could reduce energy use by more than 22,000 kWh annually through upgrades including smart controls, insulation improvements and HVAC enhancements.

Many of the most effective changes are surprisingly simple. Competing heating and cooling settings, over-cooled server rooms and equipment running when not in use can create significant energy waste.

For facilities considering larger upgrades, several incentive programs are available. BC Hydro’s Business Energy Saving Incentives (BESI) program offers rebates of up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs, while FortisBC, CleanBC and federal tax credit programs can further reduce the cost of electrification, HVAC improvements and renewable energy projects.

The audits also highlighted the value of solar power. One modeled scenario showed that a 100 kW rooftop solar system could generate approximately 120,000 kWh annually, offsetting roughly half of a facility’s electricity demand.

While these case studies focused on post production facilities, many of the findings can be applied across facilities in the motion picture industry. An energy assessment can help vendors identify no-cost and low-cost opportunities, establish a baseline for future improvements and prioritize projects with the strongest financial and environmental returns.

For more information about energy audits, available incentives and sustainability resources, contact Reel Green™ or the Energy Management Team.

Rebates and incentives (current as at July 2026)

For industry news and updates, connect with Reel Green™ on Instagram and Facebook.