The Sustainable Entertainment Alliance (SEA) released a report in May 2025 looking at Carbon Emissions of Film and Television Production to identify where progress to improve the environmental impact of the motion picture industry has been made and where further effort is needed. These latest benchmark findings were taken from 385 global productions between 2020 and 2022 using data collected from carbon calculator tool Production Environment Accounting Report (PEAR). The data examines various types of film and television productions and tracks greenhouse gas emissions (measured in Metric Tons of CO2 equivalent or “MTCO2e”) from fuel use, primarily vehicles, generators, utilities, air travel and accommodation.
“Productions reported greater access to clean technologies including large batteries, electric vehicles, renewable diesel and grid tie-ins in the Vancouver area.”
The report reveals Vancouver-based productions have the lowest overall emissions in Canada and credits the BC Film Commission at Creative BC’s strategic initiative, Reel Green™, for British Columbia’s success. SEA reports that Reel Green™ harnesses cooperation between industry government and the local economy to reduce the environmental impacts of fuel use in production. The coordinated efforts of the B.C. film industry’s crew and stakeholders had led to greater access to clean energy technologies, renewable diesel and grid tie-ins in the Vancouver area, and the initiative is currently working to provide further support to the province’s regional filming locations.
SEA’s benchmark findings and recommendations are an important reminder of the industry’s opportunity to implement innovative production practices to address climate change both on and off screen. By adapting production methods to reduce emissions it simultaneously presents opportunities to enhance operational resilience, drive down costs, and upskill crews. Read the full report here.
To learn more about carbon calculation tools, including PEAR, follow Reel Green™ on Instagram and Facebook for the latest online training date announcements.