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OVERVIEW

To entertain the world, we need a habitable world to entertain. Netflix Sustainability seeks to to decarbonize the company in line with climate science, support creators in representing sustainability accurately and organically on screen, and respond to high levels of interest from our more than half a billion members in our sustainability stories. 

If we are to prevent unmanageable climate change, what we do — and don’t do — in the next decade will be critical. We’ve established climate targets to reduce our emissions by roughly half by 2030 and match any remaining emissions by investing in natural climate solutions. 

Much of our carbon footprint comes from the physical production of the films and TV series our members love. Reducing emissions in our operations and productions through clean energy technology could one day help transform our industry. See how Netflix sets and crew are using cleaner technologies in this short video: Sustainable Productions at Netflix.

Netflix is available to assist in navigating production-specific workflow decisions in collaboration with key production stakeholders. Please reach out to your Netflix contacts with any questions or concerns specific to your production.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The 4 Levers of Decarbonization

Guidance to Reduce Fuel Use and Pollution on Production

Line Producer Checklist (requires sign in)

Supplier Lists (requires sign in)

Sustainable Production Video Resources

Recommended Industry Sustainable Production Organizations & Resources

 

THE 4 LEVERS OF DECARBONIZATION

We ask our productions to focus on four key areas to decarbonize their operations:

  1. Energy Efficiency 

The first step to reducing energy emissions is to optimize for only the energy you truly need. On production this includes utilizing energy efficient equipment like LED set lighting, and implementing energy conservation measures such as running heating and cooling only when needed, or shutting an elephant door when the heat/AC are running. 

One of the most effective and simple ways to lower emissions is to reduce the size of diesel generators to match the power needs, allowing them to run more fuel efficiently and avoid breakdowns.

 

  1. Vehicle Electrification

Integrate electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles into production operations from passenger vehicles to box trucks. Provide EV charging at offices and stages, and temporarily while on location.

 

  1. Clean Mobile Power

Use clean power alternatives to diesel generators, reducing both noise and air pollution. Prioritize using grid or “house” power, and integrate cleantech for mobile power needs,  including batteries, hybrid systems (e.g. battery + diesel generator), hydrogen power units, and solar.

 

  1. Clean Energy

Use clean and renewable electricity, purchased from the local utility or generated on site (i.e. solar) and renewable fuels. Renewable diesel/HVO is a drop in fuel which offers significant emissions reductions (compared to fossil-fuels, from a life cycle analysis perspective) and can be used in diesel engines for both generators and vehicles. 

Netflix seeks opportunities to prioritize sustainability across all aspects of our productions, supported by our partners and vendors. In addition to the four levers listed above, we encourage Sustainable Materials Management (sourcing, reuse, and waste reduction) and responsible travel for physical production.

 

GUIDANCE TO REDUCE FUEL USE AND POLLUTION ON PRODUCTION

The first step to reducing carbon emissions on production is to identify areas where your production can save fuel.  On production, fuel is burned to run vehicles (trucks, vans, and cars) and to power diesel generators. Review each section below for guidance on how to implement fuel-saving techniques. As you bring in new technology, be sure to check with your Netflix contact on operational and jurisdictional guidance.

CLEAN MOBILE POWER 

During operation, diesel generators emit air pollutants that can result in poor air quality and adverse health impacts. Replacing fossil fuel generators with clean power creates a quieter and healthier production environment. Use this Clean Energy Hierarchy to view which production power source has the lowest carbon emissions. 

Grid Power: 

  • Using clean and silent power from the electric grid is the first and best option. It is usually less expensive than purchasing fuel for a diesel generator, with the added benefit of reducing noise and air pollution on and around the production.  
  • Whenever you can access grid power, do so, even if you already have a generator on rental. To get the most out of the available grid power, tie-in the lighting and equipment that require the most power or run the longest. 
  • When selecting your locations, inquire if there are nearby grid tie-ins or house power available to power basecamp, catering, set lighting, and other production power needs.
  • If you do not have sufficient power at your stage, work with your DP and Lighting Department early on to maximize the use of LED set lights. LEDs significantly reduce both production power and air conditioning requirements, potentially reducing the need for supplemental power at stages.

If grid power is not available when filming at location, or if you do not have enough power at your studio, leverage these clean mobile power solutions: 

  •  Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), commonly known as batteries, store energy and deliver electricity, allowing productions to bring power to where it is needed. Batteries come in various sizes and can be used to power set, ancillary, they even can be used to power basecamp when solar trailers are also used. Batteries require recharging plans to be successfully integrated into production operations. 
  •  Hybrid Generators A hybrid power unit is composed of a battery and a diesel generator. Adaptable hybrid power units utilize “smart” technology as the battery and the generator work together to ensure maximum fuel efficiency. Hybrids come in various sizes. Ideally the battery is large enough to meet power needs, and the diesel generator can be used to recharge the battery or to support a larger load.
  •  Hydrogen Power Units provide continuous power using a hydrogen fuel cell. Hydrogen power units, sometimes called hydrogen generators, are able to replace diesel generators in a variety of situations including powering unit bases, tech lines, workshops, and longer term remote locations.  They are best used at longer term locations or backlots where supplemental power is needed for multiple weeks or months. Also, they are usually larger in size and require additional space for hydrogen refueling access and hydrogen tank storage. 

If diesel generators are deployed, use Renewable Diesel / HVO if it is available in your region. Renewable Diesel (RD) is not biodiesel. It is a drop-in fuel that can be used in any diesel engine without modifications.  

VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION

Production vehicles use the majority of fuel on a production. Look for opportunities to replace high-mileage vehicles with electric and fuel-efficient options.   

  •  Rent electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids, and hybrids. Passenger vehicles are widely available, along with electric cargo vans and pick-up trucks. Seek out opportunities to use electric mini-buses and larger trucks. 
  • Pair electric and fuel-efficient vehicles with those that drive the most (Cast & Shuttle Drivers, Location Scouts, Set Decoration, and Costume Buyers) to achieve the maximum savings on fuel costs and carbon emissions.  
  • If electric vehicles or hybrids are not available in your market, use the most fuel-efficient vehicle possible. Consider renting an additional smaller, fuel-efficient vehicle to be used as a runner vehicle instead of stake beds or trucks.
  •  Use Renewable Diesel/HVO in diesel vehicles where available.

EV CHARGING

  •  First, find out if there are public EV charging stations available at or near your location.  Consider adding those to distributed location maps.
  •  Look into EV chargers (temporary or permanent installations) to support the use of plug-in vehicles on your production. 
  •  EV's can also be charged on location if needed using mobile EV chargers.

 

LINE PRODUCER CHECKLIST

Partners can view the checklist by referencing our Line Producer Checklist article. Access requires Netflix login credentials.

 

 

SUPPLIERS BY REGION

 For a list of suppliers by region, see our Sustainability Suppliers by Region article behind a sign in.

 

 

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION VIDEO RESOURCES

Netflix has produced a series of sustainable production videos designed to provide valuable insights into cleantech on production.

 

 

RECOMMENDED INDUSTRY SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION ORGANIZATIONS & RESOURCES

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