Today we’re talking Clean Power! PMs & Locations can really make a difference here.

For most productions, the biggest contributor to their carbon footprint is fuel consumption – cars, shuttles, trucks, base camp trailers and diesel generators. Did you know that for every single day a production replaces one diesel fueled generator with a power tie-in to clean electric energy, production can save approximately 350 litres of diesel fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost one metric tonne of CO2/day? Something to seriously consider when scouting for both set and circus locations! 

The City of Vancouver has just added two brand new Power Kiosks for productions to plug into in Shaughnessy: on the 1300 and 3300 blocks of the Crescent. They have 5 more in and around the lots by Pacific Blvd., in Northeast False Creek – perfect for base camps when filming in town. Maple Ridge also has a brand new one (since December 2024) in their Railway Lot. The Cities of Vancouver and Surrey are hoping to eliminate 1/3 of the generators needed for filming in the next 5 years with their ongoing power kiosk installations. Both offer 50% discounts on film permits to productions that can demonstrate they’re eliminating at least one diesel generator with a clean power alternative. Likewise Metro Vancouver Regional Parks offers a $500 per day discount for up to two days – that’s a $1,000 cost savings! 

Reel Green™ has created a handy map of known electrical tie-ins all over the Lower Mainland – and the list is growing. If you film at any location that lets you tie in to their power, mark it on the Grid Power Access Map! Reel Green™ also has up to $10,000 in funding available for any organization, business or municipality looking to install their own power tie-in. The deadline for applying is April 1, 2025, and you can find the form here.

Another obvious fuel saver is when productions opt to add electric or hybrid vehicles to their fleet. They may be paying a small premium over regular car rentals, but imagine the savings in their fuel budget – and, of course, their carbon footprint. Each small change in practice by any of us can contribute to making a difference - from carpooling to work with co-workers, implementing a no-idling policy with Transport, or using the wide range of new rechargeable battery units on set to power small areas.

Let’s keep up the good work!

Annabelle Wilczur
Assistant Business Agent and Sustainability Lead