Hello Production Managers: Still wondering if swapping a diesel generator for electric batteries and tying into the grid can save you money as well as help the planet?

The Reel Green™ website now has a very easy-to-use calculator called the Fuel Budget Comparator to help you compare the cost of using a diesel generator vs. an electric battery or grid tie-in. Plug in your variables, like the cost of diesel, the daily or weekly equipment rental costs, any rebates you might earn from local municipal incentives (links included to various local clean energy programs) and it will compare the options and even make a graph to demonstrate it visually. Similar to the downloadable Power Budgeting Tool on dgcgreen.ca, both will let you know which choice costs less when you factor in your particular requirements. Whichever one jives best with you, use it to build an accurate business case for using clean tech.

The bottom line is that knowing how to cut your production’s carbon footprint is not only good for the planet and your budget – it improves your hire-ability. Being carbon-literate and sustainability-savvy is fast becoming a valuable asset. Most of the major US studios and networks are now members of the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance and are setting targets to improve their footprints. In Canada, PMs and Producers can become members of Producing For The Planet – a coalition of production companies now 100 members strong, and committed to making sustainable productions the new normal. Check out their website for thoughtful and factual guides to greening your production. 

For boosting your knowledge, there are two quick basic primers from Reel Green™ on greening your sets: Carbon Calculation and Sustainable Production. Both are delivered free online, and take 2 hours or less for a lot of interesting info. Find the next course and register here.

Knowing new ways to navigate our changing times could be what finds you both a competitive edge and more room in your budget. Give it a try!

Annabelle Wilczur
Assistant Business Agent and Sustainability Lead