There are many ways that Locations can promote sustainability on set – and I’m not just talking about placing recycling bins around set.

Whether you’re a scout, ALM or LM, asking about the possibility of grid power tie-ins at prospective locations opens the door to a massive reduction in a show’s carbon footprint. Eliminating just one diesel generator for one day can save up to 1 metric tonne of emissions from polluting the air around us! Here in BC our power grid is almost completely supplied by hydroelectric power – very clean power compared to diesel, or the coal or nuclear grid power used elsewhere. So tap into that grid whatever chance you get!

Switching to electric in any way possible should be the goal of every production, whether with building tie-ins, renting an electric truck or van for the Locations gear, or using some of the new rechargeable electric batteries now available for all kinds of power needs – think catering, crafty, splinter units, lone distant lights and rooftops, and the work trucks.

If you can demonstrate that you are substituting a diesel genny with clean power, you can even save up to $500 a day in permit fees from the City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver and the City of Surrey. Find more details in Reel Green’s Clean Energy Toolkit, as well as an interactive Grid Power Map to help you find and add locations that offer tie-ins to building power. There’s also a Generator Parking Map there: Reel Green would like Locations teams to pinpoint every place gennies get parked on a show. The highest-used areas will be considered for future power kiosk installations, so add yours each day – it only takes a minute and will contribute to meaningful change.

Also available for plugging your base camp or work trucks into the grid are the City of Vancouver outdoor power kiosks, located at the Vancouver Art Gallery and on Pacific Boulevard. Another one is slated for installation in Shaughnessy, and Maple Ridge has just launched their own power kiosk at the Railway Lot on the Haney Bypass. 

Consider the hidden environmental costs of location choices: the gains of a cheaper base camp that’s far away will be offset by more shuttles, drivers and higher fuel costs for the day. Other tactics within easy reach are to go digital with all paperwork: maps, contracts, tech packs. Be vigilant with ensuring that separate bins for recycling and composting are placed in all high-traffic areas, and make sure your waste hauler is diligent about diverting them from landfills.

The power to make a positive impact is yours – inspire change with simple steps forward – Go Locs!

Annabelle Wilczur
Assistant Business Agent and Sustainability Lead