The entertainment industry has long been associated with spectacle, extravagance, and larger-than-life productions. But behind the glamour of Hollywood blockbusters and binge-worthy streaming series lies an inconvenient truth: film and television are resource-intensive, with massive energy consumption, travel emissions, and waste generation. According to sustainability reports, a single big-budget movie can generate thousands of tons of CO₂, equivalent to the annual emissions of hundreds of households.

Today, as climate change and environmental degradation dominate global conversations, audiences are no longer just looking for escapism—they want accountability. Enter sustainable production in entertainment, a movement dedicated to reshaping how stories are created, filmed, and delivered. From eco sets built with recycled materials to carbon-neutral filming and scripts that integrate climate-conscious storytelling, the entertainment industry is beginning to embrace its responsibility toward a greener future.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how eco sets, green filming practices, and environmental storytelling are changing the industry, exploring both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
 

Use High Carbon Emissions from Travel and Energy 

Productions often require flying entire crews, actors, and equipment across the globe. Add energy-hungry lighting rigs, sound stages, and generators, and the carbon footprint skyrockets. Traditional productions often rely on fossil fuel–based power sources, making sustainability a pressing issue.

Excessive Waste from Sets and Props

For decades, film sets have been notorious for their waste. Elaborate sets are built from scratch, only to be demolished once filming wraps. Props, costumes, and materials often end up in landfills instead of being recycled or reused.

Why Change Matters Now

With global audiences increasingly conscious of climate issues, continuing business as usual risks reputational damage. Brands, studios, and streaming platforms now realize that sustainability isn’t optional—it’s essential. By embracing eco-conscious approaches, entertainment companies can both reduce environmental harm and strengthen their connection with socially aware audiences.
 

Using Recycled and Renewable Materials

Eco sets are designed with sustainability at their core. Instead of using virgin lumber, foam, or plastics, production designers now rely on recycled wood, bamboo, or modular materials that can be disassembled and reused. This shift reduces deforestation and landfill waste.

Renting Instead of Buying

An increasingly common practice is renting set pieces, costumes, and props. This not only reduces waste but also cuts costs. Prop houses and costume libraries are thriving as productions look for greener alternatives to single-use designs.

Energy-Efficient Lighting and Set Design

LED lighting has revolutionized set sustainability, reducing power consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional tungsten lights. Many eco sets are also powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or hybrid generators, further reducing emissions.

Eco sets aren’t just good for the planet—they also save money and make productions more flexible. A growing number of studios are marketing their green credentials to attract eco-conscious audiences and investors.
 

Green Filming Practices: Reducing On-Set Carbon Footprints
 

Sustainable Transportation and Virtual Production

Transportation accounts for a significant portion of on-set emissions. Productions are increasingly turning to virtual production techniques, such as LED volume stages, to minimize the need for on-location shoots. When travel is required, productions are switching to electric vehicles, carpooling, or offsetting emissions.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics and Food Waste

From water bottles to catering supplies, plastic has long dominated sets. Now, refillable water stations, composting, and reusable dishware are standard on eco-friendly productions. Catering partners are also sourcing locally and reducing meat-heavy menus, further lowering emissions.

Digitization of Scripts and Call Sheets

Going paperless may seem like a small step, but for large productions, eliminating printed scripts and call sheets saves thousands of pages daily. Tablets, apps, and digital tools streamline workflow while cutting down on unnecessary paper use.

These green filming practices create a culture of accountability, where every department—from costumes to catering—takes part in sustainability.
 

Environmental Storytelling: Inspiring Change Onscreen
 

Climate Change as a Central Narrative

Films and TV shows are increasingly incorporating climate-related themes, highlighting the urgency of environmental issues. Whether through documentaries, sci-fi dystopias, or dramas that explore eco-conflicts, these narratives inspire viewers to reflect on the real-world crisis.

Subtle Sustainability in Everyday Scenes

Not every story needs to be about climate change directly. Subtle inclusions—such as characters recycling, driving EVs, or living in eco-friendly homes—normalize green habits and showcase sustainable living without making it preachy.

Documentaries Leading the Way

Projects like Our Planet and An Inconvenient Truth have proven the power of storytelling to drive awareness and action. Environmental documentaries often serve as catalysts for grassroots movements, policy changes, and corporate accountability.

Through environmental storytelling, entertainment goes beyond escapism—it becomes a tool for education and advocacy.
 

Industry Leaders Driving Sustainable Change
 

Studios and Streaming Giants Taking Action

Major players like Netflix, BBC, and Warner Bros. have launched sustainability programs, pledging carbon neutrality and implementing eco-friendly practices. These initiatives set a precedent for the rest of the industry.

Partnerships with Green Organizations

Collaborations with groups like Albert (BAFTA’s sustainability initiative) and the Green Production Guide help productions measure and reduce their environmental impact. Certification programs encourage accountability and create industry-wide standards.

Awards and Recognition for Green Productions

From BAFTA’s sustainability awards to local film festivals recognizing eco-filmmaking, the industry now celebrates productions that prioritize the planet. These accolades motivate others to follow suit.

By aligning with sustainability, studios position themselves as forward-thinking leaders, appealing to both audiences and investors.