Hidden Assets S2

Hidden Assets Season Two is an official Ireland, Canada, Belgium Co-Production.

It is produced by Saffron Moon and Facet4 Media in association with Potemkino and funded by RTE, Screen Ireland, Screen Flanders, Acorn TV (Acorn Media Enterprises), Super Channel and though tax incentives and supports in Belgium, Canada and Ireland.

The series is being distributed by DCD Rights.

Sustainability was a key deliverable on the production for the Producers, for Screen Ireland and for Acorn TV. Screen Ireland provided funding for the appointment of Stan Nangle as Sustainability Advisor to assist with the development and implementation of emissions reduction and sustainability measures on the production.

The Sustainability Advisor worked with the Producers and the Production Office teams in Limerick and Antwerp to design and put in place policies, guidelines and systems to reduce emissions and to enable the completion of the BAFTA/albert carbon calculator and achieve to certification as a BAFTA/albert Sustainable Production.

Over a year has passed since the events in Season One. Claire (Nora-Jane Noone) is new to the team as the lead Detective Sergeant at the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and faces a sudden challenge - a coordinated cyber-attack targeting CAB and the Belgian Counter-Terrorist Unit (CTU), with a connection to the Brannigan case.

Bibi, under threat from Richard Melnick's business partner Frances Swann, resurfaces with some new and crucial information unveiling dark details on how Richard ran his company Trestford and reveals there's a mole in CTU.

In the face of growing violence and ever higher stakes, Claire and CTU's Christian De Jong must join forces to uncover the mole and expose the truth about Trestford and Swann: it's a race against time to stop the sale of Antwerp Port.

Environmental Mission Statement

The Producers of HIDDEN ASSETS are committed to ensuring that the production will be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. We understand that our activities have an environmental impact and that we must work to minimise our resource use, prevent pollution and limit our impact on biodiversity.

The Production will actively manage our carbon footprint using the albert carbon calculator to identify where our emissions are occurring and to guide our actions as we seek to reduce our emissions through energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, optimising the use of materials and other carbon emission reduction strategies. We will prepare a Carbon Action Plan to inform this process and we will actively work towards achieving sustainability certification from albert/BAFTA.

We all have a role to play in ensuring that our production minimises CO² emissions and reduces the amount of waste produced. Crew have the best understanding and perspective on how to improve processes in their respective departments and we are committed to providing crew with knowledge, training and support to enable them to take tangible and effective action to reduce emissions and waste in their own department.

The Production will appoint a Sustainability Advisor who will provide support and advice in order to build the capacity of crew and suppliers to understand and address the climate and emissions reduction challenge.

The Sustainability Advisor will work with key crew and suppliers to enable the collection and sharing of information and to identify areas where improvements can be made.

Orlaith Deasy

Line Producer

Green Procurement Policy

Introduction

Hidden Assets Season 2 DAC is committed to minimising its environmental impact and contributing to a sustainable future. This Green Procurement Policy outlines our dedication to responsible and eco-friendly purchasing practices. By integrating environmentally conscious criteria into our procurement process, we aim to reduce emissions, minimise waste, conserve natural resources, and support suppliers that have adopted sustainable practices.

Objectives

The objectives of this Green Procurement Policy are to;

• Reduce the environmental footprint of our production by sourcing goods and services which have the lowest possible emissions profile.
• Encourage and support suppliers who prioritise sustainability, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
• Optimise resource efficiency and minimise waste through responsible procurement choices.
• Promote environmentally friendly practices within the film industry and inspire positive change.

Scope

This policy applies to all purchasing and hiring activities undertaken by Hidden Assets Season 2 DAC. It encompasses goods, services, and equipment procured during the production process.

Policy Guidelines

Supplier Selection:

• Prioritise suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility in their operations.
• Consider suppliers with relevant environmental certifications, such as ISO 14001, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), or equivalent standards.
• Encourage competition among suppliers to deliver the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective products and services.

Energy Efficiency:

• Aim to reduce energy consumption by sourcing energy-efficient vehicles and equipment.
• Use renewable energy sources whenever feasible, both in studio and on location.
• Utilise HVO fuelled generators and hybrid generators when sourcing off-grid power.
• Implement measures to encourage responsible energy usage among crew.

Transportation and Travel:

• Use electric or hybrid vehicles whenever possible.
• Consider the environmental impact when choosing transportation options.
• Encourage the use of carpooling for staff commuting.

Eco-Friendly Materials and Equipment:

• Give preference to recycled and recyclable goods and materials.
• Opt for energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
• Choose biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally safe materials.

Paperless Operations:

• Choose digital documentation to minimise paper usage.
• Encourage electronic distribution of scripts, call sheets, etc.
• When paper is necessary, use recycled and sustainable paper products.

Waste Management:

• Source licenced waste/recycling providers for all waste streams to ensure legal compliance.
• Promote waste reduction by reusing and recycling materials whenever possible.
• Encourage cast and crew to participate in waste reduction initiatives during filming.

Compliance and Evaluation:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental laws, regulations, and standards related to procurementand disposal processes.
• Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of this Green Procurement Policy and make improvements as needed.
• Engage with suppliers to promote sustainable practices and explore new eco-friendly products and services.

Conclusion

By adopting this Green Procurement Policy, Hidden Assets Season 2 DAC commits to making environmentally responsible choices throughout the procurement process. We believe that our collective efforts in sustainable filmmaking can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a positive impact on the environment, society, and the industry as a whole. This policy will guide our purchasing decisions, driving us towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Orlaith Deasy

Line Producer

Accommodation Policy

The Producers of HIDDEN ASSETS are committed to promoting sustainability and minimising our environmental impact. We believe that by choosing sustainable accommodation, we can reduce our carbon footprint, save on operational costs, and provide our staff with safe and comfortable accommodation options. To achieve our sustainability goals, we have developed a sustainable accommodation policy that outlines our expectations for the accommodation we select. Our policy focuses on the following key areas:

1. Sustainability policy: We prioritise accommodation providers which have developed and implemented a comprehensive environmental sustainability policy for their business.
2. Energy efficiency: We support accommodation providers that have implemented energy-efficient measures such as LED lights and energy-efficient appliances to reduce energy consumption.
3. Renewable energy: We have a strong preference for accommodation that sources 100% renewable electricity and uses biomass fired CHP for heat and power.
4. Waste reduction: We support accommodation that have implemented zero waste policies, have comprehensive recycling programs, use biodegradable and compostable products, and reduce the use of disposable items such as paper and plastic products.
5. Water conservation: We prioritise accommodations that have implemented water-saving measures such as low-flow showerheads, dual flush toilets, and which encourage guests to reuse towels and linens.
6. Sustainable food and beverage practices: We support accommodation that serve locally sourced, organic, and seasonal foods, reduce food waste through proper portion control, and use sustainable packaging for take-out orders.
7. Transportation: We prioritise accommodations that are located close to public transportation, provide bike rentals, and offer electric vehicle charging stations.
8. Community engagement: We support accommodations that are engaged in their local communities and support local environmental initiatives.

We believe that by choosing sustainable accommodation we can contribute to the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry and support local communities. We are committed to working with our suppliers to promote sustainable tourism practices.

Orlaith Deasy

Line Producer

Zero Waste Policy

Introduction

The Producers of HIDDEN ASSETS are committed to reducing waste, minimising our environmental impact, and promoting sustainability in our operations. This zero waste policy outlines our commitment to achieving zero waste and provides a framework for our waste reduction efforts.

Policy Statement

The Producers of HIDDEN ASSETS are committed to achieving zero waste on this production. We define zero waste as sending nothing to landfill or the environment. Instead, we will strive to reduce waste at the source, reuse and recycle materials, and promote the use of sustainable products and practices throughout our operations.

Goals & Objectives

Our zero waste policy aims to;

1. Reduce waste at the source: We will prioritise waste reduction efforts by identifying areas of waste generation in our operations and finding ways to eliminate or reduce waste at the source.
2. Promote reuse: We will seek to reuse materials where possible in the Construction, Costume, Props and Set Decoration Departments. We will only serve food in compostable packaging and provide water in bulk containers. Crew should bring their own reusable coffee cups and water bottles.
3. Implement a comprehensive recycling program: We will develop Asset Disposal Plans to identify the most appropriate disposal channels for excess and residual construction materials, textiles and props. Bins will be provided for paper, plastic, glass, batteries and metal materials to enable these to be sent for recycling.
4. Prioritise sustainable products and practices: We will seek to promote the use of sustainable products and practices throughout our operations, such as by choosing products with minimal packaging, using compostable food packaging and using environmentally friendly cleaning products.
5. Educate employees and stakeholders: We will educate our crew and suppliers on our zero waste policy, the importance of waste reduction, and how they can support our efforts. 

Implementation

To achieve our zero waste goals, we will:

1. Establish a waste reduction team: We will establish a waste reduction team to oversee the implementation of our zero waste policy and ensure that our goals and objectives are being met.
2. Conduct waste audits: We will conduct waste audits to identify areas of waste generation and prioritise waste reduction efforts.
3. Implement a composting program: We will implement a composting program to divert organic waste from landfills and use the resulting compost to support sustainable agriculture
4. Provide resources for waste reduction: We will provide resources for waste reduction, educational materials for crew, bins for recycling and composting, together with support for the creation of Asset Disposal Plans.
5. Partner with waste management companies: We will partner with licenced waste management companies to ensure that all waste and residual materials are properly disposed of using the most sustainable methods.
6. Monitor and report progress: We will monitor our progress towards achieving zero waste and report our results to stakeholders at the end of production.

Conclusion

The Producers of HIDDEN ASSETS are committed to achieving zero waste. We recognise that this is an ambitious goal, but we believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable future for our planet. We are committed to continuously improving our waste reduction efforts and promoting sustainable practices in our operations.

Orlaith Deasy

Line Producer

Non Filming Spaces

• Electricity - Ireland 0.935 T/CO2e
• Electricity - Belgium 0.300 T/CO2e
• Gas - Ireland 0.500 T/CO2e

Filming Spaces

• Facilities Generator (DERV) 6.260 T/CO2e
• Catering Generator (DERV) 16.640 T/CO2e
• Lighting Generator (DERV) 5.640 T/CO2e

Travel & Transport

• Crew Cars 58.560 T/CO2e
• Vans 18.790 T/CO2e
• Trucks 26.310 T/CO2e
• Flights 7.480 T/CO2e

Accommodation

• All Accommodation 20.610 T/CO2e

Materials

• Office 0.369 T/CO2e
• Construction 9.635 T/CO2e
• Food 14.850 T/CO2e

Waste

• All Waste 0.125 T/CO2e

Post Production

• Toronto (Hydro Power) 0.000 T/CO2e

Total 187.004 T/CO2e

(M = Mandatory Question F = Filter Question N/S = Non Scoring Question y = yes answer)

1. Is there a senior person accountable for implementing agreed sustainable goals? M/Y
2. Will the results of an albert draft carbon footprint be used to inform the production's environmental goals? M/Y
3. Have production staff or crew attended albert training or will they do so by the end of production? M/Y
4. Will everyone on the production be sent a 'green memo' prior to filming? M/Y
5. Will on-screen talent be informed of the production's environmental goals prior to filming? M/Y
6. Are the production's environmental goals routinely discussed at production meetings? M/Y
7. Is the production asking all suppliers to contribute to the production's carbon reduction? M/Y
8. Will an albert final carbon footprint be completed at the end of the production? M/Y
9. Will the production give feedback on sustainable production initiatives to cast, crew & suppliers? M/Y
10. Will the production create audience or industry-facing communications regarding sustainability? Y
11. Will the production document any Green Premium? Y
12. Has someone senior in the editorial/creative team been to editorial training on sustainability? M/Y
13. Does climate, sustainability or the environment feature in the dialogue or commentary of the programme? F
14. Is the sustainability dialogue/commentary? NS
15. Which categories does the sustainable dialogue relate to? NS
16. Are there any props, background or actions that show sustainable lifestyles or a sustainable future on screen? F
17. Which categories do the sustainable props, background or actions relate to? NS
18. Have you made verbal OR non-verbal reference/s, is the overall focus/tone of the sustainable content?
19. If your production is a series of 1-8 episodes which episodes do the references appear in?
20. If your production is a series of over 8 episodes do the references appear in?
21. Have you ensured that components of this production are not normalising unsustainable behaviour? NS
22. Is the production using a production office? F/NS
23. Are measures in place to reduce the environmental impact of your building? Y
24. Is mains power in production used from a 100% renewable sourced energy tariff? Y
25. Is there a zero-waste policy in your production office? Y
26. Are you filming in a studio? F/NS 
27. Are there measures in place to reduce the environmental impact of your studio/stage facilities? Y
28. Are you using lights on set? F/NS
29. Are you using low energy lighting to reduce the amount of energy needed? M/Y
30. Are you using mains power in studio? F/NS
31. Are you using mains power (no generators) as a primary power source in studio?
32. Is mains power used in studio from a 100% renewable sourced energy tariff?
33. Are you using generators in studio? F/NS
34. Have zero or low carbon generators been used? Y
35. Is there a zero-waste policy in studio? Y
36. Are you filming on location? F/NS
37. Are you using lights on location? F/NS
38. Are you using low energy lighting to reduce the amount of energy needed? M/Y
39. Are you using mains power on location? F/NS
40. Is mains power used on the majority of locations from a 100% renewable sourced energy tariff?
41. Are you using mains power as a primary power source on location?
42. Are you using generators on location? F/NS
43. Have zero or low carbon generators been used? Y
44. Is there a zero-waste policy on location? Y
45. Is the production using post-production facilities? F/NS
46. Are there measures in place to reduce the environmental impact of the post-production facilities?
47. Is mains power in post-production used from a 100% renewable sourced energy tariff? Y
48. Is the production using paper? F/NS
49. Does the production have an opt-in policy for paperwork? M/Y
50. Has the production used paper from a verified sustainable source? M/Y
51. Is the production using batteries? F/NS
52. Is the production using rechargeable batteries, including the sound department? Y
53. Is the production building sets? F/NS
54. Has the production used timber from a verified sustainable source? Y
55. Is (or was) the original set constructed using recycled or pre-used materials?
56. Has the construction company and art department primarily used low VOC or water-based paint? M/Y
57. Will the majority of the set build be donated or reused after the end of the production? Y 
58. Will the set (or remaining set) be recycled at the end of production? M/Y
59. Are you using props? F/NS
60. Are the majority of props rented or purchased second-hand? Y
61. Are the majority of props reused or donated at the end of the production? Y 
62. Are props (or the remaining props) recycled at the end of production? Y
63. Is the production hiring or purchasing any clothes and/or wardrobe accessories? F/NS
64. Is the costume department renting or reusing all items from other productions? Y
65. Is your costume department purchasing second hand items, or new items with a sustainability standard Y
66. Are the majority of costumes reused, returned or donated at the end of production? Y
67. Are costumes (or the remaining costumes) recycled at the end of production? M/Y
68. Are you using make-up? F/NS
69. Do you replace HMU consumables with brands that support the environment? Y
70. Are you using SFX? F/NS 
71. Did you minimise the environmental impacts of any SFX? Y
72. Are you using reusable water bottles and/or cups for all cast and crew? M/Y
73. Are you asking your cast and crew to bring their own reusable water bottles and cups? Y
74. Are you hiring a catering company for cast and crew? F/NS
75. Is food chosen with consideration for its environmental impact? M/Y
76. Does the production only provide vegetarian and/or vegan meals?
77. Is catering composting and recycling all food waste? Y
78. Has the catering eliminated all single use products? F
79. Has the catering eliminated disposable packaging/are they using biodegradable/compostable? Y
80. Are you purchasing any food directly for the production? F
81. Are you prioritising restaurants/products with consideration of their environmental impact? Y 
82. Are you encouraging your crew to choose vegetarian or vegan options more often? Y
83. Have you eliminated single use products from all food purchased? Y
84. Are phone or video-conferencing facilities being used in place of physical meetings? M/Y
85. Have you reduced and/or eliminated travel by using stock or archive footage? Y
86. Has the production reduced travel by using remote direction or remote filming? Y
87. Is all your crew local or within 50 miles of filming location?
88. Are you paying for cast and crew travel? F/NS
89. Is the production shooting away from the main production base? F/NS
90. Has the production used local crew if shooting away from the main production base? Y 
91. Has the production hired or acquired equipment locally to location to reduce shipping or travel costs? Y 
92. Has the production reduced travel by sharing crew across more than one production? Y
93. Does the production or any of its members need to travel more than 200 miles? F/NS
94. Has the production eliminated domestic air travel? M/Y
95. Has the production eliminated the use of private aircraft? Y
96. Is anyone in the production travelling internationally? F/NS
97. Has the production reduced international air travel? Y
98. Has the production eliminated first and business class flights? Y
99. Are you hiring vehicles or using vehicles in the company's fleet? F/NS
100. Has the production used low emission hire cars or are the fleet vehicles low emission?
101. Are you using couriers? F/NS
102. Have you chosen a courier company that only uses low-carbon emission vehicles?
103. Are you exclusively using bicycle couriers (not motorcycles) for transport within inner-city areas?
104. Are you using taxis? F/NS
105. Have you chosen a taxi company that only uses low-carbon emitting vehicles?
106. Are you providing accommodation to any cast and/or crew? F/NS
107. Has the production chosen accommodation based on its environmental credentials? Y
108. Does the accommodation use electricity from a 100% renewable energy source? Y
109. Will the production offset its emissions ? Y

1. Use less energy: Guidelines were issued to departments outlining ways to reduce energy usage. Signage was placed in offices reminding crew to turn off lights and equipment.
2. Use less fuel: Guidelines were issued to departments outlining measures to reduce fuel. The production operated a No Idling policy.
3. Use Renewable electricity & fuel: The Props store and Construction workshop utilised 100% renewable electricity. The Post Production team utilised 100% renewable electricity. HVO was used to fuel trucks and generators when available.
4. On-screen Sustainability: Cast members drove electric vehicles, had reusable water bottles, reusable coffee cups and carried lunch boxes. Renewable infrastructure was featured.
5. Sustainable Food: 26.79% of all meals served were vegetarian or vegan
6. Efficient Transport: Guidelines were issued to departments advocating for efficient transport. Some travel to Belgium was undertaken using the EuroStar train.
7. Waste Avoidance: Guidelines were issued to departments with advice on waste avoidance. Asset Disposal Plans were created by Construction, Costume and Props Depts.
8. Sustainable Materials: Guidelines were issued to departments advocating for sustainable materials. Support was provided to departments to assist them with sourcing materials.
9. Use a Carbon Calculator: The BAFTA/albert carbon calculator was used to measure the carbon footprint of the production.
10. Obtain Certification: The BAFTA/albert certification process was completed and the production was awarded 3 Star certification.

Non Filming Spaces

• Electricity - Ireland 0.995 T/CO2e
• Electricity - Belgium 0.141 T/CO2e
• Gas - Ireland 0.563 T/CO2e

Filming Spaces

• Facilities Generator (HVO/DERV) 12.860 T/CO2e
• Catering Generator (HVO/DERV) 5.920 T/CO2e
• Lighting Generator (DERV) 3.387 T/CO2e

Travel & Transport

• Crew Cars 58.860 T/CO2e
• Vans 6.660 T/CO2e
• Trucks 30.150 T/CO2e
• Flights 21.026 T/CO2e
• Trains 0.015 T/CO2e

Accommodation

• All Accommodation 16.011 T/CO2e

Materials

• Costume 3.000 T/CO2e
• Office 0.110 T/CO2e
• Construction 1.223 T/CO2e
• Food 17.805 T/CO2e
• Props 3.120 T/CO2e

Waste

• Compostable Waste 0.009 T/CO2e
• Recyclable Waste 0.022 T/CO2e
• Residual Waste 0.033 T/CO2e

Post Production

• Toronto (Hydro Power) 0.000 T/CO2e

Total 183.240 T/CO2e

The final carbon footprint of 183.24 Tonnes was offset through the purchase of carbon credits from Ecologi.com.

This was the first production funded under the Screen Ireland Sustainability Advisor programme.

The Advisor was appointed during Prep. It is recommended that the Advisor be appointed much earlier in Pre-Prep as there are a number of areas where policies adopted and measures taken earlier in the process can have a major impact on both logistics measures and on opportunities to include sustainability measures on screen.

The Advisor programme envisages a situation where the Advisor acts as a coach or mentor to the production department to support them in the accomplishment of the albert calculator and certification process. This approach is problematic as it requires crew in the Production Department to take on an additional workload. It is recommended that the Advisor take responsibility for completing the albert process.

An opportunity to fill the role of Sustainability Trainee became possible through the Structured Placement Fund operated by the Crew Academy South. The availability of a dedicated sustainability presence from the first day of the shoot transformed the process and facilitated a very strong hands-on engagement with crew and suppliers that delivered significant results that would not have been achievable otherwise.

One notable example of the benefit accruing from having a fulltime sustainability presence working with crew was in terms of assisting the key materials using departments to develop Asset Disposal Plans during production. These plans were then executed during Wrap Week and this enabled the materials using departments to effectively rehome surplus goods and materials in a time efficient manner that would not have otherwise been possible.

The Sustainability Trainee was also able to dedicate time to sourcing HVO fuel for the facilities crew, and to assist the Locations Department to make significant improvements in the operation of the waste segregation processes on set. It is recommended that consideration be given to funding Trainees on productions where that can bring a demonstrable benefit in terms of reduced emissions.