No Ordinary Heist

No Ordinary Heist is a Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen funded feature film produced by Heist Films DAC. Principal photography took place from 13 January to 14 February 2025 across 25 carefully coordinated shoot days with filming across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including 12–13 shoot days in Dublin and Wicklow. The production adopted an all-island approach to sustainability, embedding environmental responsibility into planning, procurement and on-set practices from prep through to wrap. With the support of Sustainability Advisors Alexandra de Valera of Ecoscope and Luci Lane, the production actively managed its carbon footprint using the BAFTA albert carbon calculator and successfully secured support from the Screen Ireland Sustainability Innovation Fund to trial targeted low-carbon measures

The production’s Sustainability Strategy was structured around five core pillars:

1. Communication & Engagement:  ensuring sustainability expectations were clearly communicated from prep, reinforced on call sheets, and supported by on-set guidance throughout the shoot.
2. Waste Management: reducing landfill waste by implementing a three-bin system, prioritising recycling and composting, and supporting responsible end-of-project disposal.
3. Sustainable Catering: lowering catering emissions through daily vegetarian and vegan options, locally sourced produce, reduced red meat, and compostable or reusable serviceware.
4. Travel & Energy: cutting emissions by replacing diesel with HVO, trialling battery power packs, enforcing a strict no-idling policy, and carefully planning vehicle movements and deliveries.
5. Materials: limiting new purchases by favouring rental, reuse and second-hand sourcing, eliminating single-use plastics, and supporting donation, resale and repurposing after wrap.
    

These targeted measures were delivered with the support of Screen Ireland’s Sustainability Innovation Fund and formed a central part of No Ordinary Heist’s emissions reduction strategy. The production replaced diesel with HVO to power generators and facilities vehicles during the Republic of Ireland shoot and trialled Instagrid battery power packs to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel generators while improving flexibility and reducing noise on location. Circular economy principles were strengthened through engagement with Props 360 to facilitate the clearance, resale and reuse of props, and through collaboration with Circular Costume Ireland to support more sustainable costume management. Extending its environmental commitment beyond the set, the production also allocated funding to a biodiversity initiative at Wildacres Nature Reserve in Co. Wicklow to support Sand Martin conservation. Together, these measures were embedded within wider sustainability practices, including structured waste segregation, energy-efficiency protocols, sustainable catering and responsible procurement, ensuring environmental responsibility was applied consistently across departments throughout prep, shoot and wrap.

In addition, the production applied sustainability practices across departments by:

• Actively monitoring and reporting carbon emissions through the albert carbon calculator
• Replacing diesel with HVO fuel for generators and facilities vehicles during the Republic of Ireland shoot
• Trialling rechargeable Instagrid battery power packs to reduce reliance on fossil fuel generators
• Implementing a three-bin waste segregation system (recycling, compost, general waste) with clear on-set signage
• Targeting a minimum 70% recycling and composting rate across locations
• Introducing a strict no-idling policy for all production vehicles
• Optimising deliveries and collections to minimise transport emissions
• Encouraging rental and second-hand purchasing over new materials
• Eliminating single-use plastics and promoting reusable water bottles and coffee cups
• Providing daily vegetarian and vegan catering options, reducing red meat, and sourcing food locally and seasonally
• Supporting circular economy partners including Props 360 and Circular Costume Ireland
• Contributing to a biodiversity initiative supporting Sand Martin conservation in Co. Wicklow

Sustainability planning for No Ordinary Heist began in pre-production and was integrated into early budgeting discussions, supplier engagement and departmental planning. The Sustainability Advisors prepared a structured engagement framework to ensure environmental expectations were clear, achievable and embedded into daily workflows from the outset. This included:

• A Sustainability Plan circulated to key crew ahead of the shoot
• A Sustainability Crew Memo and Waste Segregation Green Memo distributed to all cast and crew
• Department-specific sustainability guidelines tailored to individual workflows
• Sustainability reminders included on daily call sheets
• Pre-shoot briefings with Heads of Departments to agree realistic actions

Sustainability was embedded as a collective responsibility across the production, with clear expectations communicated from prep through to wrap. Cast and crew were encouraged to adopt practical measures such as correct waste segregation, reducing single-use plastics, limiting unnecessary printing, switching off equipment when not in use, and prioritising rental or second-hand sourcing. The Sustainability Advisors worked closely with departments to provide practical guidance and identify realistic lower-impact solutions, including opportunities for reuse, resale, donation and responsible disposal, ensuring environmental considerations were integrated into everyday decision-making.

1. Waste Management & Circular Economy

A consistent three-bin waste system was implemented across all filming locations, separating recycling, compostable waste and general waste. Clear signage and standardised bin placement made segregation straightforward for crew, with a target of achieving a minimum 70% recycling and composting rate. Particular emphasis was placed on diverting food waste and compostable catering materials into the correct stream, and WEEE bins were provided for electrical waste and batteries where required.

Circular economy principles extended beyond daily waste management. Props were cleared, returned or rehomed through engagement with Props 360 to avoid disposal at wrap, while Circular Costume Ireland supported more sustainable costume handling and textile reuse. These measures reduced landfill waste and ensured materials remained in circulation beyond the production.

• Objective: To reduce landfill waste and ensure materials remained in circulation wherever possible.
• Actions Taken: Structured bin system, clear signage, supplier partnerships for prop and costume reuse, and ongoing reminders to crew.
• Outcome: Waste segregation improved as the shoot progressed, with compost diversion and prop reuse identified as key strengths. Circular supplier engagement ensured materials had a second life beyond production.

2. Sustainable Catering

Catering focused on reducing environmental impact while maintaining quality for cast and crew. Vegetarian and vegan options were provided daily, with red meat reduced where possible. Food sourcing considered seasonality and locality where feasible.

Single-use plastic bottles were avoided through refill stations, and crew were encouraged to use reusable bottles and cups. Plates, cups and cutlery were compostable or reusable to align with waste segregation systems, and condiments were supplied in bulk.

Accurate headcounts helped reduce over-ordering and food waste. These measures lowered packaging waste and reduced catering-related emissions compared to standard production practices.

3. Travel & Energy

Energy and fuel use were key focus areas. During the Republic of Ireland shoot, HVO fuel was used in place of diesel to power generators and facilities vehicles, reducing lifecycle carbon emissions. This measure was supported by the Screen Ireland Sustainability Innovation Fund.

Two Instagrid battery power packs were trialled on location to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel generators. Energy-efficient equipment was prioritised, and generator run-time was reduced where possible.

A strict no-idling policy was implemented, and deliveries were scheduled to minimise unnecessary journeys. Travel planning and vehicle management supported overall fuel reduction.

4. Materials & Circularity

Procurement followed a rent-first approach, with second-hand sourcing prioritised over new purchases where possible. Departments were encouraged to consult the Sustainability Advisors before making material decisions.

Single-use plastics were eliminated where feasible, and digital alternatives were chosen over printed materials. Sustainable sourcing was prioritised when new materials were required.

At wrap, materials were returned, reused, donated or resold where appropriate. Engagement with Props 360 and Circular Costume Ireland supported circularity and reduced disposal.

5. Carbon Tracking & Offsetting

Carbon emissions were tracked using the BAFTA albert carbon calculator. Data collection was managed by the Sustainability Advisors in collaboration with Production and key suppliers, with fuel use, energy consumption, transport and materials monitored throughout the shoot.

The primary focus was on reducing emissions at source through fuel substitution, energy efficiency and circular procurement. Final carbon calculations were reviewed at wrap to assess the impact of the measures introduced. Any consideration of offsetting was approached only after reduction strategies had been implemented and measured.

What Worked Well

A number of on-set sustainability measures worked particularly well on No Ordinary Heist, especially those that were agreed during pre-production and delivered through clear systems and close collaboration with departments.

1. HVO Fuel Implementation

• The switch from diesel to HVO during the Republic of Ireland shoot was implemented without operational disruption.
• Delivered measurable emissions reductions while using existing generator infrastructure.

2. Instagrid Battery Trial

• Battery power packs reduced reliance on fossil-fuel generators for specific lighting and technical needs.
• Improved flexibility on location and reduced noise levels.
• Provided crew with hands-on experience of emerging low-emission technology.

3. Clear Waste Segregation System

• The three-bin system was easy to understand once established.
• Consistent signage and bin placement supported correct segregation.
• Compost diversion, particularly from catering, became a strong success area.

4. Crew Engagement Through Clear Communication

• Early distribution of the Sustainability Plan and Green Crew Memo set clear expectations.
• Sustainability reminders on call sheets reinforced daily behaviours.
• Engagement increased as systems became routine and visible across departments.

5. Circular Supplier Partnerships

• Engagement with Props 360 streamlined prop clearance and resale at wrap.
• Supported reuse within the Irish screen sector rather than disposal.
• Reduced pressure on departments during the wrap phase.

Challenges Encountered

Several challenges emerged during the production, primarily linked to the regional filming context, the introduction of new systems, and the practical limits of a fast-paced shoot schedule.

1. Cross-Jurisdiction Logistics

• Operating across Northern Ireland and the Republic required coordination with different suppliers and systems, which added administrative complexity.

2. Cost Sensitivity of Green Alternatives

• Lower-emission fuels such as HVO carry a cost premium, making funding support essential to enable adoption at scale.

3. Limited Use of Some Funded Measures

• In some areas, such as costume sustainability funding, existing supplier arrangements reduced the ability to fully utilise allocated supports.

Recommendations for Future Productions

• Build green measures into initial budgeting rather than adding them later. Early financial planning makes adoption smoother.
• Hold sustainability briefings with Heads of Department before procurement decisions are made to maximise circular sourcing opportunities.
• Consider making HVO and battery systems standard practice for state-funded productions to normalise their use across the sector.
• Allocate dedicated time for asset redistribution and donation at wrap to avoid rushed disposal decisions.
• Ongoing support for companies such as Props 360 and Circular Costume Ireland will strengthen sustainable infrastructure within the Irish screen industry.

No Ordinary Heist demonstrates how structured sustainability planning, practical crew engagement and targeted funding support can be effectively integrated into a cross-border feature production. By combining clear communication with measurable action - particularly in the areas of fuel substitution, battery power trials and circular supplier engagement - the production reduced emissions at source while strengthening sustainable infrastructure within the Irish screen sector.

• The experience reinforces the importance of early planning, supplier collaboration and shared responsibility across departments. It also highlights the value of continued industry support through initiatives such as the Screen Ireland Sustainability Innovation Fund, which enables productions to test and adopt lower-emission solutions that can become standard practice over time.