Production name: Spilt Milk
Sustainability Advisor: Stan Nangle
Report date: April 2024
Production name: Spilt Milk
Sustainability Advisor: Stan Nangle
Report date: April 2024
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global weather patterns, including temperature patterns, precipitation patterns and extreme events. These shifts are primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes which release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere, trapping heat and leading to a warming effect known as the greenhouse effect. As the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases (right hand scale), so does the temperature (left hand scale).
Climate change contributes to severe weather events like hurricanes, flooding and droughts and can result in significant economic losses due to damage to infrastructure, agriculture and tourism industries. Between 1980 and 2022, weather and climate related extremes caused economic losses of assets estimated at €650 billion in the EU Member States, of which €59.4 billion occurred in 2021 and €52.3 billion in 2022.
The scientists at the IPCC tell us that the way to slow and then reverse climate change is to reduce emissions from fossil fuels by 50% by 2030, by 75% by 2050, and to have zero emissions by 2050. These targets have been adopted by those countries which have signed up to the Paris Agreement. In Ireland these targets have been set down in law.
Film and TV production has a significant carbon footprint, much of which is related to burning diesel and other fossil fuels to provide power on set, to transport people, materials and equipment, and to feed crew when they are at work.
This report provides an in depth look at the carbon footprint of one Irish film production, the measures taken to reduce emissions, the impact those measures had, and the areas where improvements can be made in the future.
100 mins feature film
Director: Brian Durnin
Produced by: Laura McNicholas and James Heath
Executive Producer: Cormac Fox
Writer: Cara Loftus
Associate Producer: Colmán Mac Cionnaith
Production Manager: Mike Donnelly
Spilt Milk follows eleven-year-old Bobby O'Brien who dreams of becoming a great detective like his TV hero Kojak. Bobby sets up a private investigation enterprise with his best friend Nell but the disappearance of his older brother sets them off on a quest to find him.
Spilt Milk was developed with the support of Screen Ireland, with production finance funding from Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and RTÉ along with support from the Irish and UK government tax credits.
Direct GHG emissions from sources controlled by an organisation
On a film production the Scope 1 emissions come from:
Indirect GHG emissions from mains electricity used by an organisation
On a film production the Scope 2 emissions come from:
GHG emissions from upstream/downstream activities across an organisation's value chain
On a film production the Scope 3 emissions come from:
A production of this size, at this budget, could ordinarily expect the following emissions:
Expected total with no mitigation efforts +/- 100 tonnes of CO2
(note, these estimates are based on very rough assumptions that can vary greatly depending on where the production is shooting, the number of unit/location moves and the number of foreign cast & crew)
Generators:
Trucks:
Vans:
Cars:
Mains electricity for Production Office/Stores & Workshops/Post Production:
Purchased Goods & Services:
Waste
Travel
Accommodation
Generators:
Measure: Generator supplier is modernising their fleet with 5 new generators on order
Cost implication: No cost implication for this production
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: HVO fuel was used for all generators
Cost implication: 1,938 litres with marginal cost of €0.20 = €387.60
Emissions reduction: 5.25 tonnes CO2e (using DEFRA emissions factors)
Measure: Fuel usage in generators within anticipated range
Cost implication: No cost implication for this production
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: Mains power was used instead of generators to the greatest extent possible
Cost implication: Saving on the cost of fuel not measurable
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: The use of a hybrid battery-generator was investigated and rejected due to cost
Cost implication: On paper, the additional cost would have exceeded €2,000
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Trucks:
Measure: All trucks hired were to the Euro 5 engine specification
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: Significant reductions in NOx and PM 2.5
Measure: HVO fuel was not used in trucks due to logistics issues
Cost implication: 100 litres with a marginal cost of €0.20 = +/- €20.00 if HVO had been used
Emissions reduction: If HVO had been used there would have been a reduction of >0.5 tonnes CO2e
Measure: Guidelines were issued to all drivers emphasising the No Idling Policy
Cost implication: Saving on fuel cost and wear and tear for vehicle owners
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Vans:
Measure: All vans hired were to the Euro 5 engine specification
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: Significant reductions in NOx and PM 2.5
Measure: HVO fuel was not used in vans due to logistics issues
Cost implication: 800 litres with a marginal cost of €0.20 = +/- €160.00 if HVO had been used
Emissions reduction: If HVO had been used there would have been a reduction of >2 Tonnes CO2e
Measure: Guidelines were issued to all drivers emphasising the No Idling Policy
Cost implication: Saving on fuel cost and wear and tear for vehicle owners
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: Guidelines were issued to all departments regarding efficient journey planning
Cost implication: Saving on fuel cost and wear and tear for vehicle owners
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Cars:
Measure: It was not possible to source EV or Hybrid vehicles on this production
Cost implication: N/A
Emissions reduction: N/A
Measure: HVO fuel was not used in cars due to logistics issues
Cost implication: 4,121 litres with a marginal cost of €0.20 = +/- €824.00 if HVO had been used
Emissions reduction: If HVO had been used there would have been a reduction of >11 Tonnes CO2e
Measure: Guidelines were issued to all drivers emphasising the No Idling Policy
Cost implication: Saving on fuel cost and wear and tear for vehicle owners
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: Guidelines were issued to all departments regarding efficient journey planning
Cost implication: Saving on fuel cost and wear and tear for vehicle owners
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Mains electricity for Production Office/Stores & Workshops/Post Production:
Measure: 100% renewable electricity tariff is in place at WarehouseX
Cost implication: N/A
Emissions reduction: >3 tonnes CO2e vs average fuel mix on the Irish Grid
Measure: Guidelines were issued to all departments regarding energy efficiency
Cost implication: Saving on electrical bills
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: Guidelines were issued to all departments regarding energy efficiency
Cost implication: Saving on electrical bills
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Purchased Goods & Services:
Measure: A Sustainable Catering Policy was developed and shared with catering provider
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: Catering provider undertook to give preference to locally produced food
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: Outturn - Veg 18%, Fish 13%, Chicken 23%, Pork 15%, Lamb 4%, Beef 28%
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: Guidelines were issued to Set Dec and Costume and support was provided
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Waste
Measure: A Zero Waste policy was developed and shared with crew and suppliers
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: A 3 bin system was used on set and in the production office
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: N/A
Measure: Glon (NWCPO-22-12726-01) and McBreen (NWCPO-14-11283-01)
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: N/A
Measure: Documentation provided to Accounts Department
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: N/A
Travel
Measure: Production minimised air travel for international cast
Cost implication: Cost saving
Emissions reduction: N/A
Accommodation
Measure: Sustainable Accommodation Policy developed and shared with potential providers
Cost implication: None
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
Measure: Weighting given to the sustainability policies/measures undertaken by providers
Cost implication: Not quantifiable
Emissions reduction: Not quantifiable
08/10/2023
The producers of "SPILT MILK" 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 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 occuring 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 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 supplies 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.
Laura McNicholas
Producer
Introduction
Spilt Milk Films 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;
Scope
This policy applies to all purchasing and hiring activities undertaken by Spilt Milk Films DAC. It encompasses goods, services, and equipment procured during the production process.
Policy Guidelines
Supplier Selection:
Energy Efficiency:
Transportation and Travel:
Eco-Friendly Materials and equipment:
Paperless Operations:
Waste Management:
Compliance and Evaluation:
Training & Communication
Spilt Milk Films DAC will provide training and information to all employees and suppliers about this Green Procurement Policy, emphasising the importance of their roles in its implementation and the achievement of the stated policy goals. Open communication and feedback on sustainable procurement practices will be encouraged in order to foster continuous improvement.
Conclusion
By adopting this Green Procurement Policy, Spilt Milk Films 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.
______________
Laura McNicholas
Producer
This production is operating a No Idling policy.
Idling engines are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants which can cause asthma and other respiratory illnesses
Please turn off all engines when vehicles are stationary.
Introduction
Spilt Milk Films DAC is 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 Cuckoo Drama DAC is 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:
Implementation
To achieve our zero waste goals, we will:
Conclusion
Spilt Milk Films DAC is 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.
_____________________
Laura McNicholas
Producer
Introduction
Spilt Milk Films DAC are committed to conducting our operations in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. As part of our dedication to sustainability, we recognise the significant impact that catering services can have on the environment and the community. Therefore, we have developed this Sustainable Catering Policy to guide our engagement with catering contractors and to ensure alignment with our sustainability goals.
Policy Objectives
The main objectives of this Sustainable Catering Policy are:
Sustainable Menu Selection
Waste Management
Emissions Management
The catering contractor must adopt energy-efficient practices such as;
Conclusion
By adopting this Sustainable Catering Policy, we aim to make a positive impact on the environment, support local communities, and provide our crew with an exceptional catering experience that aligns with our values and commitment to sustainability.
_____________________
Laura McNicholas
Producer
Spilt Milk Films DAC is committed to reducing waste, minimising our environmental impact, and promoting sustainability in our operations. 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.
We prioritise accommodation providers based on 5 key areas:
_____________________
Laura McNicholas
Producer
2.630 T/CO2e
83% reduction from estimate
Fuel usage in litres was 46% of what would normally be anticipated on a job of this size. There was no Unit Base generator, the load on the Catering generator was reduced by plugging some loads into the (100% renewable) mains supply at WarehouseHX. HVO fuel was used in generators
0.313 T/CO2e
95% reduction from estimate
Trucks did not move for the first 15 days of the production.
2.510 T/CO2e
20% reduction from estimate
Van only served one location for the first 15 days of the production.
13.240 T/CO2e
58% reduction from estimate
Reduction is mostly due to filming at one location for 15 days and this location being close to production office/props stores
Mains Gas 1.67 T/CO2e
0.00 T/CO2e
Electricity supply at WarehouseHX is from a 100% renewable tariff
0.215 T/CO2e
35% reduction from estimate
Some post production work was conducted using 100% renewable electricity.
7.720 T/CO2e
12% increase over estimate
The proportion of beef dishes was about 50% higher than the ideal. This is something to be addressed in the future.
2.340 T/CO2e
10% increase over estimate
Costume Department undertook the standard sustainability measures however the specific requirements of this production led to a slight increase in emissions over the estimate.
1.165 T/CO2e
19% reduction from estimate
Props requirement will vary from production to production. The Props Buyer on this production put an emphasis on hiring/reusing over buying and of finding new homes/uses for props after the production concluded.
0.002 T/CO2e
96% reduction from estimate
Best practice for waste minimisation and segregation was followed. There were no set builds on this production and negligible construction waste.
0.300 T/CO2e
80% reduction from estimate
Accommodation requirements of every production will be different.
0.340 T/CO2e
95% reduction from estimate
Flight requirements of every production will be different.
Total 32.445 T/CO2e
(M = Mandatory Question F = Filter Question N/S = Non Scoring Question Y = Yes answer)
COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT
PLANET PLACEMENT
IN STUDIO
ON LOCATION
POST PRODUCTION
SOUND
CONSTRUCTION
SET DEC/PROPS
COSTUME
MAKEUP
SFX
PRODUCTION
CATERING
TRAVEL
ACCOMMODATION
CARBON OFFSETS
Climate Innovation Ltd.
Company number 693310
Directors: S Nangle, T Mulhearne
Registered Office: Tramore, Co. Waterford, X91X2P3