The Dry S2

The Dry S2 was filmed primarily in Foxrock, Dublin City
Centre, Deansgrange and other locations around
Dublin and Wicklow.

The following is a case study documenting the sustainability efforts taken on Season 2 of The Dry, a 10 part 40 minute episode tv show. 

This was the first time the series availed of the Screen Ireland Sustainability Advisors scheme, where a sustainability advisor (Daragh Goan) spent 8 days with the production to assist with sustainability efforts. 

Pre-production began on the 15th of May, principal photography began on the 24th of June and wrapped on the 4th of August. Locations were around Dublin and Wicklow.

This report will break down the timeline of the sustainability efforts from pre-production through to wrap and post-production. 

As always, moving towards a more sustainable production model is impossible without buy in from the production and crew and at this point I would like to thank everyone involved in the production, but particularly Ingrid Goodwin, Maria Mulhall, Ellen Hyde and Tommie Curran for their work and trust during this process.

Prep began in IMI in Sandyford on 15th April. In anticipation of the meeting the sustainability advisor had drafted a sustainability plan (Appendix 1) to be discussed with the producer, line producer and HODs and edited according to what was possible on the production. 

It was agreed that Tommy the assistant production coordinator would fill out the calculator part of the Albert Toolkit and the sustainability advisor would complete the Carbon Action Plan, given that the advisor would only be on the production for 8 days.

Given the budget, it was going to be a challenge to choose the more sustainable options in every instance and it was agreed it would have to be considered on a case by case basis. The first thing that was considered was using HVO fuel in generators instead of regular diesel. It was agreed the first generator fuel order would be HVO and then it would have to be reviewed based on how much more expensive it was. HVO was then used for the rest of the production.

As we’ll see from the Albert Carbon Calculator results at the end of the report, this had the biggest impact in reducing the carbon footprint of the production. While Transport’s share remains stubbornly high, which is common to all TV drama carbon footprints, the amount of carbon associated with non mains energy was lower than other productions who would have used traditional diesel in their generators. 

The sustainability advisor met with each HOD to go through the draft sustainability plan. This was also when the Albert Climate Action Plan for the production was answered. Once it was finalised the production was on track to reach a two star rating. Each department agreed to implement as many things from the draft sustainability plan as possible.  The following section shows the breakdown of each departments efforts. 

Accounts Department

The accounts department used digital accounting software and were mainly paperless. Accounts were also crucial in tagging the correct information needed for the Albert Carbon Calculator.

Art Department

Kieran in the art department made a significant effort to reduce the amount of foamex on the job by only making models when absolutely necessary. The shed set was built in a modular way so that it could be disassembled and it was sold to be reused at the end of a production instead of being destroyed.

Assistant Directors 

ADs included green tips on the callsheet as well as reminders for cast and crew to bring their own reusable water bottle and mug. ADs also supplied cast with reusable water bottles.

Catering 

Food waste was tackled by Tara from Hot Buns catering who used leftover ingrediants to cook meals that were then donated to homelessness services around Dublin and Wicklow. All of her suppliers were local and her catering generator also ran on HVO.

Tara and production also agreed on eliminating disposable coffee cups from the production. A memo was sent out after the first week informing everyone cups would no longer be available (Appendix 2) and that crew would have to bring their own reusable water bottles and mugs.

Costume

Special mention needs to be given to costume for their efforts but particularly the detailed costume wrap report they did. Listing items that were bought from vintage and charity shops (over 20 shops) and the costumes hired (a number were hired from Abbey costume hire.

Louise the head of the costume department also drew extensively from her own stock of costumes to reduce the amount of clothes needed to be bought new. Over 30% of the main character costumes came from Louise’s stock and around 90% of background artist costumes coming from either the BG artist’s own clothes and/or Louise’s stock.

Many of the costumes were furloughed for potential next seasons on wrap.

Electrical

70% of the electrical department’s lights were LED, with the kit list mainly comprising of Arii sky panels, Astera titan tubes, Creamsource vortex 8, Aputure lights, Alladin lights and Litegear lite mats. Whereever possible these and other practical lights were powered from main’s electricity, when it was available and safe to do so.

HMIs were used for scenes requiring bigger lamps, and these were powered by a stage 5 Generator with DP filters installed to meet EU emissions standards.

Hair + Makeup

Hair and Makeup were sent the EWG’s Skin Deep Guide to show them which products were the least harmful to the environment. Care was taken to use all products until the absolute end of their life cycle before being replaced.

Locations

The locations department continuously reused their signage from location to location. Glon were hired to take care of waste management on the production, who provided three bin setups throughout locations.

The honey wagon on location was powered using an ECOFLOW battery pack. Since the honey wagon was often far away from the main generator, this eliminated the need for a small “put put” generator and reduced the amount of diesel being burned overall.

Props/Set Dec

A particularly interesting innovation from the props department on this job was the use of paintings that one of the members of the props department had done in their spare time as Shiv’s paintings in story, cutting down on the number of paintings that needed to be created for these scenes.

The set dec department also used a three bin recycling set up in one of the scenes. Not only did this help promote and normalise sustainability on screen, but instead of purchasing one of these setups new, they borrowed one from the Irish Management Institute that served as the production office.

Post Production

Post took place in Outer Limits based out in Dun Laoghaire. Their post house was powered by Flo Gas (Green), which is a combination of 100% renewable Electricity, and carbon neutral natural Gas. Their office has visual reminders on recycling in all key staff points to remind everyone to separate and recycle food waste and of course to recycle any paper. And where possible they agreed to avoid printing scripts etc and keep to digital copies.

Outer Limits had a total of 27 staff and for The Dry there is a core crew of approx 7 people. These core staff worked at home for approx 1-2 days per week in an effort to cut down on travel and emissions.

Wrap

Wrap is always a challenge when it comes to sustainability given the limited amount of time to re-home items from the production. Glon have just started hiring out skips and one was hired for wrap. There were a number of items such as excess canvases and set dec items where different options were explored to donate. However given the limited amount of time, many items did have to go into the skip or other appropriate waste stream.

This is is one of the biggest takeaways from the first sustainabililty advisor scheme, that more time needs to spend spent on the production overall but definitely concentrated during prep and wrap to make sure systems can be put in place to ensure as much is reused/recycled as possible

Sustainable Production Goals

Reduce emissions through efficiency

Reduce the amount of fuel and electricity used on
a production and, where possible, decarbonise, remaining fuel and energy needs by using electric power, HVO fuel and renewable energy

Contribute to the circular economy

Where possible, use recycled, resuable materials in the first instance and where new materials are being used, reintroduce them back into the circular economy.

Engagement with the climate message 

Effectively communicate the sustainable goals of the production to all crew so that they can engage with the goals of this and future productions. Where appropriate, promote sustainability
onscreen.

Capture data for carbon calculator

Capture the progress and results of the initiatives implemented with Albert Carbon Calculator and achieve Albert certification through their Climate Action Plan.

Work Plan

Pre-Production

• Hold initial sustainability meeting with sustainability advisor and production, set timeline for meetings with HODs.
• Finalise sustainability plan after consultation with HODs and production. Identify sustainability contact within departments.
• Production complete draft carbon calculator and submit Albert Climate Action Plan.
• Communicate sustainability goals to all crew. 

Production 

• Check that the sustainable policies agreed upon during pre-production are being implemented through checkups and communication with department's climate contact
• Collect evidence that the agreed policies are being implemented.
• Communicate updates to crew throughout the production and reward behavior to encourage buy in with sustainable policies.

Wrap/post-production

• Donate or redistribute excess materials and divert waste. Complete Albert carbon calculator and submit evidence for the climate action plan.
• Communicate results to crew.

Production Department - Draft

• Use renewable electricity in production office. If not in place, encourage owners to switch to a provider that uses renewable electricity.
• Switch off appliances when not in use and put up signage encouraging and reminding others to do the same.
• Use previously owned appliances coming from other productions.
• Use electronic accounting and admin systems. Print only when absolutely necessary and print using both sides and with recycled paper. 
• Include a sustainability memo when on-boarding crew (example included).
• Send a Green Memo to all crew members in advance of the production starting highlighting the productions sustainability goals.
• Sustainability goals to be highlighted at the pre-production meeting with brief talk from sustainability advisor/designated member of production.
• Complete draft and final Albert carbon calculator and Albert climate action plan with guidance from sustainability advisor. 

Accounts Department

• Records of fuel type to be kept by accounts to inform final Albert carbon calculator results. 
• Use previously owned appliances coming from other productions.
• Use electronic accounting and admin systems. Print only when absolutely necessary and print using both sides and with recycled paper.
• Communicate regularly with production to deliver figures for final carbon calculator. 

Art Department

• Rightsize vehicles for the job and minimise journey's where possible. 
• Support the reuse or “circularity” of set builds and materials by designing sets modularly, so that they can be disassembled for material reuse.
• Use recycled materials and have a plan in place for the end of life of materials used on the production. Whether they are to be donated, reused or disposed of responsibly (paints etc.).
• Use suppliers who sell environmentally friendly products. Sustainability Directory attached for reference .
• Use opportunities to promote sustainability on screen  by including recycling bins, keep cups, electric cars etc. in the design.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Assistant Director Department

• Communicate with the Transportation Department regarding cast schedules on set to help them optimize the heating and cooling of trailers and shuttle vans.
• Focus on movement efficiencies when scheduling, e.g. look for opportunities to minimize the movement of the unit base.
• Help enforce no idling policy
• Request electronic distribution of call sheets and limit hard copies of sides.
• Include green tips on call sheets and add reminders that support your production’s sustainability plan. Communicate production sustainability goals to day players/extras

Camera Department

• The Director of Photography and Gaffer should work together to maximize the use of LED lighting in the lighting package.
• Consider mobile battery units for small remote-power needs. Work with the electricians to see if there are opportunities to use for cranes or other camera rigs.
• Ask suppliers what they’re doing to reduce their direct emissions, and what products and services they can offer your production. 
• Use rechargable batteries where possible (eg. slates) and recycle dead batteries properly when not possible.
• Source materials and equipment which has the lowest environmental impact. Sustainability Directory attached for reference 
• Encourage others within the department to dispose of waste using the appropriate waste streams
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator

Catering Department

• Power supply for catering should be inline with power needs. Using grid power if possible, if not then an appropriately sized generator.
• Offer plant-rich meal and snack options at every meal. Find ways to reduce the amount of beef served each week, or eliminate it completely.
• Donate excess edible food. Work with sustainability advisor to be connected to a food recovery organization.
• Ensure correct composting of any food waste.
• Use reusable dishes, cups, mugs, cutlery and tablecloths. Where single-use items are required, source BPI-certified, paper-based compostable products. 
• Source materials and equipment which has the lowest environmental impact. Sustainability Directory for reference.
• Help sustainability advisor/production communicate good news tp crew in relation to carbon emissions reductions and waste diversion.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Costume Department

• Maximize fuel efficiency by combining runs and using smaller vehicles for smaller jobs (e.g., car/van over truck). Use hybrid, electric or fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Switch off appliances such as irons, washing machines when not in use.
• Ask your suppliers what they’re doing to reduce their direct emissions.
• Prioritize previously used clothing. Renting or purchasing used clothing reduces these emissions. Sustainability Directory attached for reference.
• When approved by Production, at the end of production donate or repurpose wardrobe articles and materials to local charities.
• Use reusable garment bags and non toxic, environmentally friendly products where possible.
• Help sustainability advisor/production communicate good news to crew in relation to carbon emissions reductions and waste diversion.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Electric Department

• Work with the Director of Photography to maximize the use of LED set lighting.
• At every location, first ask if grid power is available before determining generator needs.
• Use diesel generators only when absolutely necessary. Supplement grid power with mobile battery units where possible. Right size any generators to the actual power needs
• Put procedures into place to power down lights when not in use.
• Reuse or donate expendables such as gels.
• Encourage others within the department to dispose of waste using the appropriate waste streams.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Grip Department

• Maximize fuel efficiency by combining trips and using smaller vehicles for smaller jobs.
• Keep stage doors closed when cooling or heating is on during rigging and strike; ensure HVAC. and house lights are off when not in use and before leaving.
• Ask your suppliers what they’re doing to reduce their direct emissions.
• Reuse or donate expendables such as gels, blackwrap etc.
• Encourage others within the department to dispose of waste using the appropriate waste streams.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Hair + Makeup Departments

• Work with Transportation to optimize the heating and cooling of your trailer for when you are leaving and when you anticipate returning.
• Ask your suppliers what they’re doing to reduce their direct emissions.
• Select cruelty-free, nontoxic and organic hair and personal care products. Reference EWG's Skin Deep guide or the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.
• Avoid ozone-depleting aerosols and petroleum-based synthetic chemicals (e.g., mineral oil, sulfates).
• Use refills to avoid disposing of nonrecyclable makeup containers.
• Purchase products that can be refilled, and look for products with recyclable or compostable packaging.
• Take aerosol cans to the production’s hazardous waste disposal area.
• Encourage others within the department to dispose of waste using the appropriate waste streams.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Locations Department

• Seek locations that are close together and look for opportunities to minimize the movement of shooting crew and/or basecamp.
• Ask if grid power is available at every location; work with Electric and Transportation to tie into grid power and limit generator use.
• Maximize fuel efficiency by combining trips and using smaller vehicles for smaller jobs; use hybrid, electric or fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Use energy-efficient equipment, and equipment powered by renewable energy (e.g., solar panels).
• Establish energy conservation protocols, including powering down equipment when not in use and optimizing the heating and cooling of tents and trailers.
• Use electric heating and cooling units, over diesel powered, when grid power is available.
• Use location protection material made from recycled material and/or reusable mats.
• Encourage others within the department and wider crew to dispose of waste using the appropriate waste streams.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Props + Set Dec Departments

• Rightsize vehicles for the job and minimise journeys where possible. 
• Prioritize renting props, set dec and source items that were previously used over new ones.
• Have a plan in place for the end of life of materials used on the production. Whether they are to be donated, reused or disposed of responsibly.
• Use suppliers who sell environmentally friendly products. Sustainability Directory attached for reference. 
• Use opportunities to promote sustainability on screen  by including recycling bins, keep cups, electric cars etc. in the design.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Sound Department

• Look for opportunities to reduce energy use wherever possible.
• Equipment should be chosen with energy efficiency in mind and equipment should be switched off and unplugged when not in use.
• Use rechargable batteries for lav mics and where it isn't possible to use rechargables, dispose of batteries in WEEE bins.
• Encourage others within the department to dispose of waste using the appropriate waste streams.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Transport + Facilities Department

• Optimise efficiency by right size vehicles and generators for the job. 
• Combine vehicles, trailers and trips where ever possible.
• Use electric/plugin hybrid vehicles wherever possible and liase with locations/production to use locations that have charge points. At every location, first ask if grid power is available before determining generator needs.
• Request the most energy efficient trailers possible (trailers with energy efficient lighting and power, solar panels etc.) and encourage suppliers to invest in whatever isn't available.
• Decarbonise remaining fuel/energy needs by using HVO in generators and vehicles where possible.
• Provide a shuttle to condense drives for crew.
• Ensure the proper segregation and disposal of waste within the transport and facilities department.
• Enforce the no idling policy for drivers and others within department.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Travel + Accom Department

• When booking travel, prioritize using hospitality or travel partners that have carbon neutrality targets where possible.
• Book hotels or accommodation close to filming location to reduce fuel use and emissions.
• Reduce travel as much as possible through hiring local cast and crew.
• Distribute information electronically and reduce printing where possible
• Encourage others within the department to dispose of waste using the appropriate waste streams.
• Submit data on material and fuel use to accounts to contribute to the carbon calculator.

Prepared by Daragh Goan, Sustainability Advisor.

Reusable Water Bottles Memo

On this production we are asking cast and crew to bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee cups to work.

We will not be providing single use water bottles and coffee cups moving forward.

Thank you for your cooperation and efforts to make this shoot as green as possible!

Sustainability Wrap Memo

At the half way point of the production, we would like to thank you all so much for your sustainability efforts on The Dry Season 2. We wanted to share with you some of the sustainability initiatives you may or may not be aware of that happen on the production, and to let you know the impact behind the initiatives.

Food Donation

Did you know that as well as providing the delicious food on set, Tara and the rest of the Hot Buns team have been working with two different charities in town to get food to people who need it. 

Food waste is an issue that time and again crew have voiced frustration at, and the Hot Buns team have been leading by example by wherever possible, making sure excess food doesn't go to waste.

HVO Fuel

Something you may not be aware of is that the generators on set are powered by HVO, a renewable diesel that is made from recycled vegetable oil and other waste oils. HVO has up to 90% less carbon emissions than regular diesel and using the Albert Calculator we the production has saved an estimated 21 tonnes of carbon from being emitted!

Bottles and Cups

We can't thank you all enough for your efforts in reducing single use waste on this production. At this point, we have saved an estimated 6000 single use bottles and many more cups than that from ending up in waste streams.

This production is leading by example. These relatively small actions add up and have an impact and can be replicated across other productions. Together we can make a difference.

If you or your department have any questions, concerns or ideas about sustainable practices that are being implemented or that you would like to see implemented, please don't hesitate to reach out to production or to the production sustainability advisor at daraghgoan22@gmail.com

Throughout the production of The Dry Season 2, the cast and crew made efforts to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible. Below are a description of new initiatives that were trialed and just some of the figures behind all of your actions and , showing the numbers add up to make a difference.

After 10 weeks of shooting it's clear to see that these actions add up! Every water bottle saved, every litre of diesel replaced with an alternative, every meal given to someone who needs it, makes a difference.

The efforts made on this production will have a lasting impact and these practises can be brought to the next production and the next after that! 

We can't thank you all enough for your action on this, no matter how big or small.

21 tonnes of CO2 avoided by using HVO in the unit base generator

Our unit base generator ran on HVO (a cleaner fuel alternative). HVO is a drop in diesel replacement and can be used in any diesel generators. This one change reduced the carbon footprint of the production by almost 20%. Or the equivilant of the footprint of two entire episodes of the show!

Battery technology used

Instead of using a small put put generator to power a honeywagon, an EcoFlow battery was used when needed. Any opportunity to use rechargable batteries instaed of other fuel burning alternatives is an opportunity to reduce emissions!  

6000+ single use water bottles and disposable cups avoided

By swapping to reusable water bottles and reusable coffee cups, a crew of our size saved approximitely 6000 water bottles and cups. The rest of the catering materials used, from cutlery to plates and bowls, were all compostable.