Bed of Roses Sustainability Audit Synopsis - SERIES 2 AND 3, 2010
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Bed of Roses
Sustainability Audit Synopsis
SERIES 2 AND 3, 2010QUALITY ASSURANCE
The consortium of tda environmental consulting (tda) and nghenvironmental (ngh) has extensive
experience administering both small and large scale programmes for a range of clients.
nghenvironmental has an ISO 9001 certified Quality Assurance (QA) system developed by our own staff.
This QA system is part of ngh’s Integrated Management System (IMS) and is fully integrated with
overlapping management requirements such as occupational health and safety and environmental
management. Its objective is to ensure that ngh continues to provide high quality natural resource
assessment, planning and training solutions. The QA system has the explicit aim of meeting the needs
and expectations of ngh’s customers by providing environmental advice that is reliable and of a
consistently high standard. The Quality Management System is periodically audited externally and
internally.
Each project undertaken by the consortium employs a structure that includes: a project director
responsible for overall delivery, time management and quality assurance; a project manager responsible
for delivery and compliance; and final reviews by Certified Environmental Practitioners (CENVP). As the
need is identified, projects can also be assigned multidisciplinary teams consisting of project officers and
specialists required to achieve further programme outcomes. Budgeting and time management is
monitored by an internal administrative system compliant with specific programme milestones, targets
and report requirements.
Document Title: Bed of Roses Series 2 and 3 Sustainability Audit Synopsis 2010
Document Status: Final Draft v3.0
Prepared For: Lindsay Lipson
Investment and Programs Manager
Film Victoria
Level 7 -189 Flinders Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000
Author(s): Pat Giltrap, Jacob Thomson
Reviewer: Natascha Arens CEnvP
Certification:
Date: December 2010
Document File Name: \\Sydney\active\Projects\2010\FilmVic -
1177\Report\Synopsis\ BoR 3 Audit Synopsis Final DRAFT
v3.0 [COMBINED].doc
©tda environmental consulting and nghenvironmental [2010)
This document is the property of tda environmental consulting Pty Ltd and nghenvironmental Pty Ltd (the consortium).
This document and the information contained therein is solely for the use of the authorised recipient and this document
may not be used, copied or reproduced in whole or part for any purpose other than that for which it was supplied by the
consortium. The consortium makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third party
who may use or rely upon this document or the information contained in it.
nghenvironmental prints all documents on environmentally sustainable paper including paper made from 100% bagasse (a
by-product of sugar production) or recycled paper.Bed of Roses Sustainability Audit Series 2&3
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................... iv
2 KEY FINDINGS ............................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 SPECIFIC FINDINGS ...............................................................................................................................7
2.2.1 Fuel ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2.2 Air travel ................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2.3 Taxis ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.4 Accommodation .................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.5 Catering ................................................................................................................................................. 9
2.2.6 Paper .................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.7 Batteries............................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.8 Effluent and general waste .................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.9 Printer cartridges ................................................................................................................................. 11
3 LIMITATIONS OF THE REPORT ................................................................................................... 12
4 RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................ 13
5 WHERE TO NOW? ..................................................................................................................... 15
APPENDIX A COMBINED AUDIT - SERIES TWO AND THREE A-I
1177 Final v1.0 i tda & nghenvironmentalBed of Roses Sustainability Audit Series 2&3 TABLES Table 2-1 Combined sustainability audit results for Bed of Roses Series 2 and 3 ..........................................3 FIGURES Figure 2-1 Proportional Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by KEPIs, Bed of Roses Series 3.. ........................4 Figure 2-2 Total GHG emissions by FTE Cast & Crew and FTE Episode...........................................................5 Figure 2-3 Percentage variation in the cost and consumption of KEPIs. ........................................................6 Figure 2-4 GHG Emissions associated with fuel consumption ........................................................................7 Figure 2-5 GHG emissions associated with air travel......................................................................................7 Figure 2-6 GHG emissions associated with taxi travel ...................................................................................8 Figure 2-7 GHG emissions associated with accommodation ..........................................................................8 Figure 2-8 GHG emissions associated with catering .......................................................................................9 Figure 2-10 Battery usage ............................................................................................................................10 Figure 2-9 GHG emissions associated with paper consumption ..................................................................10 Figure 2-11 Effluent disposal ........................................................................................................................11 Figure 2-12 Cost of printer cartridge consumption ......................................................................................11 1177 Final v1.0 ii tda & nghenvironmental
Bed of Roses Sustainability Audit Series 2&3
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BoR - Bed of Roses
Environmental - An element of an organisation’s activities, products or services that interacts with
aspect the environment.
Environmental - Any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially
impact resulting from an organisation’s activities, products or services.
FTE - Full time equivalent. FTE is derived from the GRI as a common measure for
comparing environmental performance across and between different industries
and sectors. Originally FTE represented one person at fulltime equivalency. Hence,
reporting would calculate how many fulltime employees a business had and report
their impact on what was effectively a per capita basis. Audit findings and the
nature of the film and television industry meant that this value was not as reliable
or meaningful when reporting on such information. We are therefore using FTE for
Episodes and Screen Time (minutes to air). FTE per episode means that we report
results per episode i.e. “x” amount of waste per episode. This value is calculated
from the overall result for the series and then divided by the number of episodes
(each BoR episode being approximately 55 minutes long). Resource consumption
can then be calculated per minute of screen time. This will be valuable when more
productions are assessed so that they can be compared against a common
denominator.
GHG - Greenhouse gases. The gases in Earth’s atmosphere that contribute to the
greenhouse effect resulting in climate change, of which carbon dioxide (CO2) is the
most well known. Also includes methane, nitrous oxide and synthetic industrial
gases (HFCs, PFCs and SF6).
GRI - Global Reporting Initiative. The leading international standard for sustainability
reporting. The framework sets out the principles and indicators that organisations
can use to measure and report their economic, environmental, and social
performance.
KEPI - Key Environmental Performance Indicator. A common and easily accounted for
environmental impact from of the production of BoR. These have been used to
define the boundary of the sustainability audits of both Series.
LCA - Life Cycle Assessment. A cradle-to-grave investigation and evaluation of the
environmental impacts of a given product or service.
Production - All that is involved in the creation of the project, excluding pre and post
production. It is the phase of the television production in which the series is
filmed, with actors on set and cameras rolling. It includes lighting , sound, set
construction, props and set dressing, special effects, make-up, wardrobe, catering,
travel and transport and production and financial supervision of the day to day
running thereof.
Scope 1 - Direct Emissions produced from within the boundary of an organisation and/or
because of associated activities, such as generation of energy, manufacturing
processes that produce emissions, and transportation.
Scope 2 - Indirect emissions from the organisation’s consumption in its owned or controlled
equipment or operations of purchased electricity, steam or heat produced by
another company
Scope 3 - All other indirect emissions that are a consequence of an organisation’s activities
1177 Final v1.0 iii tda & nghenvironmentalBed of Roses Sustainability Audit Series 2&3
but are not from sources owned or controlled by the organisation, such as the
extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport related
activities, leased assets, waste disposal and electricity related activities not
included in scope 2.
t CO2-e - tonnes of CO2 and equivalent GHG contributors (refer to GHG above)
Unit Manager - That crew member who looks after the general day to day running of the filming
location (on set or in studio).
1177 Final v1.0 iv tda & nghenvironmentalBed of Roses Sustainability Audit Series 2&3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
In January 2010, a combined alliance of the Australian state and federal screen agencies announced the
formation of a National Green Screen Committee (NGSC). This committee, driven by a Film Victoria
initiative, is dedicated to developing standards, guidelines and resources that will assist the screen
industry to take on greater environmental responsibility in its day-to-day operations.
As the first major project undertaken by the NGSC, Film Victoria commissioned tda consulting and
nghenvironmental (tda-ngh) to undertake a sustainability audit of the ABC television production, Bed of
Roses, Series Two (BoR 2) and Series Three (BoR 3). The aims of the sustainability audit were to:
Identify environmental impacts and aspects arising from television production;
Collect and analyse baseline data on Key Environmental Performance Indicators (KEPI) for the
industry from BoR 2;
Develop recommendations and a monitoring framework for BoR 3 that assists in reducing
environmental impact and better manages sustainability issues; and
Identify practical and cost-effective measures to manage the environmental performance of
subsequent film and television productions in Australia.
STAKEHOLDERS
Film Victoria
Ruby Entertainment (producers of Bed of Roses)
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The sustainability audit of the two series found that there was significant scope to improve
environmental performance with only minimal cost to production. Informed procurement decisions and
improved accounting of resource consumption figures were seen as key to the process. Key findings
include the following:
A decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and resource consumption – Total GHG emissions
increased by 24.6% between Series 2 and 3, however, as Series 3 had an additional four
episodes, per episode emissions actually decreased by 16.7%. If the figures for other, non GHG,
KEPI are included (e.g. batteries, printing cartridges, etc) average resource consumption and GHG
emissions decreased by 24.2%.
Reduced spending on KEPIs - due to the requirements of additional episodes, there was a 28.1%
budget increase between Series 2 and 3, yet the relative proportion spent on KEPIs dropped
17.9%, representing a saving of $62,966. Significantly, potential savings on a FTE Episode basis
equalled $239,018. Further analysis is needed to separate the impact of improved environmental
management and accounting versus increased economy of scale and comparative resource
demands of different story arcs. This is especially true when allowing for the 14.4% decrease in
budget per episode for series 3 and the cost reductions this entails.
1177 Final v1.0 v tda & nghenvironmentalBed of Roses Sustainability Audit Series 2&3
The development of new environmental accounting procedures - Capturing volumetric data was
an integral part of the sustainability assessment, yet this can be an onerous and time consuming
task for business. The BoR initiative has developed an accounting methodology that can be
teamed with existing industry software to establish more efficient and effective combined
financial and environmental reporting.
Education, policy implementation and accounting practices central to sustainability - three
considerations were identified as being critical to the effective integration of sustainability into
mainstream production: education, policy implementation, and accounting. Each needs to be
mandated into production design and supported by the production team.
Opportunities to influence further uptake of sustainability initiatives - Many of the policies,
procedures and reporting formats developed as part of the Bed of Roses initiative can be further
developed into an industry code of practice. There is a significant opportunity for government
and other funding bodies to influence sustainability uptake by mandating environmental
reporting as part of future funding requirements.
Need for studio production accountability - The Bed of Roses audit will contribute greatly to the
establishment of credible sustainability benchmarks for the film and television industry, yet there
remains a strong requirement to account for studio-based production to further inform the
business case for sustainability. It is recommended that the ABC undertake a sustainability audit
of a representative facility. This would allow for more accurate reporting on environmental
aspects associated with studio production and allow the ABC to determine exact pricing of their
services.
CONCLUSION
The BoR initiative is an important step towards achieving sustainability within the Australian screen
industry. This audit process has helped define the impacts of a production and, importantly, inform
techniques to better monitor environmental indicators. The results revealed significant capacity to
improve environmental performance with net positive financial returns in the areas of waste avoidance,
transport efficiency and informed product purchases. The next step is to develop the outcomes of this
initiative as the basis of a national sustainability framework for the industry.
1177 Final v1.0 vi tda & nghenvironmental1 THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability ”...meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.”
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Norwegian Prime Minister
Prior to commencing this audit there was consensus that by virtue of the activities undertaken and
financial necessity, the film and television industry was a good environmental performer. Yet there have
been few studies undertaken to support this view. The business case for sustainability had been
previously argued, with very positive outcomes, by a small number of international sustainability reports
e.g. The New Zealand Green Screen Initiative and the City of London Green Screen Project. The Bed of
Roses Audit Report represents the first time that this process has been applied to a long-form television
series in Australian Film and Television industry.
Film Victoria was emphatic that the proposed audit and recommendations of Bed of Roses (BoR) would
not compromise the capacity of Ruby Entertainment to deliver good production values within time and
budgetary constraints. This fitted well with a practical approach to sustainability, where the first step to
manage efficiency is to measure current resource consumption so that an entity can operate from an
informed baseline. In the case of the film and television industry, this allows for comparisons to be made
between productions, series seasons or annual returns, and provides the ability to gauge progress, test
initiatives and evaluate effectiveness.
The following points outline observations resulting from the application of the sustainability process to
Bed of Roses, and closely resemble the authors’ experience in other industries. They represent key
findings and outcomes that, if embraced, will maximise opportunities to capitalise on the experience
gained in this audit, and ensure that sustainability initiatives can be readily assimilated across the
Australian film and television industry. The observations detailed below all contributed to the final
environmental and financial outcomes of the audit process.
1. The status quo is rapidly being superseded. It is no longer acceptable that business operations
engage in poor resource management and have an overall negative environmental impact.
a. BoR made considered procurement choices to ensure that the products they used had
good environmental credentials; in one example this resulted in a change in stationary
suppliers to satisfy procurement requirements for post-consumer recycled paper.
b. It was mandated that Heads of Department adopt the BoR Sustainability Policy and
Recommendations wherever possible.
2. Demonstrated capacity to improve environmental performance at little or no additional cost to
production. Examples of this include:
a. Streaming waste to recycle a higher proportion and reduce disposal to landfill
b. Better paper purchase choices and double sided printing
c. Investment in tools that improved long-term efficiencies such as a new printer that
reduced cartridge purchases by 41%
d. Hiring smaller cars
e. Using rechargeable batteries
3. A fundamental shift in accounting procedures is required to accurately capture resource
consumption data, not just financial data, a discipline recognised within the industry as
environmental accounting.
1177 Final v1.0 1 tda & nghenvironmentala. In a General Ledger, it is necessary to identify what budget line items qualify as having
an environmental impact. In the case of BoR, relevant KEPIs have been used to identify,
monitor and then assess the environmental performance of the production.
b. While it is necessary to ensure that all KEPIs are accurately identified and recorded,
capturing volumetric data can be a complex task. The BoR initiative has developed an
accounting methodology that can be teamed with existing industry software to establish
more efficient and effective combined financial and environmental reporting.
4. A simple fact: greater resource efficiency generally equals cost savings and reduced
environmental impact.
a. The filming schedule for BoR 3 was divided into location and studio blocks that reduced
the number of required flights by 55% and saved 14 t CO2-e. This also resulted in better
use of vehicle resources to reduce fuel consumption on a per episode basis
b. Using a more efficient car uses less petrol costing less money and produces less GHG
emissions.
c. Rechargeable batteries cost slightly more but the price difference is quickly recouped
over single use batteries with significantly reduced disposal to landfill; in the case of BoR
this resulted in a 51% reduction.
In the business case for Bed of Roses, these approaches to sustainability assessment and management
have resulted in some very significant outcomes.
Despite an overall budget increase of $2,218,558, proportional KEPI expenditure actually
decreased by 17.9% between Series 2 and 3, saving $60,000.
Importantly, the FTE costs per episode decreased by 45.3% from $44,013 for the eight episodes
of BoR 2 to $24,094 for the 12 episode of BoR 3.
If BoR 3 had followed the same proportional expenditure as BoR 2, cumulative FTE Episode costs
would have totaled $528,157, rather than the actual expenditure of $289,138.
The savings on expenditure for each KEPI cannot be attributed solely to the implementation of
environmental management measures. Per episode, BoR 3 had a smaller budget than BoR 2
(approximately 14.4% less in total), and this reduction in total budget would, by default, decrease the
proportionate budget available for KEPI expenditure. Currently the relative contribution in savings from
the implementation of environmental management measures alone, versus other budgetary constraints,
cannot yet be effectively isolated.
“As a producer it gives a completely new and fresh perspective on our professional activities, and begins
for us an education process which will hopefully yield better real environmental performance from us
going forward.”
Stephen Luby producer – Bed of Roses
Film Victoria, Ruby Entertainment and Bed of Roses have contributed to improving business operations
and procurement options within the film and television industry. This information will help contribute to
a positive business case for sustainability within production, and will go on to assist other practitioners to
implement the audit findings and recommendations.
1177 Final v1.0 2 tda & nghenvironmental2 KEY FINDINGS
This synopsis presents the overall outcomes of the audit. Further details of the BoR 2 and 3 audit process
are found in the Combined Audit Report, including findings and comparison for each of the identified
KEPIs. Table 2-1 summarises the combined results for BoR 2 & 3.
Table 2-1 Combined sustainability audit results for Bed of Roses Series 2 and 3
Audit Average for
BoR 2 BoR 3
Comparison BoR 2 and BoR 3
Audit sample size (percentage
8% 10% - 9%
of total invoices cited)
Total Cost of Production $7,894,509 $10,113,067 + 28% $9,003,788
Combined KEPI costs $352,105 $289,139 - 18% $320,622
Total GHG Emissions
169 210 + 25% 190
(t CO2-e)
Full-time Equivalent –
21 18 - 17% 19
Episode (t CO2-e)
Full-time Equivalent – - 24%
Episode (all KEPI)
Greenhouse gas emissions and efficiency trends
Overall, there was a 24.6% increase in GHG emissions (all Scopes) between Series 2 and 3, from 168.7 to
210.3 t CO2-e. However, as Series 3 had an additional four episodes, FTE Episode actually decreased by
16.7%. If the figures for other, non GHG, KEPI are included (e.g. batteries, effluent, printing cartridges
etc.) average FTE Episode decreased by 24.2%. Discussions with production staff and stakeholders
identified four possible reasons for this:
1. Savings from the adoption of resource efficiency recommendations resulting from the Series 2
audit.
2. The additional number of episodes in Series 3 led to greater economies of scale, such as reduced
fuel to and from locations.
3. Changes to story arcs may have resulted in lesser demands on resource use, e.g. efficient
scheduling of location filming that balanced out increases attributed to an addition of several
hundred extras on at least five occasions.
4. The decrease in total budget per episode by 14% led to a corresponding decrease in KEPI
expenditure.
Resource consumption and procurement
Better informed procurement and improved accounting of resource consumption were found to be
fundamental in improving environmental performance with only minimal cost to production. There was a
28.1% budget increase between Series 2 and 3, yet the relative proportion spent on KEPIs dropped
1177 Final v1.0 3 tda & nghenvironmental17.9%, representing a saving of $62,966.41. Significantly, potential savings on a FTE Episode basis
equalled $239,018. As mentioned above, further analysis is needed to separate the impact of improved
environmental management and accounting versus increased economy of scale and comparative
resource demands of different story arcs. Some examples of specific savings include:
1. Reductions in air travel by almost two thirds.
2. The employment of a second production runner and the use of couriers to reduce taxi journeys
by over 60%.
3. The purchase of a new printer that reduced cartridge disposal by 41.5%, despite a significant
increase in script and correspondence requirements from a larger production.
4. A 50% reduction in the use of batteries resulting from the use of rechargeables.
5. The replacement of polystyrene with readily degradable bio-ware that, while slightly more
expensive, avoided the disposal to landfill of some 16,000 polystyrene cups.
BoR 3 Proportional GHG Emissions
ULP 22%
Diesel 23%
Air Travel 7%
Taxis 1%
Electricity 3%
Accommodation 9%
Paper 2%
General Waste 6%
Catering 27%
Figure 2-1 Proportional Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by KEPIs, Bed of Roses Series 3. Apart from the
inclusion of general waste figures for which the data was unavailable from Series 2, there was little appreciable
difference in GHG sources between the productions.
Organisational Support
The improved environmental performance of a number of KEPIs was directly attributable to the actions
of Ruby Entertainment and highlights the importance of support within organisations to implement
practical changes. Examples of these include:
The active interest of individual cast and crew keen to participate.
The direct involvement of Stephen Luby and Mark Ruse, the producers for Bed of Roses, in both
recruitment and adoption of recommendations from BoR 2.
1177 Final v1.0 4 tda & nghenvironmentalThe communication of sustainability initiatives to all department heads before the
commencement of BoR 3.
Data capture and record keeping
Overall, data collection for BoR 3 was far more comprehensive than for BoR 2. This was due to the
establishment of a sustainability accounting protocol and Film Victoria’s recruitment of a full time
production accountant intern/assistant (Ms Aida Innocente).
As it is necessary to ensure that all KEPIs are accurately identified and recorded, it is estimated that a
maximum two person days per week is required for the collation and reporting of environmental
indicator data. The BoR initiative has developed an accounting methodology that can be teamed with
existing industry software to establish more efficient and effective combined financial and environmental
reporting.
Use of FTE as a measure for comparison
As per the GRI framework, the Series 2 audit worked to identify Full-time Equivalency (FTE) per staff, in
this case a combined figure for cast and crew. The Series 3 audit however, found that this measure of
comparison may be unsuited to the film and television industry. This is because the number of cast and
crew is dependent on a story arc that can vary greatly between productions, and even between series of
the same production; as was the case with Bed of Roses. In this instance, it was the consensus of
stakeholders within the industry that a more accurate and useful measure of comparison would be FTE
per minute of screen time (i.e. minute to air). The BoR 3 retains FTE Episode for comparisons with BoR 2,
but notes that based on 53 minute episodes, the FTE Screen Time average for both series was 364 kg
CO2-e.
25 Total t CO2-e
20
15
t CO 2-e
BoR 2
10 BoR 3
5
0
FTE - Cast & Crew FTE - Episode
Figure 2-2 Total GHG emissions by FTE Cast & Crew and FTE Episode. It is the stakeholders’ position that FTE
Episode or Minute is a more accurate means of comparing environmental impact as variations in story arcs and
productions inherent to the industry have a direct affect on resource consumption.
1177 Final v1.0 5 tda & nghenvironmentalChanges in the consumption of environmental indicators between series 2 & 3
100
Percentage Change
50
0
-50
-100
Printing
Diesel ULP Air Travel Taxis Accom Catering Paper Effluent Batteries
Catridges
COST -20.69 -20.51 -66.16 -46.49 -75.74 -10.17 -27.43 48.27 -41.49 -55.69
t CO2-e / Unit -23.5 28.0 -69.9 -60.3 -54.7 25.9 21.2 -7.7 -41.5 -50.6
Figure 2-3 Percentage variation in the cost and consumption of KEPIs between Bed of Roses Series 2 and 3, per episode (FTE Episode).
Trends for individual KEPIs are discussed subsequently, but it is noted that overall KEPI consumption per episode decreased significantly
between Series. Any increases in KEPI consumption are explained by improved accounting (as for ULP – Unleaded Petrol), or through
increased demand from the production itself (for example catering for up to 400+ extras, or multiple script revisions as in Series 3).
1177 Final v1.0 6 tda & nghenvironmental2.2 SPECIFIC FINDINGS
2.2.1 Fuel
The BoR 2 audit noted an insufficient number of invoices available for unleaded petrol (ULP) leading to a
bias towards diesel consumption. For BoR 3, invoicing available for both the total and proportional fuel
types could be better analysed for a combined result of 8 t CO2-e. This cannot be attributed solely to
Scope 1 emissions due to the heavy reliance on hire cars during production.
6
5
4
t CO 2-e
3 Diesel
ULP
2
1
0
BoR 2 BoR 3
Figure 2-4 GHG Emissions associated with fuel consumption
2.2.2 Air travel
GHG emissions from air travel have been reduced by 55% due to an overall reduction in the number of flights.
A change in travel service providers between BoR 2 and 3 has meant that flights have yet to be offset, but
Ruby Entertainment has indicated that it will consider doing so when they receive the findings of this report.
Current airline pricing suggests that the 14.01 t CO2-e from flights attributable to BoR 3 can be offset for as
little as $193.60.
5
4
t CO 2-e
3 BoR 2
BoR 3
2
1
0
FTE - Episode
Figure 2-5 GHG emissions associated with air travel
1177 Final v1.0 7 tda & nghenvironmental2.2.3 Taxis
Ruby Entertainment has attributed the 41% decrease in the number of taxi journeys to the recruitment of
a second production runner and the greater use of couriers. While this would appear to have directly
saved $5,906 and 1.4 t CO2-e, further analysis of salaries, fuel consumption and courier fees would be
needed before claiming a straightforward cost saving.
0.5
0.4
t CO 2-e
0.3 BoR 2
BoR 3
0.2
0.1
0.0
FTE - Episode
Figure 2-6 GHG emissions associated with taxi travel
2.2.4 Accommodation
The BoR 2 audit recommended the preferential use of Green Star or Green Globe rated accommodation
to reduce otherwise unavoidable sustainability costs. Unfortunately, the change in travel service
providers between productions prevented this option from being implemented, as they did not have
these resources. The above reduction in GHG emissions is the result of an overall reduced demand for
accommodation from 893 nights down to 635. This works in tandem with the reduced flights and may
reflect less interstate cast.
4
3
t CO 2-e
BoR 2
2 BoR 3
1
0
FTE - Episode
Figure 2-7 GHG emissions associated with accommodation
1177 Final v1.0 8 tda & nghenvironmental2.2.5 Catering
The 89% increase in GHG emissions attributable to catering is the result of two factors: the increased
accuracy of reporting, and a shooting schedule requiring several days with several hundred extras, cast
and crew. The significant variation between BoR 2 and 3 again highlights the necessity of further baseline
data collection to more accurately inform FTE for the screen industry.
There are two schools of thought on the use of disposable cups and plates on location. The first is that
there is a hygiene issue and they must be used, the second is that reusable containers are easily
managed. The bio-cup compromise suggested by the BoR 2 audit was both appreciated and criticized,
with questions on their ease of composting versus the more expensive price. It is noted that the change
in procurement avoided the disposal of 16,000 polystyrene cups (and lids) to landfill.
Several respondents identified bottled water as a significant environmental impact of production, yet
total use remained difficult to quantify due to various forms of invoicing found distributed throughout
the petty cash records. Given that Australia’s annual use of bottled water generates more than 60,000
tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, it would appear that a coherent approach to its consumption would
benefit the industry as a whole.
5
4
t CO 2-e
BoR 2
3
BoR 3
2
1
0
FTE - Episode
Figure 2-8 GHG emissions associated with catering
1177 Final v1.0 9 tda & nghenvironmental2.2.6 Paper
Paper consumption and associated carbon values increased by almost double, due in part to increased
script and correspondence requirements, but almost certainly attributable to better accounting
procedures. Following BoR 2 recommendations, all standard white copying paper purchased was 50%
post-consumer recycled, yet problems remained in sourcing recycled colour paper for the necessary
script alterations.
0.4
0.3
t CO 2-e
BoR 2
0.2 BoR 3
0.1
0.0
FTE - Cast & Crew FTE - Episode
Figure 2-9 GHG emissions associated with paper consumption
2.2.7 Batteries
Battery consumption decreased by 24% between series with 301 less batteries being sent to landfill. The
decision to use rechargeable over single use batteries still appears to be a personal one, but one worth
pursuing however, as it translated into a 51% FTE Episode reduction in consumption.
200
150
BoR 2
Untis
100 BoR 3
50
0
FTE - Episode
Figure 2-10 Battery usage
1177 Final v1.0 10 tda & nghenvironmental2.2.8 Effluent and general waste
The increase in volume of effluent disposed is attributable to both more accurate accounting procedures
and the increased number of people on location. The requirement to safely dispose of up to 20,000L of
effluent is significant and has important implications within the industry in general.
Due to improved accounting procedures, volume data for general waste disposal was able to be
accounted for in BoR 3, with 12 t CO2-e representing 5.7 % of total GHG emissions.
2000
1500
BoR 2
Litres
1000 BoR 3
500
0
FTE - Episode
Figure 2-11 Effluent disposal
2.2.9 Printer cartridges
The cost of printer cartridge was reduced by approximately one third from BoR2 to BoR3. This decrease
contrasts with the almost doubled paper consumption over the same period and is believed to be
attributed to the procurement decision to purchase a new, more efficient printer at the beginning of
BoR3. The new printer, at a cost of approximately $600, provided more than twice as much printing per
cartridge, with each cartridge being a third cheaper than the old printer cartridges. This translated into
approximately a $9,000 difference in potential expenditure on cartridges between the old and the new
printer across the two Series.
800
600
BoR 2
Cost ($)
400 BoR 3
200
0
FTE - Episode
Figure 2-12 Cost of printer cartridge consumption
1177 Final v1.0 11 tda & nghenvironmental3 LIMITATIONS OF THE REPORT
Some significant environmental indicators could not be assessed for the BoR 3 audit:
This is an audit focusing on environmental indicators, not wider sustainability factors inclusive of
social indicators, as would be required under the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
The review and analysis of potential GHG emissions was undertaken according to the relevant
factors and methods detailed in the National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors Workbook
(June, 2009) or in accordance with sound scientific principles where NGA Factors have proved
inadequate for the required calculations. Analysis of GHG emission for BOR 2 would ideally
further include all of the activities described in Appendix A under their appropriate Scope(s).
However, time constraints, the level of detail required, and the current accounting system,
makes this impossible. Instead, we have opted to assess only GHG emission sources for which
the accurate data is available.
Electricity, water and waste indicators attributable to studio time at ABC Elsternwick could not
be accounted for due to the lack of individual metering at the facility. The issue was identified in
the BoR 2 audit and the authors have consulted with both Elsternwick facilities management and
the ABC’s sustainability programme, Green at Work. Unfortunately, the age of the building and
budget limitations prevented the installation of the required equipment in time for BoR 3, but it
remains a strong recommendation that the ABC looks to conduct a representative facilities audit
of one of their properties to better gauge resource use.
Accurate volumetric data on materials used for set construction remained difficult to both obtain
and assess, due to the nature of original invoices. This, along with limited set construction
required for BoR 2 & 3, as well as time and budget limitations, did not allow for deeper analysis
during the audit. The London Green Screen Calculator avoids the use of direct invoice
assessment due to its complexity and instead relies on a prescriptive estimation of materials,
transport etc. It is a recommendation of this report that further investigation of an appropriate
methodology for set construction be a priority of future research. This would ideally be in
conjunction with other international initiatives and/or relevant Australian industry body such as
the Green Building Council.
Less than half of all LPG invoices could be assessed for volumetric data and it has hence been
impossible to accurately estimate GHG emissions. This was due to the diversity of container sizes
available for LPG and that these sizes are not always recorded in the invoice.
Post-production electricity results for both BoR 2 and 3 audits are equal as they are based upon
information received from Bluepost Production and represent a given value per eight episodes
Several items of potential environmental impact recorded within the Miscellaneous category
could not be further analysed due to the constraints of the reporting timeline. These include
such items car rental, equipment purchases, and minor chemical use.
Certain recommendations from BoR 2 proved unpopular or impossible to implement during BoR
3, such as car sharing and the use of biodiesel for generators. It will take time for some
approaches to change and technology to meet practical requirements, but conversely it is also
difficult to capture onsite initiatives such as crew members taking organic waste home. This may
reinforce the benefit of having a site environmental person to promote and report upon
initiatives.
1177 Final v1.0 12 tda & nghenvironmental4 RECOMMENDATIONS The Combined BoR 2 & 3 Audit Statement (Appendix A) identifies specific opportunities to improve environmental outcomes for film and television production. This summary report focuses on the lessons learnt from this experience and the provision of information and practical tools required to address sustainability in the wider media industry. An IT solution Capturing volumetric data is an integral part of sustainability assessment, and requires dedicated resourcing. The production accounting intern employed for this purpose during BoR 3 estimates a maximum two days per week for the collation and reporting of environmental indicator data. It is suggested that film and television specific software providers are made aware of the BoR initiative and team with environmental consultants or auditors to establish an efficient methodology for combined financial and environmental reporting within the industry. A guideline for the film and television industry The guidelines, policies and protocols established for Bed of Roses could be used as a template for better environmental performance in the film and television industry. Issues such as basic procurement decisions need to be explained in plain English to help all staff, cast and crew make informed choices. A standardised format needs to be developed for sustainability accounting and reporting that does not place an added burden on production staff and allows ease of comparison. There is also a requirement for a simplified training framework for key personnel in the role of OHS&E representatives as is the case with other industries. A process of continual improvement Prior to the commencement of this audit process, a review of international best practise was undertaken to evaluate the current sustainability initiatives within the film and television industry. The new and evolving nature of this work means that the Bed of Roses initiative is now a significant source of information and guidance in this area. Film Victoria and the NGSC should actively communicate the findings and recommendations of the report to NGSC members as well as domestic and international counterparts. The development of industry benchmarks and contribution to research on FTE is of wider interest to the community and organisations such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). tda-ngh are GRI Organisational Stakeholders and would welcome the opportunity to work with Film Victoria to communicate this information. There is a need for further research into many environmental indicators identified in the BoR audit, including more detailed whole-of-life assessment for many materials used. The authors’ experience in other industries leads us to believe that this highly detailed work should be part of a larger codification of sustainability indicators into a national standard. The role of Film Victoria and the ABC As part of a wider community shift towards environmental and social accountability, sustainability reporting of film and television productions should be considered by the NGSC and other industry bodies as a requirement of future funding applications. The argument is particularly strong for the industry as it 1177 Final v1.0 13 tda & nghenvironmental
seeks to reflect community interests and, as is the case for Bed of Roses, often incorporates environmental issues into story lines. As the largest single provider of production facilities in the Asia-Pacific, it is recommended that the ABC undertake a sustainability audit of a representative facility. This would allow for more accurate reporting on environmental aspects associated with studio production and allow the ABC to identify more accurate pricing of their services. Ideally, this audit would be carried out as part of the implementation of an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) that could then be rolled out to other facilities. 1177 Final v1.0 14 tda & nghenvironmental
5 WHERE TO NOW?
tda-ngh invites discussion from stakeholders of the audit findings. In addition, the following
recommendations have been provided to assist future developments in the area of sustainability:
Continued BoR reporting
Any future production of Bed of Roses should continue to capture environmental data in order
to further develop industry benchmarks. Resources developed by this Audit Report can be used
to induct new staff and guide production with the aim of further refining recommendations and
procedures for future productions in Australia (please see below).
Rollout of report
Film Victoria, NGSC, and other relevant government agencies should utilise the results from this
audit and roll out to all appropriate stakeholders including production companies, industry
organisations (e.g. SPAA, ADG), post production facilities, television networks/ broadcasters
(ABC, SBS, commercial and pay networks) etc.
ABC sustainability audit
The ABC should conduct a sustainability audit of one representative facility in order to better
gauge resource use and establish a more accurate environmental baseline. This additional audit
would ideally be carried out as part of the implementation of a wider organisational
Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
Industry environmental leadership role - crew
A leadership role needs to be defined to further support sustainability within the Australian film
and television industry. Film Victoria and the NGSC may consider at least part-time
employment of an appropriately experienced sustainability coordinator, to help guide
initiatives through future productions and act as a focal point for the industry.
Mandated environmental reporting
Film Victoria and other members of the NGSC have the opportunity to make mandatory
sustainability reporting a requirement of all future production funding. This could be in line
with other industries within Australia and internationally in other industries such as the
resource and manufacturing sectors, and be implemented as part of standard OHS&E practises.
While personal responsibility and voluntary compliance is to be encouraged, as with OH&S,
experience in other industries shows that adoption is best assured when there is a regulatory
legislative and financial requirement to do so.
Further targeted sustainability profiling
Using the methodology developed for Bed of Roses, there is an excellent opportunity to assess
the sustainability profile of other productions in order to better inform and understand the
environmental impact of the industry. Two clear opportunities would be a regularly scheduled
studio based programme and a documentary or short film shot largely on location. Ideally this
would include greater involvement from commercial television and the NGSC, possibly backed
by state or federal funding to help them in the audit process.
1177 Final v1.0 15 tda & nghenvironmentalFilm and television sustainability toolkit
A common thread throughout all stages of this initiative, from the first stakeholders meeting to
the final stages of the audit process, has been the need for a central guiding resource. This
would be designed to assist all cast and crew and in particular those responsible for
procurement, accounts, as well as future auditors seeking to verify emissions values and other
sustainability indicators. The extensive background research undertaken for the BoR report has
shown the availability of a number of toolkits, guidance manuals and case studies for
sustainability either designed for, or applicable to the film and television industry. This, plus
experience gained from the audit process itself should be collated and presented in a manner
that is accessible to industry stakeholders. The current nature of the media industry, rapidly
expanding, often time and cash poor, generally environmentally reactive versus proactive, and
lacking in strategic sustainability guidance, effectively creates the mandate to establish an
industry guideline. This would consist of:
A code of practice,
Guidelines and advice, inclusive of procurement, for each department and section
within the industry; and
Environmental accounting protocols and reporting framework.
It could also act as repository of initiatives being undertaken by the wider community and
should really be part of a nationally focussed sustainability framework maintained and
implemented by the government. The evolution of community attitudes suggests that in the
near future, film and television productions will be expected to have no net detrimental effect
on sustainability. It should be considered of high importance to implement these findings to
enable the industry to be prepared for shifts in sustainability requirements in the future.
1177 Final v1.0 16 tda & nghenvironmentalAPPENDIX A COMBINED AUDIT - SERIES TWO AND
THREE
Please refer to Combined Audit Statement, inclusive of;
A.1 COMBINED AUDIT STATEMENT
A.2 POLICIES, PROCUDURES AND INVENTORIES
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