25-28 April 2024

BEYOND NET ZERO

 

As relatively low carbon emitters, the animation, games and VFX industries are in a strong position to push further than just pursuing net zero carbon emissions. Rather than solely focusing on carbon reduction, we have an opportunity to lead the way in other areas such as wellbeing, equity, inclusion and wider ecological concerns. How can we make animation into an industry that works for everyone? Here are some of these wider ideas to consider:

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A holistic view of sustainability

B Corp is a certification for businesses that can evidence that they are having a positive impact on both people and the planet. It goes further than carbon reduction targets, taking a holistic approach that incorporates factors such as staff wellbeing, community benefits, transparency and inclusivity. B Corp certification isn’t right for every business, but we believe that knowing the criteria for becoming one can act as a useful template for any business that wants to consider sustainability more holistically.

 

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Supporting the local community

How is your business benefitting the community around you? Your business may be able to create a ripple of benefits around it. Are you able to open up your workspace to community uses? Consider opportunities to provide workshops, training or pro-bono work to local community-focused groups or non-profit organisations, or sponsor a local sports team or community group.

 

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The impact of our stories

Consider the impact of your creative output. Visual content has huge potential to raise awareness, educate and inspire others to take action – so the animation, games & VFX sectors can have a wider role in helping everyone to reach zero-carbon.

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This might look like... 

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• Creating content specifically aiming to fight the climate crisis, like production company Picture Zero, who focus on producing cross-platform content exploring ideas around zero-carbon, by bringing together filmmakers with relevant experts.

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• Your film, show, video or game might not be directly about the environment at all, but you can still use it to portray a more sustainable world. Can your protagonists behave more sustainably, like cycling to work or school rather than driving, eating meat-free meals, shopping locally and taking the train rather than flying to go on holiday? Rather than perpetuating portrayals of unsustainable lifestyles, we have the power to promote planet-positive behaviours. BAFTA Albert's editorial resources, including their new editorial tool, can help you think about this.

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For more ideas of quick wins and long-term strategies to have a planet-positive impact, read our full report.