Clean Energy Incentives for the B.C. Motion Picture Industry

Diesel fuel is a leading contributor to overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the motion picture industry.  As British Columbia works toward substantial GHG emissions reductions by 2030, the motion picture industry can support these goals by utilizing clean alternatives to diesel fuel where available.

The Benefits of Clean Energy

Clean energy incentives offered by industry partners encourage productions to consider environmentally conscious alternatives to diesel generators.  In addition to tangible benefits such as savings on the cost of fuel and labour, making the switch demonstrates the film industry’s commitment to environmentally friendly solutions.  The benefits to this include:

• • Reduces the overall carbon footprint of the film industry
  • Respects communities with quiet and clean energy sources for on-location filming
  • Improves air quality for our communities
  • Encourages companies to meet sustainability and corporate responsibility goals
  • Promotes innovation and forward-thinking for clean energy technology
  • Produces savings on equipment, labour, and fuel use
  • Inspires further collaboration within the film industry

City of Vancouver | Clean Energy Incentive

City of Vancouver introduced their Clean Energy Incentive in 2020.  Productions that can demonstrate they eliminated at least one diesel generator with clean power can take advantage of a 50% discount on their daily permit fee.  The incentive has been well received by industry with a number of productions eligible for the discount.

To further support their incentive, the city is developing a power kiosk network that will expand access for industry to grid power tie-ins.  The first kiosks are expected to open in the second half of 2022, and the city aims to have a power kiosk within 10 minutes of any film location in the city over the next five years.

Metro Vancouver | Clean Energy Discount

Metro Vancouver launched their clean energy discount at the beginning of 2022.  The discount is available to crews filming in Metro Vancouver regional parks and properties.  Similar to City of Vancouver, productions must show they replaced at least one diesel generator with a clean power alternative.  Clean power alternatives include a grid power tie-in, battery technology, or other non-fossil-fuel sources of energy.  Eligible productions can access a $500 per day discount for up to two days for a total of up to $1,000 discount.

How to Source Clean Energy Alternatives

The Grid Power Access Map is an interactive tool designed to share the availability of grid power tie-in sources in the Lower Mainland.  Crew can search the map by address to find clean power options available near their filming and parking locations.  The map also identifies high priority locations for clean power infrastructure – sites that frequently support filming or circus parking.  The map is updated regularly with new properties sourced by industry.  Crew and location representatives can submit new tie-in locations directly through a form on the map to be vetted and added.

The Green Vendor List was developed to highlight businesses that demonstrate sustainable operations and practices.  The list includes several studio facilities and equipment vendors who offer green solutions.  Every business has been vetted by Reel Green™ and given a sustainability rating.

For more information about work being done in B.C. to support clean energy solutions, learn about the Clean Energy Committee.