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More vegetables for the CO₂ footprint (symbol picture): Those who meet at least 18 criteria receive the »Green Motion« sustainability label
Photo: Alex Tihonov / Getty Images
The production of film productions causes high CO₂ emissions. The German film industry therefore wants to become more sustainable. In order to save resources in productions, several dozen industry representatives have come together to form an eco-initiative. As of January 1, 2022, participants voluntarily commit to complying with certain minimum standards, according to a statement. Accordingly, 21 “must-have requirements” are planned. If at least 18 requirements are met, a production is given the "Green Motion" label. The label should also be featured in the credits.
Production companies such as UFA, Constantin Film, Bavaria-Film, TV stations such as MDR, WDR, NDR, Bayerischer Rundfunk, RTL Germany, ProSiebenSat.1 Media and ZDF are involved. In addition, the streaming service Sky Deutschland and Netflix productions commissioned in Germany. The initiative is supported by various professional associations such as the Federal Drama Association and the Federal Film Editing Association.
In order to reduce consumption, the participants in the initiative want to take the train more often from 2022, eat vegetarian food, and do without short-haul flights and disposable dishes. LED headlights are to be used on the shoot. According to the catalog of criteria, printing and toilet paper are only allowed with at least 90 percent recycled content. At least half of all food must come from regional sources. Disposable batteries on the set are prohibited.
According to the announcement, the minimum standards were developed by a working group together with climate and environmental researchers. "A 'Tatort' production consumes around 140 tons of carbon dioxide," said Carl Bergengruen, head of the working group, when asked by the dpa news agency. "Some Germans are employed for a whole year to use so much carbon dioxide." According to its own statements, the working group has already switched several German series and daily soaps to a more sustainable production method in 2020 and 2021, including various "Tatort" episodes Productions such as “Babylon Berlin”, “Soko Cologne” or the series “Der Schwarm”.
For the change, commitment and perseverance are important, said Bergengruen.
And those who produce ecologically naturally have to dig deeper into their pockets.
The corona pandemic in particular makes the conditions even more difficult.
“At the moment everyone is busy producing sensible and cost-effective production at all.
Disposable dishes and bottles are more difficult to avoid in the pandemic under hygiene regulations, "said Bergengruen.
"But it works if you really want to."
ime / dpa
