15/07/2025 - The research paints a nuanced picture of an industry that is eager to change but is hampered by structural limitations and data inaccuracy

Ireland’s screen industry is entering a pivotal new phase in its sustainability journey. A landmark report, "Decarbonisation Report for Ireland’s Screen Stakeholders", commissioned by Screen Ireland and delivered in partnership with sustainability consultancy firm Native Events, outlines both the progress made and the road still to travel in aligning the audiovisual sector with the country’s ambitious climate targets. The study, unveiled ahead of the panel "Cut to Zero: Sustainability and the Irish Screen Industry Roadmap" held at the Galway Film Fleadh on 11 July, aims to assess the carbon impact of local film and television production and provides critical insights into how the sector can decarbonise over the coming decade.

Conducted between 2023 and 2024, the research combined quantitative carbon data from 15 screen productions (eight TV dramas and seven features) with extensive consultation among industry professionals. A dedicated steering group—comprising representatives from Screen Producers Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, Animation Ireland, waste and transport contractors, and two Screen Ireland Sustainability Ambassadors—helped shape the study. Despite early challenges in group participation and data access, the project eventually focused on high-emission segments of the industry—specifically TV drama and feature films. The resulting emissions analysis covers productions made between August 2021 and April 2024, drawing from raw production data and carbon calculators such as Albert.

The total estimated emissions for the 15 productions analysed reached 1,458.36 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). Of these, TV dramas accounted for 920.8 tCO2e and feature films for 537.6 tCO2e. Although the sample was limited, the findings highlight clear patterns and priority areas for intervention. Road travel emerged as the dominant emissions source in TV drama, making up more than half of the total emissions, and remained significant in features. Barriers include poor EV infrastructure, particularly in rural Ireland, and systemic inefficiencies in transport budgeting. Air travel was the top emission category for feature films, pointing to the geographic challenges faced by an island nation with strong international connections.

Energy use on location, largely powered by diesel generators, was also a key contributor to emissions. While efforts to retrofit buildings and adopt renewable energy sources are under way, inconsistent technology adoption and limited investment remain obstacles. Food and beverage practices represented a smaller but still substantial portion of emissions. Waste from catering, inconsistent food quality, and a lack of engagement from crews point to opportunities for better waste management and more sustainable meal planning. Materials used on set—timber, paint, paper, and props—accounted for up to 14.4% of emissions in some feature films, with reuse practices still underdeveloped across much of the industry.

One of the most data-rich case studies in the report was a large-budget six-episode TV drama series that reported 293.9 tCO2e and offered unusually detailed information, including energy consumption, transport breakdowns, catering by dietary category, and material use. At the opposite end of the spectrum, another production reported just 13.97 tCO2e, but its data raised questions about accuracy, including a likely error involving reported paper usage. Such inconsistencies reveal the pressing need for a more standardised, transparent, and well-supported approach to carbon reporting.

The study paints a nuanced picture of an industry eager to change but hampered by structural limitations. A major issue uncovered was the inconsistent use of the Albert carbon calculator tool, with frequent data entry errors and significant gaps in reporting. The lack of training, wide variation in sustainability knowledge, and resource constraints all impact the reliability of current carbon assessments. The absence of data on materials and freight suggests either a lack of awareness or inadequate infrastructure for capturing this critical information.

Despite these challenges, the report is clear in its forward-looking recommendations. It calls for a national communications campaign to raise awareness, ongoing carbon footprint assessments, and new training and education initiatives. Better alignment between funding mechanisms and sustainability goals is urged, along with stronger engagement with industry providers on areas such as transport, catering, and renewable energy. It also recommends revisiting air travel practices, exploring insetting schemes, and creating a dedicated circular economy hub for the reuse of materials and textiles.

Achieving these goals will require significant and immediate investment. The report stresses that Ireland’s 2030 climate targets can only be met through a “front-loaded” funding model that accelerates action across multiple sectors. A second, more extensive carbon assessment of the screen industry should be conducted in 2030 to evaluate progress and recalibrate efforts. The vision is ambitious, but the urgency is clear. As the report concludes, “The challenges ahead may seem daunting, but we have no choice but to rise to the occasion. There is no alternative but to succeed.”

The full report is available here.