Case study: Tide Productions

Resources South East Queensland (North)

Tide Productions specialises in film, photography and animation.

They have been an ecoBiz Star Partner since 2016 in recognition of their efforts to reduce their energy use and amount of waste sent to landfill. The film industry commonly impacts on the environment with single-use consumption from water, food and location requirements for filming days, as well as large energy consumption.

Tide Productions is doing what it can to reduce its impact with the intention of soon having a zero-waste footprint. These initiatives are just the beginning as it scales in size, but not footprint.

Key initiatives to manage and reduce energy use

  • 6.6kW rooftop solar panel system installed at its office.
  • Energy-efficient lighting is controlled by an app for the office.
  • Office walls and ceilings are insulated, which reduces heat ingress.
  • The office air conditioning is set at 24°C.
  • When choosing company vehicles, fuel efficiency is an important criteria.
  • When possible, staff carpool to job sites and meetings.
  • Equipment is charged with the car 12V adaptor while travelling to sites.

Key initiatives to reduce waste

  • Reusable batteries are used for equipment rather than disposable batteries.
  • They carefully choose catering that avoids single-use cutlery (finger food) and request food to be covered in paper rather than cling wrap.
  • Coffee is complimentary on set for those bringing a reusable cup.
  • Documents and deliverables are shared via Google Drive instead of being printed or delivered via USB.
  • In order to save paper, all marketing is undertaken online, and run sheets, scripts and storyboards are available on iPads and phones.
  • They separate, reuse and recycle office waste:
    • metal, glass, paper, and cardboard are recycled
    • soft plastics are brought back to RedCycle collection bins
    • food waste is composted in the home tumbler
    • boxes and reusable boxes are used for shopping
    • IT equipment, such as computers and headphones, are resold
    • plastic bottles are no longer used on set. Water is now available in aluminium cans that are recycled through ‘Containers for Change’.