Sustainability Policy
Screen Alliance North delivers a pan-regional approach to environmental sustainability in screen production and workforce development. By combining strategies across the four partners’ activities, sharing best practice and working closely with industry colleagues, we demonstrate, nurture and reward change.
Through our activity we aim to position the north of England as a leader and champion of sustainable production and working practice, that achieves its aims to reduce its environmental impact.
Screen Alliance North Commitments:
Each partner has its own individual sustainability delivery plan, based on its internal structures and planned deliverables. However in order to achieve pan-regional consistency and boost our impact, our alliance shares the following commitments:
1) Office-based activity – energy and equipment
We review our office energy suppliers on an annual basis to ensure they are the most sustainable option available.
We opt for energy saving devices and have a ‘switch-off’ policy for devices not in use.
We prioritise repairs over replacements. Where equipment needs to be disposed of, we look to recycle or repurpose it, using our local knowledge and contacts.
2) Office-based activity – supplies and suppliers
We reduce paper/stationery use where possible, adopting sustainable methods including digital documents & file-sharing.
Where printing is required we use lower-grade/recycled paper (where appropriate) sourced from sustainable suppliers and select double-sided printing/reduced ink settings.
We source/procure company resources, products and services sustainably, considering sustainable products and services first and foremost.
We use local resources, suppliers/service providers who also employ sustainable practices/working methods where possible.
3) Waste management
We have clear guidelines for recycling waste both at our offices and events. We strictly limit the use of single use plastics.
NB: For points 1-3, we will advocate with landlords for improvements where the decision is out of our hands i.e where we work in a shared space and/or do not have procurement responsibility.
4) Travel
We prioritise walking/cycling and/or public transport for work-related travel where possible.
When hiring vehicles for work we use sustainable options such as electric/hybrid vehicles.
We make use of virtual meetings/events where practicable to reduce the need for travel.
5) Training and events
When delivering face-to-face training or events, we follow the specific guidelines set out in the SAN event Sustainability action plan.
6) Advocacy and support
We are mindful of our responsibility to the next generation of screen industry employees, and intend to create a culture where sustainable practice is expected and normal, as opposed to a nice-to-have or future endeavour.
To achieve this we incorporate sustainability messaging and sustainable practice into all of our training and interventions e.g. we teach new entrants about working alongside sustainability coordinators, we share resources and training from organisations such as BAFTA Albert and Julie’s Bicycle with our beneficiaries, and all of our face-to-face training follows the above SAN events sustainability action plan.
When working with and advising incoming productions, we advocate for and promote green suppliers and B-corps
7) Understanding and Learning
We are committed to providing accurate information to inform the yearly carbon calculation, led by the SAN team.
We use the data from the calculations to identify improvements to data collection and/or our impact.
We undertake carbon literacy training, and review it every five years.
We utilise the resources and support offered by Julie’s Bicycle through our funding, by asking for advice and support, accessing resources and attending events and webinars to ensure that our knowledge is fresh and relevant.
8) Building a like-minded, proactive community
We work closely alongside our sustainability working group of industry partners to create high-level change in the industry.
We meet monthly as a partnership to discuss developments with sustainability and share best practice.
We meet 6 monthly internally at our respective partner offices to review policies, and review previous actions.
This policy will be reviewed annually. Next review date: 10/7/2026