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Apollo units on location
The lights, the cameras, and the action of film production come with an often-overlooked cost—energy. As British Columbia continues to cement its status as a premier filming location, the industry faces increasing scrutiny to align production practices with environmental sustainability. According to a recent Business in Vancouver article, the B.C. film and television sector is grappling with how to maintain its green momentum amid growing economic and political headwinds.
Despite disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. trade uncertainties, and past labor strikes, one thing is clear: the call for sustainable production methods is louder than ever. And at the heart of that call is the shift away from traditional fossil fuel generators toward battery-powered energy systems.
7,126 tonnes
of CO₂ emitted from an average Canadian feature film
260,843 tonnes
emitted annually by the television sector
In 2023, Green Spark Group and Telefilm Canada released eye-opening data: an average Canadian feature film emits around 7,126 tonnes of CO₂, while the television sector clocks in at a staggering 260,843 tonnes annually. That’s the equivalent of powering more than 60,000 homes a year.
One of the largest culprits? Transportation and fuel use, which make up 63% of the average production’s carbon emissions in B.C.
This is where battery energy systems—like the Apollo 5K—come into play.
1. Zero-Emissions Output:
Battery generators offer completely emission-free operation on set. Unlike diesel generators that emit harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases, batteries draw from clean energy sources and can even be recharged via solar.
2. Whisper-Quiet Operation:
When filming in sensitive environments—or rolling on audio-sensitive scenes—noise pollution is a serious concern. Battery systems are nearly silent, reducing the need for costly soundproofing or post-production fixes.
3. Cost-Efficient Over Time:
The article highlights Thunderbird Entertainment’s success in saving over $100,000 in fuel by using electric alternatives during the production of Reginald the Vampire. What starts as a green initiative quickly becomes a strategic financial decision.
4. Simplicity and Safety:
Battery systems are easier to deploy and safer to operate, especially in urban locations or remote wilderness shoots where fuel storage and spillage can become compliance nightmares.
Programs like Reel Green and partnerships with sustainability groups such as Green Spark are helping to integrate eco-conscious practices early into the production lifecycle. But adoption is still inconsistent, and according to the article, one of the biggest hurdles is psychological—getting crews to believe in and trust the new tools.
As a Technical and Creative Design Consultant, you already know that the best productions balance performance with responsibility. By choosing battery energy systems, you’re not only future-proofing your logistics—you’re aligning with the broader industry movement toward environmental accountability.
The film industry in British Columbia—and around the world—is entering a new era. The question isn’t whether we should shift to sustainable power, but how quickly we can do it without compromising creative excellence. Battery energy systems are the proven, practical solution for reducing emissions, saving costs, and improving on-set safety.
Let’s not just tell greener stories—let’s power them responsibly.