In Canada, most provinces have programs similar to Rolling Green, which focuses on local and international productions in Quebec.
A 2023 Telefilm Canada survey of audiovisual workers revealed:
In Quebec, awareness of sustainable practices among workers is high:
Since 2021, Rolling Green has accredited 105 productions, with applications increasing annually. While Quebec leads Canada in green production alongside Ontario and British Columbia, it lags behind Europe in incentives, governmental standards, and training.
In Quebec, several environmental regulations and initiatives aim to promote sustainability:
Social rules
Federal Laws:
Provincial Laws:
International Conventions:
There are no specific regulations, but since 2022, applicants selected by the Production Program must submit a sustainable production plan. Téléfilm Canada offers a Sustainable Development Plan for Production template to help productions plan and implement eco-friendly practices (source).
In May 2024, Téléfilm Canada launched Phase 2 of its Sustainable Development Action Plan, which aims to further integrate sustainable development into production practices (source).
Canada-wide:
Across Canada, green production initiatives collaborate through a national committee that meets regularly to exchange best practices, share updates, and present new initiatives.
Additionally, in September 2024, a coalition called Cadre vert was formed by major Canadian organizations in content creation and funding to reduce the environmental impact of the audiovisual industry sustainably (source).
In quebec, all major broadcasters are now involved partners of Rolling Green, either financially or through services. Those partners, among others, broadcasters, producers’ unions, schools, training center, and the city of Montreal, participate in Rolling Green strategic committees to brainstorm and establish an action plan for each of the main challenges (financing, infrastructures, training, workforce…)
Québec’s reliance on hydroelectric power provides access to clean electricity with a minimal carbon footprint. However, productions often face logistical challenges in connecting directly to the grid. As a result, diesel generators are frequently used.
This often leads to the use of polluting diesel generators. Aware of this situation, Rolling Green (On tourne vert) opened up discussions with Hydro-Québec and the city of Montreal to find a way to allow grid connection around the most popular shooting areas.
Train
The train network in Canada is underdeveloped, relatively expensive, and inefficient, making it less appealing for production travel needs.
Electric cars
Electric cars are increasingly available, particularly in Quebec, where hydroelectric power makes them more sustainable. Llargely thanks to hydroelectric power, which provides low-carbon electricity. However, the lack of electric vehicles suitable for audiovisual production needs remains a challenge.
The Roulez vert program offers financial incentives for the purchase or lease of new electric vehicles. However, it’s important to note that the program will be temporarily suspended from February 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025.
According to Québec’s Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, everything will be in place to ensure that more than 116,000 public charging stations will be in operation by 2030
The 2019–2024 action plan by Recyc-Québec outlines strategies to improve waste management. Montréal, for example, enforces composting and recycling regulations that vary by district. Productions must adapt to these localized rules, which include strict guidelines on what can be composted or recycled.
The plan also addresses bulky and hazardous waste management, which is particularly relevant for film productions dealing with large sets or specialized materials. Recyc-Québec provides resources for organizations, including a directory of eco-centers that accept such waste
This is one of the main challenges here in Quebec. Many foreign and local productions shooting in Quebec request resources to help prepare a sustainable plan upstream, implement actions, or collect data to fill out the carbon calculator, for example.
However, we do not yet have a list of trained professionals. We are currently considering the development of a training program that would provide certifications for individuals, allowing us to identify qualified green consultants.
This factsheet was produced by Valérie Diagneault from On tourne vert – Rolling Green.
