The implementation of environmental impact reduction practices in the production of series and films has seen a significant increase in the last four years. The factors driving this change are as follows:
National and regional public funding: Sustainability requirements are now associated with the financing of projects at the municipal, regional, and Ministry of Culture levels. Specific sustainability criteria are required, which are eligible for subsidies.
Content platforms: Platforms such as Netflix, Amazon MGM Studios, and Movistar+ are pushing production companies towards sustainability by introducing mandatory requirements for their original projects.
Awareness and training programs for professionals: In recent years, activities related to sustainability have been developed at major film festivals and industry events. Additionally, both public and private organizations have launched training courses focused on sustainability in the audiovisual sector.
Several national laws shape Spain’s audiovisual sector regarding carbon measurement, biodiversity, and environmental impact:
Additional Measures:
The ICAA (Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts) has established mandatory sustainability reporting requirements for productions receiving public funding. This means that films, festivals and selected projects must comply with environmental responsibility criteria and submit eco-management reports outlining their impact reduction strategies. These obligations aim to ensure that audiovisual productions align with Spain’s climate goals and green transition policies.
Sustainability expenses can be classified as eligible costs for public subsidies, making environmental initiatives financially viable. For instance, costs related to carbon footprint measurement, waste management, or green logistics can be covered by specific funding schemes. Additionally, programs like Basque Green Film offer dedicated professional resources for productions committed to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that green initiatives become integral to the industry rather than an added expense.
Further support is available through regional sustainability funds, such as the ICEC (Catalan Institute of Cultural Enterprises) consultancy financing program, which provides grants for eco-advisory services in audiovisual projects. Similarly, Navarra has announced additional funding for productions that adhere to sustainable practices, reinforcing the commitment of local governments to incentivizing greener filmmaking.
Several regions have introduced free certification programs to encourage green compliance. Málaga and Tenerife now offer free sustainability seals for productions that meet environmental criteria, simplifying the process of obtaining official recognition for sustainable efforts. These initiatives not only reduce administrative burdens but also encourage a broader industry shift towards eco-conscious production standards in Spain.
Guides and “Best Practices” recmmendations by film Offices and Film Comissions
Spain’s national electricity grid is one of the most advanced and renewable-driven in Europe. It is managed by Red Eléctrica de España (REE), the state-owned company responsible for the transmission and operation of high-voltage electricity infrastructure. The grid is well-integrated with European networks, allowing for electricity imports and exports, particularly with France, Portugal, and Morocco.
Some sound stages have changed their operating companies to renewable and it is becoming more important for their competitive advantages. Most studios don’t need to complete their energy power with generator for average shootings.
In natural locations, conecting to the grid depends on the owners will and the power available. When shooting on the street or public spaces, there are a few examples of projects that have been able to connect to the city grid in cities such as Valencia or Toledo, but the grid connection in main cities still remain a challenge.
According to Law 7/2022, of April 8, on Waste and Contaminated Soil for a Circular Economy, the waste producer’s responsibility will conclude when the complete treatment is properly documented through the corresponding waste transfer documents and, when necessary, by a certificate or responsible declaration from the final treatment facility, which may be requested by the authorized waste manager.
Audiovisual production companies are considered small hazardous waste producers and are therefore responsible until the proper treatment of the waste they generate is completed. They must ensure that they have contracted a waste management company and that the waste has been correctly processed. The entire waste management process must be documented with the appropriate records
Train transport (rate 4/5) :
The Spanish train system is one of the most modern and efficient in Europe, featuring an extensive high-speed rail network (AVE – Alta Velocidad Española) that connects major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Málaga. Operated mainly by Renfe, Spain’s national railway company, the system includes high-speed, regional, and commuter trains (Cercanías) that serve both urban and rural areas. In recent years, the sector has seen liberalization, with new private operators like Ouigo, Iryo, and Avlo offering competitive high-speed services. The network is well-integrated with international routes, particularly to France, and is undergoing expansion with investments in sustainability and electrification to reduce carbon emissions. Despite its efficiency, challenges remain in connecting smaller towns and improving punctuality in some conventional rail services.
Electric cars (rate 2/5) :
The PNIEC (National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan) sets a target of reaching 5.5 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, which requires a continuous effort in promoting electric mobility in Spain. The main car rental companies for the audiovisual sector, with or without driver, have more electric and hybrid options that are transforming their fleets. It is still not enough to cover the demand of the sector. The overcosts are still significant but have been reduced in the past year.
Mrs. Greenfilm: A consulting and sustainability plan management company for the audiovisual sector. It offers services in eco-management, corporate advisory, carbon footprint measurement, public policy projects, and training for new professionals. They are Netflix’s and Amazon MGM Studios strategic sustainability partner.
Echar a Rodar: A corporate social responsibility, communication, and comprehensive training project. They act as sustainability consultants, helping companies analyze their value chain to implement CSR solutions, with a specialization in sustainability for the audiovisual industry.
Creast: A Spanish technology company specialized in promoting sustainability in the entertainment industry, including film, television, advertising, and events. It offers a digital solution that allows productions to predict, measure, reduce, and compensate for their carbon footprint.
La Tribu Verde is a company specialized in integrating sustainability into the creative industry, focusing on reducing the environmental impact of audiovisual production companies, advertising agencies, and event organizers.
K is for Knowledge is a company dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of the audiovisual industry. It offers consultancy on sustainable action plans for film shoots, festivals, and events, helping production companies implement more eco-friendly practices in their projects.
ECOscena is a Spanish consultancy specializing in sustainability and carbon footprint calculation for the cultural sector, including film, theater, and other performing arts. Its goal is to help production companies implement sustainable strategies without requiring large investments or specialized personnel.
The Other green The Other Green is a Spanish environmental consultancy firm specializing in personalized sustainability strategies for businesses. Their services include developing tailored plans, advising on obtaining subsidies, and managing annual verification for MITECO seals.
Free Trainings: Several trainings have been developed by public institutions such as the Mallorca Film Commission, Terrasa municipality, Film Madrid, Madrid Film Office, Cantabria Film Comission, Cluster Audiovisual de Canarias, Tenerife Film Comission among others.
Mrs. Greenfilm has developed a 40 hours training with Makkers School, an audiovisual training center that has already reached 5 editions with more than 80 trained students. Mrs. Greenfilm has also developed a 40 hours free training with ESCAC, the main cinema school in Cataluña and Spain.
ECAM, the cinema school in Madrid and Univesidad de Alcalá have been working in specialized master programs that have not yet started.
Echar a Rodar has different training courses about carbon footprint and eco-management.
The HAZ program by Radio Televisión Española RTVE is an innovative training system that includes a sustainability and eco-management track. The theoretical framework of this track has been developed by Mrs. Greenfilm, and the program features all major stakeholders in current audiovisual sustainability, including leading consultancy firms and key figures in the sustainable audiovisual sector.
Vocational training institutes, universities, and master’s programs have incorporated lectures on sustainability. Universidad Carlos III, The Core, Universidad Complutense and Universidad Oberta de Catalunya have included this class in the official curriculum, and it is delivered by the team of professionals from Mrs. Greenfilm.
Other calculators and tools are available. Their list can be consulted
on our partner‘s website Green Toolkit Film&TV.
Country’s decarbonization strategy
The Spanish government has developed a comprehensive national decarbonization plan under the Climate Change and Energy Transition Law (2021), aligned with the National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2021-2030. Key objectives include:
This factsheet was produced by Paloma Andrés Urrutia at Mrs GreenFilm.
