Power and the use of Generators in Public Spaces

                                

Complaints from residents and communities about the use of diesel generators on streets and green spaces has dramatically increased since the introduction of ULEZ in Central London.

Residents are understandably concerned about the impact on air quality and public health. Calls have been received asking for a ban on polluting generators in certain popular locations.

Film and Event Producers are risk averse; Often more generators are hired than are strictly needed. These often run with little or no “loading” which increases particulate pollution.

The film and event industry often use old diesel generators which do not comply with current regulatory standards (EU Stage 5).

FilmFixer is committed to reducing air pollution caused by filmmakers. We are working alongside event organisers and other partners to promote cleaner methods of providing temporary electrical power in public places. We co-hosted a meeting (with Camden Events) at Camden Council in February 2020 where this topic was discussed in detail (please click here to download the meeting notes).

Please scroll to the bottom of this page to sign up to our mailing list for more information.

Alternatives

OnBio is committed to improving air quality, reducing fossil fuel reliance and lowering carbon emissions by supplying film productions & event companies with ultra low carbon heaters, cooling systems, and Renewable Diesel to run the generators & site machinery.

Phone: 07787 113 682  Email: sales@onbio.co.uk

 

Deals with Glycerine engined generators. Stage V compliant and has no particulates. Generators are still in development and not currently able to be hired but could be bought by logistics companies willing to hire them out or productions directly.

Phone: 01233 754 901  Email: paulday@aquafuel.co.uk

 

Recently launched a range of Stage 5 Compliant Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) generators suitable for film and events. Currently available for hire. Can get 40 hours of performance at full load from one tank of fuel. Has no particulate emissions with a reduction of 49% of CO2 compared to diesel and 99% less NOX. The machines are super silent measured at 63 – 65db at 1m.

Phone: 0333 772 0772. Email: info@midas-uk.co.uk

 

Have battery packs (VOLTstack) which can be used as a replacement for smaller generators. These products are specifically designed for the Film Industry. Available for hire and already in use in many productions . Currently have 2k, 5k and 20k packs. 200k array in development.

Phone: 0800 292 2251. Email: info@greenvoltage.co.uk

 

Owner and operators of large scalebattery storage, utilising flexible technology to  in order to overcome grid constraints and reduce energy costs for end users, Zenobeare interested in permanent and short term installations. The batteries can be charged overnight at low energy prices from renewable sources, providing clean, cheap energy to meet demand during the day. Zenobeare hoping to partner with councils to help boost grid connections at frequently used filming locations as well provide smaller scale units which can be delivered to film sets and events.

Phone: 020 3911 7853  Email: contact@zenobe.com

 

Mailing List

Please sign up to our “clean power in public spaces” mailing list. We use this mailing list to keep you informed about developments.

By submitting your name and email address, you agree to allow FilmFixer Ltd to retain your details for the purpose of keeping you informed about alternatives to diesel power for film and events. FilmFixer Ltd may pass on your details to companies that operate clean alternatives to diesel power, or that operate systems and processes to help you manage or monitor use of generators.

 

 

 

Sustainability

Did you know that in London alone it is calculated that the audiovisual industry generates the same amount of carbon dioxide as a city with 20,000 inhabitants.

Around 95% of the material used in a production usually ends up in the rubbish.

And according to Albert, BAFTA’s industry-backed sustainability project, the production of just one hour’s worth of TV content now produces 13 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

With alarming stats such as these what can productions do to help reduce carbon emissions and make their production sustainable?

Here are some top tips…

Measure and reduce your carbon footprint

• Use a carbon calculator & carefully plan steps to reduce your carbon footprint
• Sign-up to receive carbon literacy training and get Albert certified
• Check you comply with the voluntary best standard for film, also known as the BS 8909. This is the British standard for film sustainability, giving a framework for organisations and productions to follow
• Make use of Albert suppliers

Divert waste

• Use reclaimed or salvaged materials in your production
• Implement a waste management plan to ensure the minimum possible amount of waste goes to landfill
• Establish a strict plan in advance for the disposal of materials at the end of a shoot – recycle, reuse, re-purpose!
• Work digitally wherever possible and only print double-sided
• Share your call sheets digitally and avoid unnecessary printing
• Stop using plastic water bottles on set. Use reusable receptacles or compostable cups and install water coolers
• Make sure food waste and leftovers at the end of filming are responsibly redistributed. Team up with a homeless shelter or a food waste charity
• Plan in advance so that you can buy shoot supplies in bulk to reduce packaging
• Use recycled paper only
• Consider the impact of, for example, a massive set build rather than shooting on location

Review your transport:

• Promote cycling, carpools and public transport
• Consider the use of electric or hybrid vehicles

Be more energy efficient

• Use LED lighting and rechargeable batteries
• Connect to mains power wherever possible to reduce the need for generators
• Use electric or hybrid generators
• Investigate the possibility of bio-fuel, if use of generators is essential 

Support local businesses

• Boost the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint instead of importing or relocating services

 Work together, communicate and share 

• Ensure sustainability messages are delivered throughout the production process and organisation, and incentivise achievements
• Use the call sheet to remind everyone of the communal objective and to share ‘green tips’

• Encourage different production departments to communicate and collaborate to share materials and services such as transport

Sustainable production requires collaboration and commitment from the whole production team. So get everyone involved and make it an enjoyable process!

Head over to Albert for more information about sustainability.