(Sustainable Filming Protocol – SFP)

Our commitment to the environment

Western Productions is a film production company made of people, and as such, we are committed to protecting and preserving the environment. We believe that every action counts and that the decisions made in our facilities and productions have a direct impact on our surroundings. Therefore, we strive to adopt sustainable practices at all stages of our activity. With the aim of reducing waste and minimizing our carbon footprint, we have implemented several initiatives that we invite our suppliers and collaborators to follow at all times. At our offices we have carried out various actions to make our daily operations more sustainable:

Waste and material management:

• We use only recycled paper and apply a reduced printing policy to avoid wasting resources.
• Cleaning products and kitchen supplies come from local suppliers with ecological certification.
• We have eliminated plastic bottles with reusable alternatives and opt for bulk and fresh market products (coffee, tea, nuts, …).
• Our kitchen space allows the team to prepare healthy meals without leaving the office, powered by 100% renewable electricity.
• We apply a policy of responsible energy use: air conditioning and heating are used only when essential, at reasonable temperatures, and screens and other devices are turned off when not in use.
• We encourage teleworking when possible and opt for virtual meetings to reduce the need for travel.
• We promote the use of public transport and sustainable alternatives such as bicycles or electric scooters, and adjust schedules to facilitate walking to the office.
• The electricity we contract at the office is 100% from renewable sources.

Responsible Production Protocol

1. Pre-production:

• We promote digital and paperless communication, fostering clean and efficient planning meetings.
• We inform all staff, including freelancers and suppliers, about our environmental objectives to ensure compliance.
• We replace plastic water bottles with reusable, recyclable alternatives or eco-friendly containers.
• We promote ecological diets and reduce the use of plastics during pre-production.

2. Vehicles and transport:

• We prefer train travel to avoid unnecessary flights when possible.
• We encourage shared mobility to minimize CO₂ emissions.
• When possible, we use vehicles with an Eco or Zero Emissions label.
• For deliveries, we use courier services with an environmental commitment, and at the office and on set, we provide secure spaces for bicycles and scooters.

3. Catering:

• We provide water fountains and ask local staff to bring their own reusable bottles.
• All utensils, cutlery, and tablecloths are made of recyclable materials and are managed properly for recycling.
• We install recycling bins on sets to facilitate waste separation.
• The catering menu includes options for people with dietary restrictions and plant-based preferences.

4. Materials, Waste, and Donations:

• When designing sets, we prioritize renting materials over purchasing.
• Used materials, such as wood and other elements, must be sustainably certified (FSC or PEFC).
• We donate all purchased wardrobe and props that cannot be returned to charitable organizations for reuse.
• We ensure that waste generated on set is recycled or managed appropriately to minimize environmental impact.

5. Energy and emissions:

• We encourage connection to the public electrical grid instead of using generators.
• Generators will be high-efficiency models, with a minimum Stage V standard (low pollutant and particle emissions), or electric models.

Our social commitment

We work to maintain inclusive and respectful communication, using gender-neutral language to ensure that all people feel visible and valued. Additionally, we ensure fair selection and hiring processes, based on diversity and equal opportunities, without discrimination for any reason.

Specific tasks to be carried out:

• Send a sustainability memorandum to the team and include tips in the shooting orders.
• Rent electric or hybrid vehicles.
• Provide collective transport for the team.
• Reduce the number of heavy vehicles by optimizing trips.
• Correct waste separation (organic, general, packaging, and paper) and its disposal at both the production office and locations.
• Eliminate single-use plastic bottles and replace them with reusable bottles and water fountains.
• Connect the base camp to the electrical grid.
• Contract renewable energy suppliers.
• Choose hotels with sustainability policies within 10 km of the location.
• Electric or hybrid taxis and chauffeured vehicles.
• Establish a no-idling policy during filming.
• Select efficient or electric generators.
• Use sustainable trucks and caravans.
• Correct management and disposal of electronic devices, batteries, and ink cartridges.
• Use recycled paper.
• Turn off lights at the end of the day or when leaving the room.
• Reduce air travel.
• Offset carbon emissions from flights (offsetting certificate).
• Prioritize hiring local crew.
• Always place a recycling station with 3/4 bins with signage and eliminate individual waste bins.
• Use software to send documents and sign contracts, avoiding the use of paper.
• Include sustainability messages in shooting orders and send the sustainability memorandum.
• Include good practices in the catering contract:
• Reusable cutlery and tableware.
• Avoid single-use plastic bottles and replace them with water dispensers and large containers.
• Fair trade coffee, avoid capsules.
• Establish recycling points and assist with their separation and disposal.
• Offer vegan, vegetarian options and a red meat-free day on the menu.