The animation industry is finally getting its own green certification, a move that has been long overdue. With the launch of ANiMPACT, a European certification program, animation studios can now showcase their commitment to environmental responsibility. This initiative fills a significant gap in the film industry, as live-action films have had such programs for years, but animation, despite its prominence, has been overlooked.
The Need for Environmental Certification in Animation
Luca Ferrario, a key figure in this initiative, highlights how animation has been left out of important discussions and tools related to sustainability. This is surprising, given that animation is a major player in the film and TV business, and its environmental impact should not be underestimated.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the unique challenges animation presents when it comes to measuring its environmental footprint. Unlike live-action films, animation projects are often fragmented across various studios, countries, and vendors, making it harder to manage and assess their impact.
Measuring the Unmeasured
The environmental impact of animation is not as straightforward as it might seem. While live-action shoots often generate emissions from travel and location filming, animation's biggest cost comes from computers and the electricity needed to power rendering and digital work. This focus on electricity extends to AI, which is increasingly used in animation production.
Personally, I find it intriguing how the certification system addresses these challenges. It's built around seven broad areas, including company practices, energy use, digital workflow, and travel, with each standard weighted based on its environmental impact. This approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of a studio's sustainability efforts.
The Benefits of Certification
But why should studios bother with certification? Well, aside from the obvious environmental benefits, there's a financial incentive. An increasing number of public film funds are offering financial incentives for environmentally responsible productions, and some are making it a requirement. This shift has already impacted live-action productions, and it's expected to do the same for animation.
From my perspective, the key advantage of certification is the third-party verification it provides. Simply claiming to be sustainable is not enough; an independent audit ensures the integrity of the process and makes it more appealing to public funding bodies.
A Unified Approach
ANiMPACT is not just about certification; it's about creating a unified approach to environmental certification in animation. The project's backers aim to address the messiness that arose from different countries developing their own separate systems for live-action films.
By bringing together a range of industry groups and regional funds, ANiMPACT has the potential to become a widely adopted standard across Europe. This unified approach could have a significant impact on the industry's sustainability efforts and set a precedent for other regions to follow.
The Future of Green Animation
The pilot phase of ANiMPACT is already showing promising results, with high demand from productions across multiple countries. The program is expected to be finalized by summer 2027, and any animation production will then be able to apply for certification.
Alongside the certification program, Ecoprod and Eurimages have launched a free online course on "Green Animation" to educate industry professionals about the environmental impact of animation and the new standards. This initiative further demonstrates the industry's commitment to sustainability and its willingness to adapt and improve.
In conclusion, the introduction of ANiMPACT is a significant step forward for the animation industry. It not only addresses the industry's environmental impact but also showcases its commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. With a unified approach and growing support, the future of green animation looks bright.
