Inspiring NBCUniversal's Global Audiences to Prioritize Sustainability
May 01, 2024
GreenerLight Program
Through the GreenerLight Program, the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group has expanded its sustainability program across the filmmaking process from script to screen, throughout development, production and distribution. Unique amongst studios, every greenlight package will include a film’s sustainability plan, ensuring that sustainability is built into the planning process from the beginning including script development, locations and set needs, as well as on-screen behaviors. The program was built in partnership between the UFEG Film Strategy team and the NBCUniversal Sustainability Department and is an expansion of the existing Sustainable Production Program, which already tackles issues such as food and set material donations, fuel reduction and energy efficiency.
UFEG is already working with its key filmmakers and talent who are passionate about sustainability. Additionally, the Studio has partnered with nonprofit organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and its “Rewrite the Future” program, which has informed the Studio’s strategy around climate storytelling and ensured that its efforts are driven by science.
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Greener Content
NBCUniversal had another record-setting year at the 2022 Environmental Media Association (EMA) Awards — an annual celebration of sustainable production and environmental messaging in the media. 59 NBCUniversal TV and feature film productions were awarded EMA Green and Gold Seals, up from 46 in 2021.
The End Is Nye: The Volcano Paradox took home an EMA Award for reality television for its portrayal of climate change and inclusion of climate solutions, in addition to receiving an EMA Gold Seal recognition of the crew’s work behind the scenes.
Other NBCUniversal nominees recognized for environmental messaging included Jurassic World Dominion, Saturday Night Live, and Home Sweet Home.
NBC News also focused on climate forward programming with TODAY Climate and Sky News’ The Weekly Climate Show, NBC News New York’s Chasing Our Climate digital series and MSNBC Films’ From Devil’s Breath.
Sustainability Production in Action
Since 2009, NBCUniversal has been working with production teams to integrate sustainable best practices into on-set protocols. Today, over 100 productions across TV, Film, and Sports participate in our NBCU Sustainable Production program each year.
Jordan Peele’s Nope gave its original sets a second act, after Jupiter’s Claim permanently joined the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood.
La Brea, an NBC drama, piloted a hybrid-lithium-ion battery system to power production of its second season in Australia.
For the latest installment of The Fast and the Furious franchise, filmmakers hired a local sustainable consulting team to help implement a range of sustainable initiatives across production that you can read more about here.
To read more about Comcast NBCUniversal’s commitment to Sustainability, view our 2023 Impact Report.
