As Greenlit marks its first birthday this November, Aotearoa New Zealand’s screen industry celebrates a significant shift towards sustainability.
Greenlit extends our gratitude to New Zealand On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission for their generous support, which is instrumental in driving our mission forward. Their commitment to fostering a sustainable screen industry in Aotearoa New Zealand has empowered productions to embrace eco-friendly practices and build a greener future.
Industry leadership through policy and practice
To further this commitment, the New Zealand Government’s 5% rebate uplift now includes mandatory sustainability requirements that Greenlit helped define in collaboration with MBIE and MCH. Productions applying for the uplift must submit a Sustainability Action Plan, engage a sustainability manager and report on their carbon emissions.
In just one year, Greenlit has supported over 50 productions—including international blockbusters, domestic television series, feature films and commercials — in reducing their environmental impact and driving lasting change.
Since its launch on 1 November 2023, Greenlit has been at the forefront of building a sustainability culture across the industry. What began as a small but determined movement has rapidly grown, with 15 sustainability managers now regularly employed on productions nationwide.
“Our first year has shown the power of collaboration and shared values,” said Craig Gainsborough, (Greenlit Chairperson) “We’re proud to see sustainability embedded in the DNA of productions large and small, as teams work together to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt eco-friendly solutions.
Building a sustainable future for the screen industry
Greenlit’s mission extends beyond providing free resources; it’s about fostering a culture where sustainable production practice is the industry standard. Rooted in the principles of te ao Māori—Raupī (to protect), Raupā (to work with care), and Rauora (to conserve well-being)—Greenlit’s approach fosters an industry-wide respect for our environment and communities.
Real-world impact on productions across Aotearoa
Greenlit’s success wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of producers, sustainability managers, and production teams. Their commitment to sustainable practices has helped bring Greenlit’s vision to life, creating a cultural shift within the screen industry. Productions of all sizes are embracing greener practices, reinforcing the screen industry’s commitment to a sustainable future.
Over the past year, productions supported by Greenlit have reported substantial environmental contributions across Aotearoa. One production alone was able to recycle significant materials, including up to 390 kgs of fabric scraps, 290 kgs of polystyrene, and 10 kgs of batteries, with a total of 76.56 tonnes of materials either recycled or donated. Additionally, by plugging into power at studios, this production avoided burning thousands of litres of diesel, saving over $10,000 and preventing 11.6 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Many productions are also trialling hybrid generators, which reduce diesel consumption and emissions—a promising trend that is expected to grow as the technology advances.
What’s next for Greenlit?
Looking ahead, Greenlit remains committed to supporting the screen industry with accessible, practical tools that make sustainability achievable for every production.
Greenlit will continue to expand its resources to champion the future of sustainable film and television.
“Each production that chooses sustainability is a step toward a more responsible and future-focused industry,” said Gainsborough. “It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come in just one year, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum.”
Please note: Due to confidentiality agreements, we are unable to disclose the specific productions or production companies that reported these statistics.