The animation industry is finally getting its own environmental certification, and it's about time! This new European initiative, ANiMPACT, is a game-changer for the sector, addressing a long-standing gap in environmental reporting. It's fascinating to see how this project came to be, especially given the unique challenges of measuring the environmental impact of animation compared to live-action films.
What makes ANiMPACT particularly intriguing is its collaborative nature. The project emerged from a realization that multiple organizations were independently tackling the same problem. By pooling their expertise, CineRegio, Ecoprod, and Green Film have created a unified European standard, ensuring that the animation industry can now measure and reduce its environmental footprint. This collaborative approach is a refreshing change from the fragmented development of environmental certification for live-action films, where different countries adopted separate systems.
One of the most significant challenges in measuring animation's environmental impact is its fragmented nature. Unlike live-action productions, which are typically managed by a single crew, animation projects often involve multiple studios, countries, and vendors. This complexity makes it harder to assess the total environmental impact of a single project. Additionally, the lengthy production process of animation, often spanning years, further complicates the measurement process.
Interestingly, the single biggest environmental cost in animation comes from computers. The electricity used to power workstations and servers for rendering and digital work significantly contributes to the industry's carbon footprint. This focus on electricity is also relevant to the growing use of artificial intelligence in animation, which consumes substantial computing power. While ANiMPACT currently asks companies to adopt basic ethical and environmental guidelines around AI, the environmental requirements are expected to evolve as AI integration in animation deepens.
The certification system is comprehensive, covering seven broad areas: company management and social responsibility, office buildings and energy use, digital workflow and data storage, travel, food, merchandise, and communication about sustainability. Studios can be assessed individually or as companies, with each standard weighted according to its environmental impact. This approach ensures that studios can focus on the areas that have the most significant impact.
The primary motivation for studios and producers to pursue certification is financial. Public film funds at various levels are increasingly offering financial incentives or making environmental responsibility a requirement. This shift has already influenced how live-action productions are budgeted and planned, and organizers anticipate a similar transformation in the animation industry. The key to a proper certification, according to Ferrario, is third-party verification, ensuring that the claims of sustainability are not just self-reported but audited and verified by independent experts.
ANiMPACT's pilot phase, which runs until May 2027, has already attracted significant interest. In the first month, the program received 40 requests from productions across multiple countries, and over 90 studios, producers, and organizations signed a public statement of support. This demand underscores the industry's recognition of the importance of environmental responsibility and the value of a standardized certification system.
To support the certification program, Ecoprod and Eurimages have launched a free online course on 'Green Animation' through StepUP, a training platform. This course aims to educate industry professionals about animation's environmental impact and guide them in applying the new standards. By providing accessible resources, the industry can work towards a more sustainable future.
In conclusion, ANiMPACT is a significant step forward in the animation industry's journey towards environmental responsibility. It not only addresses a critical gap in environmental reporting but also fosters collaboration and standardization, which are essential for the industry's long-term sustainability. As the pilot phase progresses, the animation industry can look forward to a greener future, with certifications that are both meaningful and verifiable.
