The Green Rider proposal is a set of terms that actors can request to make their productions more environmentally friendly. The proposal was created by a network of union members called Equity for a Green New Deal, which is part of the performing arts and entertainment union British Equity. The proposal aims to empower artists and help them negotiate on-set sustainability standards before they accept work. The proposal also seeks to create a culture shift in the industry and measure status and star power by positive behavior and influence, rather than environmentally damaging demands.
Who are the actors backing the proposal?
More than 100 UK actors have signed a statement supporting the Green Rider proposal. Some of the prominent names include Hayley Atwell, David Harewood, Ben Whishaw, Mark Rylance, Gemma Arterton, Stephen Fry, Bella Ramsey, Paapa Essiedu, Natalie Dormer, Adrian Dunbar and Jerome Flynn. The statement outlines the terms of the Green Rider and urges producers to adopt them in their contracts with actors. The statement also calls for collective action and collaboration among all stakeholders in the industry to address the climate crisis.
What are the terms of the Green Rider?
The terms of the Green Rider are based on four principles: avoid, reduce, offset and advocate. The terms include:
- Actors will avoid high impact choices such as large trailers, private air travel or fossil-fuel powered road vehicles.
- Producers will provide low carbon transport options such as trains and electric vehicles for the artist and crew. (If this isn’t offered, a valid explanation must be offered.)
- Actors will consider the environmental cost of additional food or comfort requests that require runners to go off site, and reduce this accordingly.
- Actors will use non-exclusive trailer/dressing rooms when practical, to reduce energy use at base and transport emissions. Where there are access needs or security constraints, alternative solutions will be negotiated at the producer and artist’s discretion, keeping emissions reduction in mind.
- Producers will provide artists with a carbon reduction plan, demonstrating concrete, measurable carbon-saving actions and how they are being achieved on set.
What are the benefits of the Green Rider?
The benefits of the Green Rider are not only environmental, but also social and economic. According to Equity, the Green Rider will help:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste from productions, which contribute to global warming and environmental degradation.
- Save money and resources for producers, who can invest in more sustainable practices and technologies.
- Improve working conditions and well-being for artists and crew, who can enjoy healthier food, cleaner air and more comfortable spaces.
- Enhance creativity and innovation for the industry, which can explore new ways of storytelling and production that are aligned with environmental values.
- Inspire audiences and communities to take action on climate change, by showcasing positive examples and raising awareness.
What are the next steps for the Green Rider?
The next steps for the Green Rider are to pilot it in upcoming productions and to include it in the collective agreements that Equity has with producers. Equity is in discussions with the BBC, ITV and Sky Studios to test the Green Rider in some of their projects. More details are expected to be announced tomorrow at an Edinburgh TV Festival panel. The panel will feature some of the actors who have signed the statement, as well as representatives from Equity and Albert, a sustainability initiative for the UK screen industry.
