Groundbreaking sustainability standards launched for UK film and TV industry
The BFI, BAFTA albert, and ScreenSkills have launched the UK’s first National Occupational Standards and skills checklists for sustainability roles in film and TV production – marking a major step toward a greener, more professionalised screen industry.
In a landmark move to drive environmental responsibility in the screen industries, the BFI, BAFTA albert and ScreenSkills have unveiled the UK’s first-ever National Occupational Standards (NOS) and skills checklists dedicated to sustainability roles on set.
Developed through extensive consultation with industry professionals and international experts, these new tools aim to standardise the skills required for sustainable production roles, including sustainability leads, coordinators, and assistants. The initiative is designed to professionalise and expand the sustainability workforce in film and television, offering clear career pathways and practical recruitment resources.
The standards and checklists are freely available via the ScreenSkills website and are expected to become a cornerstone for training and hiring in the sector. They outline a three-tiered sustainability department structure and provide a benchmark for what “good” looks like in sustainable production practices.
“This is a vital step in equipping our industry with the tools and talent needed to cut emissions and help achieve net zero by 2050,” said Matt Scarff, Managing Director of BAFTA albert. “Having dedicated sustainability experts on set ensures meaningful impact.”
Sara Whybrew, BFI’s Director of Skills and Workforce Development, emphasised the importance of formalising sustainability roles: “These standards help define occupational competence and bring consistency to a sector that often relies on informal recruitment.”
ScreenSkills’ Director of Vocational Skills and E-learning, Tim Weiss, added: “It’s inspiring to see the sector come together to create unified resources that support both employers and freelancers.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the BFI to invest £30 million in workforce development through National Lottery funding, supporting a skilled and inclusive screen sector across the UK.
For more information and to access the new standards and checklists, visit ScreenSkills.