Developing an environmental strategy for UK film - BFI

substitute and eliminate the use of substances that are potentially hazardous to the environment);
and, natural environment (take constructive steps whenever possible to contribute to the
preservation of the natural environment). Sony’s Vision recognises “…the importance of
preserving the natural environment that sustains life on earth for future generations and helps
humanity to attain the dream of a healthy and happy life. Sony is committed to achieving this goal
by seeking to combine ongoing innovation in environmental technology with environmentally
sound business practices”.
Global: Global Cool
Global Cool 47 is a foundation (Global Cool Foundation UK) and a production company (Global
Cool Productions Ltd) that work together to increase awareness about climate change, with the
aim to get a billion people to reduce their CO2 emissions by an average of one tonne by 2017.
Global Cool was established in response to a lack of consumer awareness, there did not seem to
be enough movement in the masses, with only environmentalists and politicians discussing
climate change often using terminology which was inaccessible to the masses. Global Cool took
the step to engage with the mass audience through ‘Popular Culture’, inspiring celebrities to
inspire local people. Initially members of Global Cool worked on a strategy to engage celebrity
supporters on the issues of climate change and offer advice on how to lead a low carbon lifestyle
through the development of a toolkit and coaching service. Today Global Cool is backed by
some of the biggest names in popular entertainment and climate/environmental science.
Global Cool encourage celebrities, businesses and local people to take up a low carbon lifestyle
and not just offset carbon emissions. Global Cool is also aiming to support alternative energy
projects around the world to develop a long-term energy answer.
The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) and Global Cool worked together to highlight
climate change during the IIFA awards ceremony held in Sheffield during June 2007. The IIFA
Awards demonstrated good practice by showcasing new, low-carbon technologies and offsetting
CO2 emissions from the ceremony. Global Cool's ten year campaign to get a billion people
worldwide to reduce their emissions by a tonne of CO2 a year was launched at the awards. The
campaign was led by Indian Cinema and Hollywood stars who spoke to people through short
films in cinemas, on TV and on mobile phones. The Bollywood Oscars used a green carpet
instead of a red one to highlight environmental issues.
Global: MySpace
MySpace 48 launched a channel dedicated to climate change during 2007 which features profiles,
organisation and forums relating to the environment and climate change.
Global: NewsCorp
During May 2007 News Corporation launched its Global Energy Initiative, committing to be
carbon neutral by 2010. Additional information:-
• First global media company to commit to becoming carbon neutral.
• All News Corporation business units will become carbon neutral by 2010 – through
energy efficiency, buying renewable power and offsetting otherwise unavoidable
emissions.
47 www.global-cool.com
48 www.myspace.com/ourplanet
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