CASE STUDY SUSTAINABILITY
albert-certified rental service VMI has been going green for decades, leading the way in environmentally friendly cinema Sustainability SPOTLIGHTS
MPB is the go-to platform for buying, selling and trading used photo and video gear. Dedicated to making kit more accessible – for industry newbies or established pros – MPB recycles over 485,000 unique items every year. By doing so, MPB contributes to a circular economy, extending the life of each product and reducing waste. Since 2011, MPB has been an embodiment of sustainability. For the past four years, the company has partnered with One Tree Planted to combat deforestation and preserve local habitats. This November, MPB planted one tree for every purchase, sale or trade- in: a mighty conservation effort. Going in circles assistant Jason Henwood established the Rental Sustainability Project, which has grown into a consortium of rental companies looking to reduce emissions. The group meets quarterly via Zoom to discuss the social, environmental and economic variables to consider when making business decisions. The Rental Sustainability Project welcomes new recognised members who can adhere to an environmental commitment. That said, non-members can also reap the project’s rewards, with vetted suppliers and other resources available on the website. VMI supports several other initiatives, like climate crisis employee education, the RA Agency Futures programme and a camera tech apprenticeship. While it’s essential for the company to uphold its own standards, it may be more vital to share its best practices with others to create a climate-conscious industry.
A nyone can talk the talk when it comes to sustainability, but not everyone succeeds at putting promises into action. VMI, a UK-based equipment rental company, stands out among the crowd, with an albert Certified Carbon Neutral stamp to prove it. ZERO TO HERO Established more than 40 years ago, VMI offers rental packages to features, television dramas, documentaries and commercial productions, supplying a variety of cameras, lenses, lighting and accessories. The company has already completed albert’s Carbon Action Plan and pledged to be net zero by 2030 in line with the UN Race to Zero campaign. VMI hopes to inspire studios, productions and other organisations to follow suit, with a transparent approach to sustainability including three publicly accessible carbon audits. The company
has been recognised by governments and other leading bodies, receiving a Hero of Net Zero award at COP26. VMI promotes environmentally friendly filmmaking practices by retiring all its tungsten lights, which are energy inefficient; switching to ‘green’ gaffer tape, supplied by Le Mark; and transitioning away from disposable AA batteries. It has also instituted company policies like ink and toner recycling, plant- based dining options, refillable cleaning products and slow or shared travel. At both its Acton and Bristol branches, VMI supports electric vehicle charging and uses 100% renewable energy. CIRCLE OF LIFE Camera rental is all about creating a circular economy, as it employs more durable materials to extend product life cycles and reduces emissions associated with distribution. VMI’s managing director Barry Bassett implements this cyclical mindset in all aspects of the business, no matter the scope. During an office refurbishment earlier this year, Bassett convinced his contractors to rehouse materials wherever possible. All electrical and data points, ceiling tiles and pipes were reused, resulting in less waste – and a smaller bill. SCHOOL OF SUSTAINABILITY Bassett’s passion for the environment is in large part what drives VMI’s sustainability. A few years ago, he and camera
CLEAR AS DAY Taking real climate action means being completely transparent
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