LONDON is aiming to be the world’s greenest film city, in a new initiative being unveiled in Cannes. Mayor Boris Johnson has joined forces with the Film London film agency to produce a blueprint, Green Screen, for reducing the capital’s movie carbon footprint by 60 per cent. 

Mr Johnson has despatched representatives to the south of France to announce the plan. In a statement, he says it is not about compromising the quality of productions or hampering creative endeavour – but that it is possible to make London the world’s greenest place in which to film. "Green Screen contains really practical information on how to reduce emissions and what's more, save money in the process through reduced energy bills. The film industry can play an important role in creating the new low-carbon economy. In a sector known for being imaginative and forward looking, this is another area that studios, producers and creative talent can take the lead."

It is the first time that the carbon footprint of the industry has been quantified. The screen production industry in London alone produces around 125,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year - equivalent to approximately 24,000 London homes. This excludes distribution and exhibition of films and programmes, or production office travel.

Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London, says the figures meant it was hugely important the industry plays its part to reduce carbon emissions. "Making London the greenest place to film also has a commercial advantage as many leading directors and actors make decisions about the projects they work on based on their impact to the environment."