During Kidscreen Summit 2025, a panel entitled ‘A brighter future: Let’s go carbon neutral, now!’ addressed a crucial issue for the animation industry: sustainability and the need to reduce carbon emissions in content production. The event highlighted the strategies of several key players in the sector who are leading the way towards a more environmentally responsible future.
Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning at BBC Children’s, presented the evolution of the BBC’s sustainability initiative, starting with the in-house ‘Albert’s Notice’ project. This project, designed to promote responsible production, has grown to become an industry standard. The BBC has partnered with suppliers to reduce emissions in its productions, such as the series filmed with 100% sustainable energy in Liverpool. In addition, Muller stressed the importance of integrating sustainability into content, not in a forced way, but as a way to inspire audiences, especially children, to adopt more responsible behaviours without causing them anxiety about the climate crisis. Initiatives such as Peter Blanco and microbit are helping to engage children in environmental education, promoting a greener future through storytelling.
Tom Box, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Zoo Animation, shared how the studio has integrated sustainability into its DNA. With over 25 years of experience working with clients such as the BBC, Netflix and Lego, Blue Zoo has implemented BCOP certification to measure their impact in key areas such as employee wellbeing, community and the environment. Since 2021, they have worked to ensure that all of their energy comes from renewable sources, promoting a culture of sustainability throughout the company. Every employee plays a key role in reducing emissions by making conscious choices in their day-to-day work. In addition, B Corp certification has proven to be beneficial to the studio, not only in terms of sustainability, but also in business growth, talent attraction and funding, underlining that sustainability and economic success can go hand in hand.
Hanna Mouchez, CEO and Executive Producer of MIAM! Animation, presented how her company has adopted Real-Time 3D technologies, such as Unity and Unreal, to optimise its production chain and reduce its carbon footprint. This technology allows them to produce more efficiently, using less equipment and space, which not only reduces costs but also the environmental impact. Productions such as Edmund & Lucy and The Tinies are examples of how MIAM! is achieving a smaller carbon footprint without sacrificing quality. In addition, by using Real-Time 3D, MIAM! is able to diversify its content, creating video games based on its productions and improving its competitiveness in the marketplace. To monitor and further reduce their carbon footprint, they use tools such as The Carbulator, a calculator specific to the animation industry, and a collaborative best practice guide. These approaches allow them to measure, adjust and share their efforts with others in the industry, promoting a collective shift towards sustainability.
Jean-Baptiste Wery, CEO and Executive Producer of Dandeloo, shared the experience of his studio, which since its creation in 2019, set out to become carbon neutral. Despite the lack of clear guidance at the beginning, Dandeloo implemented a five-year emissions reduction plan, collaborating with other studios in France to promote responsible environmental practices. Using tools such as Echo, a system that monitors equipment energy consumption in real time, the studio has managed to reduce its energy expenditure by 35% in two years. Thanks to this technology, they were able to optimise their resources and extend the lifespan of the equipment, which has not only reduced their carbon footprint, but also their operating costs. Dandeloo continues to refine Echo, incorporating artificial intelligence to increase its efficiency.
