ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Disney Studios Australia is committed to providing an environment where great stories and entertainment can be created sustainably, ensuring we deliver a positive legacy for future generations.

WASTE

The screen industry, particularly film and television productions, generate a significant amount of waste spanning across building materials and crew catering. 

Waste segregation bins are located in all our sound stages and production support spaces to help facilitate the next generation of productions by directing waste from landfill at our studio. The studio offers various recycling streams such as organics; e-waste; timber; metal; plaster; green waste; co-mingled; paper and cardboard; 10c container deposit scheme. 

Organic waste from the studio is composted in an onsite worm habitat where it is turned into a nutrient-rich soil product and is used to fertilise onsite plants. 

Disney Studios Australia has proudly reached The Walt Disney Company’s 2030 zero waste to landfill* target nine years early. 

*Zero waste to landfill is defined by 90% operational waste diversion (TWDC)

EMISSIONS

The studio spans a diverse range of uses with varying associated energy requirements. Physical production activities require significant levels of energy for HVAC, lighting, set construction, cameras and special effects. We acknowledge we are a significant energy user based on our unique operation. 

Increasing the proportion of renewable energy sources is a critical component of our strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. We have begun the switch to 100% GreenPower across numerous buildings. Meanwhile, a site-wide LED light replacement rollout is nearing completion. To address the impact of set lighting, our Lighting division supplies high volumes of LED and maximises LED set lighting options. 

The studio continues to expand bicycle parking facilities for guests and employees in addition to electric recharge production buggy’s. A concentration on natural climate solutions through onsite plant cultivation of drought-resistant native plant species is implemented site-wide.

WATER & OCEANS

We recognise that water is a shared vital resource. Our operationsimpact local water through the use of landscaping, HVAC, catering,general purpose water usage and film production water tanks. 

Rain water capture tanks are utilised across the studio for landscaping purposes and water saving devices have been installed in bathrooms. We collaborate with local stakeholders identifying opportunities for water efficiency and sub-metering. 

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Our portfolio consists of 45 buildings compromising of highly significant heritage buildings and world-class purpose-built production facility spaces. The site encompasses a favourable mix of landscaped soft surfaces and buildings. Immaculately manicured gardens, grassed areas and 40+ tree species occupy the 32 acres. 

In order to reduce the environmental impact of our built environment, we will continue to drive efficiency and improvements in our existing assets and ensure that all of our new assets and buildings will be designed and constructed with environmental innovation as a priority. 

New projects will focus on minimising water, waste and energy, including maintaining tree canopy cover of 23% and continually cultivating plant sand re-planting around the site. 

MATERIALS

The Studio is a significant purchaser of goods and services, including HVAC, cleaning, fire systems, water treatment, landscaping and waste services. 

We recognise the serious threat plastics pose to our ecosystems, therefore our approach to plastics is aligned with our zero waste target to seek alternatives, reduce, reuse and recycle. We are continually evaluating materials used in our operations and preference recyclable, FCS wood and/or certified compostable alternatives. Plastic straws have been eliminated from our onsite cafes and keep cups and bottles introduced to reduce single use plastic onsite.