International Sustainability Day in Berlin

Energy-efficient power supply on set, circular economy in film production, the environmental impact of AI, games, and animation, as well as green storytelling are topics at International Sustainability Day, organized by Greenigma, Green Film Shooting, and Eco Hub in cooperation with Green Film, University of Europe for Applied Sciences (Campus Berlin), and the Green Film Agency on February 14, 2026. The agenda includes panel discussions, ten- to fifteen-minute eco talks, film presentations, exhibitions, and plenty of time and space for networking. “With this new event, we are offering an opportunity to exchange ideas about environmentally friendly approaches and concepts in various fields such as film, media, information, and communication technology,” explain organizers Laia Lala and Birgit Heidsiek.

As a highlight to kick off the event, producer Kerstin Doerenbruch and director Felix Meinhardt will give a first glimpse into their thriller Cool Down, in which climate protection was not only a topic behind the camera. In the story, scientists attempt to get the climate crisis under control with geoengineering. However, this is no longer a science fiction scenario, as research has long been conducted into how the climate can be manipulated using technical methods such as the use of aerosols in the stratosphere to shield the sun.

The use of new technical developments and their practical application in filmmaking will be the focus of the panel discussion ‘Green energy supplies on set: Energy efficient and eco-friendly solutions.’ Speakers include Heidi May, who has worked as a sustainability coordinator on various major productions in Australia, and internationally renowned cinematographer and CineGreen founder Maher Maleh. Through Green Eyes Production, sustainability strategist Júlia Tordai cooperates with studios, broadcasters, and universities in Hungary and throughout Europe. Till Caspar Juon has many years of expertise as a cameraman and sustainability manager at film equipment rental company Maier Bros.

It is not always possible to put resource conservation and waste prevention into practice in film and media productions. The discussion ‘Don’t waste the waste: Eco design and the implementation of circular economy in film production’ is about sharing experiences, practical solutions, and reality checks. Alissa Aubenque, project manager at Ecoprod, will report on initiatives and projects in France that enable the multiple use of set constructions. British set designer Blair Barnette will provide insight into her methods for implementing reuse in a time- and cost-saving manner. Depending on the production and client, the principle of circular economy in film production can reach its limits. Dr. Philipp Schiffmann, media lawyer and partner at the law firm Unverzagt, has developed a checklist of things to look out for.

A current trend topic is the use of artificial intelligence, which is also becoming increasingly prevalent in the film industry, from screenwriting to post-production. But this progress comes at a price: the infrastructure behind AI consumes enormous resources—especially energy, but also water and raw materials such as rare earths. Jens Gröger, a research coordinator at the Öko-Institut who focuses on sustainable information and communication technology, provides insight into the environmental impact of AI.

The games industry has also set itself the goal of reducing its carbon footprint. The Sustainable Games Alliance (SGA) aims to develop ambitious and achievable standards. Maria Wagner, co-founder and managing director of the Sustainable Games Alliance, reports on her approaches and strategies.

“International Sustainability Day provides an opportunity to intensify the exchange between various experts and creative minds in the media industry,” emphasize organizers Laila Lala and Birgit Heidsiek, who launched the Eco Talk format with the Eco Hub at the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival. “Similar to a TED talk, Eco Talks offer deep dives into various topics with which we aim to address broader target groups.”

International Sustainability Day will take place on February 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (Berlin Campus) at Dessauerstraße 3-5, located in walking distance between Potsdamer Platz and the Martin Gropius Bau. No accreditation is required for the International Sustainability Day. Please RSVP if you like to attend the event.

Photos: © Courtesy of International Sustainability Day speakers