As the UK’s film and television industry continues its mission to become net zero, every department – from lighting to logistics – is getting involved. But there’s one team that often gets overlooked in sustainability conversations: the medics. That’s where we come in. We are committed to providing sustainable medical support for film and TV.
At Premier Medics, we know that providing high-quality on-set medical support doesn’t have to cost the earth. With a few mindful changes and sustainable habits, TV and film medics can help productions meet their green goals – all without compromising on care or safety.
Here’s 8 key ways that at Premier Medics we can help play our part:
1. Think Local – Hire Local
One of the easiest ways to reduce a production’s carbon footprint is to book medics who are local to the set. Fewer miles travelled means fewer emissions, plain and simple.
At Premier Medics, we’re proud to have a wide UK-wide network, so wherever your shoot is taking place, there’s a good chance we’ve got someone nearby. This approach not only helps the environment, but also supports local communities – a win-win in our book! To hire our team find out how here.
2. Go Paper-Free Wherever Possible
Paper is so last decade. These days, most things can be done digitally – from medical notes and risk assessments to signing in and out. Using tablets or phones for paperwork massively reduces waste and keeps everything tidy and secure.
We’ve moved many of our operations online, and we encourage productions to do the same. Not only is it greener, but it’s also quicker and more efficient.
We encourage all our medics to use their own water bottles and re-usable coffee cups, as well as having mugs and cutlery on site (where applicable) rather than disposable. When disposable is unavoidable, we will use ones made of recycled materials that can either be recycled after use or are compostable.
3. Greener Transport Choices
Transport is one of the biggest contributors to a production’s carbon emissions, so every journey counts. Where possible, using electric or hybrid vehicles for transporting medics and equipment can make a real difference.
And if multiple team members are heading to set, why not consider car-sharing? A little planning goes a long way when it comes to saving fuel (and money!).
4. Choose Energy-Efficient Medical Equipment
Not all medical gear is created equal. By selecting energy-efficient equipment – and ensuring it’s regularly serviced – we can reduce unnecessary power usage on set.
At Premier Medics, we’re actively reviewing our kit to make sure we’re using the most sustainable options available, without compromising on care.
5. Tap Into Industry Resources Like albert
The BAFTA-led albert initiative is a brilliant hub of tools, support and practical advice for making TV and film production greener. They’ve even created a supplier sustainability checklist, which medical providers like us can use to benchmark our efforts and get inspired by what others are doing.
You can check it out here: wearealbert.org
6. Train Teams in Sustainable Practices
Eco-awareness is something we can all learn more about. By offering training and guidance for medical teams on how to work more sustainably – from correct waste disposal to reusing resources responsibly – we can make green thinking part of everyday practice.
At Premier Medics we believe sustainability is a team effort and that starts with making sure everyone has the knowledge and tools to do their bit.
7. Measure, Report, Improve
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Keeping track of things like travel distances, waste generated and energy usage helps identify areas for improvement and keeps us all accountable.
We’re developing ways to track our impact more closely so we can continue making positive changes across all our work. After each production closes, our team at HQ will review how we did and how next time we can go even further to push our sustainability goals.
8. Foster a Green Culture
Sustainability doesn’t have to feel like hard work. When it becomes part of a production’s culture – something everyone talks about and supports – it gets easier, more enjoyable and far more impactful.
Fostering a green culture is embedded into our everyday DNA, even when last minute changes have an impact (we all know the ones…) we still endeavour to make greener logistical and operational decisions.
By celebrating the small wins, sharing knowledge and encouraging greener habits, we can make lasting changes that benefit both our industry and the planet.
The Bottom Line
TV and film productions are making great strides towards becoming net zero, but they can’t do it alone. Medical support teams – like Premier Medics – are in a great position to help. With thoughtful planning, local talent and a strong commitment to sustainable practice, we can be part of the solution.
Want to know more about what the industry is doing to go green? Visit wearealbert.org to find out more.
