Full Breakdown
Netflix's Commitment to Sustainable Production Practices
4/23/2026, 12:06:20 AM
Progress in Reducing Carbon Footprint
On Earth Day 2026, Netflix highlighted its advancements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with its original productions. The company aims to cut its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030, with a significant portion of emissions stemming from fuel used in generators and gas-powered vehicles for crew transportation. Since 2023, Netflix has implemented clean mobile power solutions and electric vehicles across all scripted productions it directly manages. Notable examples include the use of hydrogen-powered units for “Bridgerton,” mobile batteries for “Virgin River,” and solar energy systems for “Stranger Things.”
Netflix reported significant sustainability milestones for three productions: “The Witcher” in the U.K., “The Boroughs” in New Mexico, and “Apex” in Australia. The fifth season of “The Witcher” achieved a nearly 90% reduction in fuel usage, saving over 130,000 gallons of fuel during its 28-week filming period from March to September 2025. The production utilized the Netflix Longcross Studio, which provided a renewable energy grid and hydrogen-battery powered generators.
Innovations in Production Techniques
Mark Birmingham, line producer for “The Witcher,” noted the role of a dedicated sustainability adviser trained by Netflix to enhance eco-friendly practices. He emphasized that Netflix supported producers in finding sustainable solutions rather than imposing specific emissions targets. Birmingham remarked on the challenges of familiarizing the cast and crew with hydrogen technology, which, despite its safety, can evoke concerns due to its volatile nature. He contrasted the quiet operation and clean output of hydrogen systems with the noise and emissions from traditional diesel generators.
In the U.S., “The Boroughs,” produced by Matt and Ross Duffer, reduced diesel generator fuel usage by over 75%, saving 13,000 gallons. Filmed in Albuquerque, the production utilized solar power and electric vehicles, including the pilot of a new electric box truck designed for film sets. Additionally, “Apex” marked a milestone in Australia as the first production to employ a hydrogen-powered generator, achieving over a 50% reduction in diesel fuel usage.
Broader Implications and Future Goals
Emma Stewart, Netflix's sustainability officer, stated that these efforts contribute to the company's goal of reducing its total carbon emissions to approximately 42,000 metric tons by 2030. Netflix's sustainability strategy focuses on four key areas: enhancing energy efficiency in offices and studios, transitioning to electric vehicles, adopting clean mobile power, and utilizing renewable energy sources. Stewart emphasized the importance of replicability, allowing future productions to learn from successful practices established by earlier projects.
Birmingham underscored the need for industry-wide adoption of sustainable technologies, suggesting that increased acceptance could lead to reduced costs and greater affordability in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You don’t just snap your fingers and it happens,” — Emma Stewart, Sustainability Officer, Netflix
- “It’s fantastic to have Netflix right behind us,” — Mark Birmingham, Line Producer, “The Witcher.”
- “The more people who embrace this, the more the costs come down to make it more affordable. This has to be the way forward.” — Mark Birmingham, Line Producer, “The Witcher.”
