A Green Destination for Film Production
Nearly all of Norway’s electricity is generated from renewable hydropower, ensuring that productions operate on a clean, stable energy grid with minimal carbon emissions. The country also leads in electric mobility, with the highest number of electric vehicles per capita and a nationwide network of nearly 30,000 charging points (as of August 2024). All major car rental companies provide electric cars at competitive rates, making emission-free transportation easily accessible for film crews.
Norway offers an efficient public transport network that makes sustainable travel both convenient and practical. The railway system includes scenic train routes such as the Bergen Railway, which connects Oslo and Bergen through mountain landscapes, and the Rauma Railway, which winds through fjords and dramatic cliffs. In urban areas, cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger have well-developed public transport systems that include electric buses, trams, and ferries. Norway is also investing in zero-emission public transport, with electric buses in major cities and an increasing number of electric ferries. For longer journeys, a combination of trains, buses, and ferries ensures that even remote regions are accessible without the need for a car.
Choosing sustainable options can help reduce the environmental footprint of your production:
- Rent equipment locally: Renting from Norwegian suppliers reduces logistics costs and significantly cuts carbon emissions compared to international shipping. For example, you can rent zero-emission battery generators from Unlimited, and a wide range of machines and equipment from Renta.
- Stay at eco-certified hotels: Many accommodations offer sustainability certifications and provide locally sourced, plant-based catering options.
- Water right from the tap: Norway’s tap water is clean, safe, and high-quality, eliminating the need for bottled water and reducing single-use plastic waste.
- Follow waste and recycling regulations: Norway has robust systems for waste management and recycling, with strict regulations to minimize plastic use and promote responsible disposal.
Green Suppliers
The Green Suppliers List, curated by the Green Producers Club (GPC), features suppliers committed to sustainability. These companies meet strict environmental criteria by offering climate-friendly products and services, reducing emissions, and integrating eco-friendly practices into their daily operations. This initiative ensures that productions in Norway have access to high-quality, sustainable resources, making it easier to film with minimal environmental impact.
Sustainability Advisors in Norway
Norway now has certified sustainability advisors who can guide film productions in adopting greener practices. Oda Pedersen Taule, Are Syvertsen and Kristoffer Vittersø have completed the Green Consultant certification from Stuttgart Media University through a program funded by the Norwegian Film Institute. With diverse backgrounds in film production, editing, and industry leadership, they bring valuable expertise to help productions reduce their environmental impact. Whether it’s advising on sustainable production workflows, emission reduction strategies, or green certification processes, these consultants serve as key resources for filmmakers looking to make their productions more environmentally friendly in Norway.
Sustainability Advisor, Oda Pedersen Taule
What are the most impactful steps a film production can take to be more sustainable in Norway?
Hire a local sustainability manager who understands strategic, eco-friendly planning.
Reduce long-distance travel by flying in fewer crew members — and take advantage of our highly skilled local professionals. Air travel is one of the most significant contributors to a production’s carbon footprint.
Norway and Nature
Norway offers breathtaking and diverse nature, making it a stunning backdrop for film productions. The country’s Right to Roam (Allemannsretten) grants public access to nature, but it also comes with the responsibility to respect the land, wildlife, and local communities. Planning shoots with sustainability in mind includes working with local crews, choosing eco-friendly transport, adhering to waste management guidelines, observing all relevant regulations including motorized transport in protected areas, and ensuring wildlife is not disturbed.
Green Ice Camera
One initiative supporting sustainable media production in fragile environments is Green Ice Camera. Developed by an international team from Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia — the project provides resources, tools, and guidelines to help media producers reduce their environmental and social impact in Arctic regions. It emphasizes cross-border cooperation, respect for Indigenous communities, and adaptation to the unique challenges of Arctic ecosystems. At its core, the project promotes a key principle: LEAVE NO TRACE, ensuring that media productions respect and preserve the Arctic’s delicate balance.
Sustainability Requirements in the Norwegian Film Production Incentive
The film production incentive provides grants that reimburse 25% costs spent in Norway for international films and series produced entirely or partly in the country, awarded to the highest ranking projects in each application round. As part of the application process, productions must include a plan for environmental measures (Green Production) before filming begins in Norway.