Sustainability in Production: Practical Realities

Sustainability is now a routine consideration in production, but it is often misunderstood. In practical terms, it means identifying where environmental impacts genuinely occur and focusing effort where production teams can realistically influence outcomes.

How We Can Help

For teams looking to develop a more consistent, practical understanding of sustainability in production, First Option’s structured training can help translate principles into day-to-day decision-making.

Where to Start…

A large proportion of emissions associated with production activity typically comes from a small number of areas, particularly transport, temporary power, materials, and waste. While individual behaviour plays a role, the most effective reductions usually come from early planning decisions that shape how these systems are used.

Increasing scrutiny from commissioners, funders, and audiences has made it more important for productions to demonstrate a basic understanding of their environmental footprint, rather than relying on broad commitments or headline targets.

In most cases, meaningful emissions reduction does not require radical change. Small, informed choices – such as vehicle selection, generator sizing, power sourcing, and waste handling – can significantly reduce impact when made early.

You can also try our free, five question sustainability survey to get personalised suggestions. Didn’t see it? Just refresh this page. 

Specialist: Amy Holtby

Avatar photo
Amy is a Senior Consultant with First Option. She has a certification in Business Sustainability Management from Cambridge University. In the climate change module for her Combined Science degree she clearly remembers an assignment on domestic water usage, working out how much water there was in a bath compared to a 3 minute power shower. The bath won!

27

Article last updated on Dec 31st, 2025

Share This