New sustainability standard developed for film industry

Press release - 26 May 2010

The UK Film Council and BSI, together with representatives from different parts of the UK film industry, are developing a new British Standard that will set out the requirements for improving the sustainability of the UK film industry. The standard will focus on the industry’s environmental as well as its wider social and economic impacts.

The standard, BS 8909, will be drafted by a committee of experts comprising representatives from interest groups including production, distribution, archives, facilities, sales and exhibition as well as the UK Film Council, BSI and experts in the field of sustainability. Other interested bodies, both in the UK and internationally, will be invited to comment on the standard while it is being drafted. Once the drafting of the standard has been completed towards the end of 2010, BS 8909 will go through a period of public comment when it will be made available on BSI’s free Drafts Review website.

Adherence to British Standards is voluntary. They are best practice documents agreed by experts in the field. As well as being widely used within the UK, they are used by many organizations around the world. BS 8909 will be a management system standard that can be adopted by all parts of the film industry. Those who implement the standard will be able to choose either to claim compliance themselves or through third-party certification.

John Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Film Council said: “Our objective is to help ensure that the UK leads the world in this area. Apart from all the obvious reasons for going green, it's clear that if the UK film industry can become a leader in sustainability then we will have a real competitive advantage internationally for years to come”.

Mike Low, Director, BSI Standards said: “This development shows the lead role that the UK has in the world of sustainability and building for the future. It is a tribute to UK Film Council and the whole film industry that they are seeking ways to raise the bar in their performance. BSI is excited and delighted to be supporting this work with a standard that will provide a robust vehicle for organizations to work to”.

About the UK Film Council
The UK Film Council is the Government-backed lead agency for film in the UK ensuring that the economic, cultural and educational aspects of film are effectively represented at home and abroad.

About BSI

BSI (British Standards Institution) is a global organization that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Over a century later it continues to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping its clients drive performance, reduce risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards, many of which BSI originated. Famed for its marks of excellence including the instantly recognizable Kitemark®, BSI’s influence spans multiple sectors including aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail. With over 70,000 clients in 150 countries, BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe.

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