A new chapter for sustainable production

The German film and TV industry must adapt to stricter environmental regulations. From 1 November 2025, a revised version of the Ecological standards in force. This can be seen in the official document of the initiative Green Motion which was published at the beginning of September. It increases the number of mandatory requirements from 22 to 25 - a small step on paper, but a big one in practice.

From freestyle to duty

What was previously a recommendation is now a requirement. Several previous "target specifications" are moving into the category of binding standards. Energy consumption, mobility and resource management are particularly affected.

In plain language, this means that sets must rely more heavily on renewable energies, transport must be organised more sustainably and waste avoidance must take centre stage. "The level of ambition is rising significantly," reads the introduction to the Green Motion document.

A balancing act for producers

For producers, the tightening means additional planning and costs - but also more clarity. "If standards become mandatory, it creates a binding framework and a level playing field for everyone," emphasises an industry representative from the Green Shooting working group.

Funding organisations also see this as an opportunity: sustainability becomes a quality brand and can raise the profile of German productions in international competition.

Control is not a sideshow

Compliance with the standards should not be left to chance. In addition to detailed documentation requirements, a newly established sustainability board has been set up - with equal representation to bring in different perspectives from production, promotion and environmental work. Its task is to monitor implementation and steer the further development of the standards.

More than a green fig leaf

Critics have sometimes described the previous catalogue as half-hearted. With the tightening of the catalogue, Green Motion now wants to show that it is getting serious. The standards are no longer merely a funding criterion, but part of an overarching transformation.

"Sustainable production is no longer an add-on, but the new normal," is the message between the lines.

Looking ahead

The coming months will show whether the industry sees the stricter requirements as a burden or an opportunity. One thing is clear: from November 2025, there will be no turning back. Anyone who produces cinema, TV or VoD in Germany and wants to claim funding will not be able to avoid the new mandatory requirements.

This brings the film industry a step closer to the goal of working in a more climate-friendly way - and at the same time sends a signal: sustainability is no longer an accessory, but the linchpin of production.