Video post facilities have not been singled out as a significant environmental threat. Nevertheless one cannot ignore the staggering amount of energy used to operate a small business for a year, the consumable goods used for each project and the steady mountain of waste created by a handful of hungry staffers. Another humbling (and not entirely fatalistic) notion is to consider that every tape master and optical disc, as well as every computer, video deck and office item we touch, will in one hundred years or so from now, most likely end up buried in the ground.
In 2008 Modulus Studios made a firm commitment to examine every aspect of our business and take measures to reduce our planetary impact.
REDUCE CONSUMABLE MATERIALS
Via the web we upload and download gigabytes of files daily, which has helped cut by 75%, the number of optical discs and magnetic tapes used on a typical job. We accept nearly all tape formats but we also state upfront that we prefer to have materials sent on a hard drive.
A PAPERLESS OFFICE
In nearly all areas we've reduced the proliferation of paper associated with a typical business. We use web-based project logs, job orders and review sheets. Yes, you can expect your invoice to arrive via email as a PDF, and no, don't expect to see back issues of
Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone and
Billboard piling up on our coffee table.
CARBON NEUTRAL SERVERS + STUDIO
The webhosting company used for all our hosted projects(e.g. this website) offset electrical usage by contributing to wind, solar, and reforestation projects and so do we! We purchase Green Tags from the non-profit,
Bonneville Environmental Foundation to offset (more than) the 6 tons of carbon generated by our annual electrical usage.
ECO-SMART CD/DVD PACKAGING
CD Jewel cases and Digipaks carry a difficult to recycle plastic component; we've held to a firm decision to stop selling them. Instead, we use recyclable poly cases, cardboard sleeves and wallets, and we've started working with a Belgian company to provide short-run DVD and CD packaging that’s stylish and 100% biodegradable.
ENERGY-SMART FACILITY
Plain-old fluorescent lighting was never so hip as it is today (admittely we use full-spectrum bulbs - 'a little easier on the eyes). We also use a lot of CFLs and
Energy Star rated equipment. Motion sensors in our offices automatically switch off lights when one leaves the room to reduce wasted wattage.
RECYCLING BINS, BIKES AND BUSES
We recycle religiously. We recycle DVDs and CDs as well (bring us your waste discs)! And we openly encourage all of our employees and associates to institute green practices in their personal lives.
