The Code of Best Practice in Sustainable Filmmaking, a new guide to help documentary filmmakers reduce their carbon and environmental footprints, was launched this month at the RealScreen Summit and can be viewed online at http://www.filmmakersforconservation.org/conservation-filmmaking/sustainability.html.

The Code, which was created by American University and Filmmakers for Conservation, supported by WWF UK and the Ford Foundation, is based on the results of a global survey of best practices in sustainable filmmaking. Approximately 175 filmmakers and film production professionals participated in the survey. The partners hope it will be the first step towards a full certification scheme for green production.

Chris Palmer, director, AU's Center for Environmental Filmmaking summed up the reason for the code: "Environmental and wildlife filmmakers have a special responsibility to reflect best practices in sustainable filmmaking, as they are the ones often in the most fragile places on earth dealing with animals that are on the edge".