Sustainable Entertainment Society

What Sustainable Entertainment Society does

The Sustainable Entertainment Society (SES) is a Canadian non-profit organization founded in 2016 with headquarters in Vancouver and operations in Toronto, dedicated to accelerating sustainable development through arts, culture, and entertainment. Its flagship product is the Sustainable Production Forum (SPF), a global hybrid conference held annually since 2016 in Toronto, Vancouver, and virtually (with a New York City component added in 2022). Around SPF, SES has built a multi-product platform including the Sustainability Practitioners Internship Program (SPIP) for workforce development, the SPEC (Sustainable Production for Entertainment Certification) developed with USGBC-CA and Amazon MGM Studios, the Clean Energy Series for clean-tech training, a Green Marketplace vendor directory, the DGC Materials Carbon Calculator, a Sustainable Production Resource Guide, SPF On Demand, a Sustainable Merchandise e-commerce store, and the National Climate Action Working Group for unions and guilds.

SES serves film, television, and broader creative-industry professionals, including producers, executives, department heads, crew, funders, vendors, and sustainability experts. Its business model is a hybrid of low-priced event ticket sales (from $75), recurring and one-time donations, merchandise sales (approximately $28-$49 per item, fulfilled via Printify), and sponsor contributions from a network of Canadian public-sector bodies (CBC/Radio-Canada, Telefilm, Creative BC, Ontario Creates, Canada Media Fund, Directors Guild of Canada, IATSE Local 891) and enterprise partners (Netflix, Amazon MGM Studios, Bullfrog Power, Green Spark Group, Independent Production Fund, Krypton Rental Group). Reported program outcomes include a 91% waste diversion rate achieved on a Netflix production and 30 individuals certified as on-set sustainability managers through SPEC.

Name

Sustainable Entertainment Society

Legal name

Sustainable Entertainment Society

Website

https://sustainableproductionforum.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Sustainable Entertainment Society is a Canadian non-profit founded in 2016 that operates the Sustainable Production Forum and related programs to advance environmental sustainability across film, television, and the broader creative industries. It serves producers, crew, funders, vendors, and sustainability practitioners through events, certification, training, and curated resources.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Entertainment Events and Certification

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services (5418)

SIC

Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainability, ESG & Climate Risk Advisory (BPAHAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainability & ESG Consulting (BPAHACAK), Environmental, Climate & Sustainability Standards & Reporting Cooperation (BPADANAI)

Keywords

• Sustainable production events
• Entertainment industry conferences
• Green filmmaking training
• Environmental certification programs
• Creative industry sustainability

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Conference and Event Revenue: The organization generates revenue through ticket sales for its annual Sustainable Production Forum events held in Toronto, Vancouver, and virtually. Tickets start at $75 as indicated for past events.
2. Merchandise Sales: The SES operates an e-commerce sustainable merchandise store selling eco-friendly apparel and products including t-shirts (from $39.22-$49.33), bento boxes ($28.65), and other items. Uses Printify for local Canadian fulfillment with sustainable supply chain focus.
3. Donations: The organization accepts one-time and recurring donations (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual) to support its mission of accelerating sustainable development through arts, culture, and entertainment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Sustainable Entertainment Society runs the Sustainable Production Forum (SPF), a global hybrid annual conference advancing climate leadership across the film, television, and broader creative industries. The organization complements SPF with the SPIP tuition-free internship program, SPEC environmental certification, Clean Energy Series training, Green Marketplace vendor directory, SPF On Demand video library, and the National Climate Action Working Group, collectively providing education, certification, and community for sustainable production professionals.

Product overview

The Sustainable Entertainment Society operates a platform of interconnected programs centered on its flagship event, the Sustainable Production Forum (SPF). The core product is the annual global hybrid conference SPF, which has evolved over 10 years into a comprehensive ecosystem that includes SPIP (a tuition-free internship program with SPEC certification), the Clean Energy Series (training and clean tech activations), a Green Marketplace (connecting vetted sustainable vendors), and SPF On Demand (on-demand content access). Additional programs include the National Climate Action Working Group for industry advocacy, the Creative Industries Opportunity Space for professional networking, a Sustainable Production Resource Guide, and an e-commerce Sustainable Merchandise Store. Together, these offerings provide education, training, certification, industry connections, and practical tools to advance sustainability across the film, television, and creative industries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sustainable Production Forum (SPF): The annual flagship event of SES, a global hybrid conference advancing climate leadership across the creative industries, celebrating 10 years of impact in 2025.
• SPIP (Sustainability Practitioners Internship Program)
• SPEC (Sustainable Production for Entertainment Certification)

Products and services

• Sustainable Production Forum (SPF) Annual flagship global hybrid conference advancing climate leadership across the creative industries. Features premium in-person and virtual programming including keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking for producers, executives, crew, funders, vendors, content creators, and sustainability experts.
• Sustainability Practitioners Internship Program (SPIP) Tuition-free internship program providing embedded industry-recognized training, SPEC certification, bespoke learning sessions, mentorship, and networking to prepare participants for sustainability practitioner roles on set and in production offices.
• Green Marketplace Curated directory of sustainable vendors and suppliers for the entertainment industry, including waste diversion services, clean energy solutions, biodegradable products, and sustainable location management.
• Sustainable Merchandise Store E-commerce store featuring eco-friendly merchandise including organic t-shirts, bento boxes, and sustainable apparel. Uses Printify platform with focus on local Canadian merchants and sustainable supply chain manufacturing.
• SPF On Demand On-demand video platform providing access to recorded SPF sessions and programming for flexible viewing beyond live events.
• SPEC Certification (Sustainable Production for Entertainment Certification) The first industry-standard environmental certification for entertainment production, developed in partnership with USGBC-CA. Certifies on-set sustainability managers and production sustainability practitioners.
• Clean Energy Series (CES) Training, workshops, and clean tech activations supporting industry members to build clean energy plans for productions.
• National Climate Action Working Group (NCAWG) Working group for unions, guilds, and trade associations focused on climate action advocacy and movement building within the entertainment industry.
• Creative Industries Opportunity Space Directory connecting leaders and professionals in the green creative economy, facilitating networking and collaboration.
• DGC Materials Carbon Calculator Tool for measuring embodied carbon in production materials, designed for crew and department heads committed to measurable sustainability.
• Sustainable Production Resource Guide Comprehensive resource guide providing sustainable production tools, best practices, and practical guidance for the entertainment industry.

Quantifiable outcome

• 91% waste diversion rate achieved on Netflix production through sustainable practices
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bullfrog PowercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership with Bullfrog Power to choose renewable energy for SPF Conference since 2023. Bullfrog Power's generators put 100% clean, pollution-free electricity onto the grid to match conventional power used at the conference. Special pricing developed for conference attendees and SES is a channel partner with Bullfrog Power.
• Green Spark GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundational Partner - Vancouver-based full-service sustainability agency leading the entertainment industry through evolution towards sustainable practices. GSG works with major entertainment companies including HBO, MBSE, Green Production Guide, CBC/Radio-Canada, and productions such as X-Files, Succession, and The Mandalorian.
• Creative BC / Reel GreencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReel Green is Canada's motion picture climate action catalyst, sitting in the BC Film Commission. Creative BC supports the vision and exchange of best practices at SPF and is committed to ongoing national collaboration on Reel Green initiatives.
• CBC/Radio-CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership as lead sponsor of SPIP program. CBC has been working to understand sustainability supports and tools the Canadian industry needs, creating opportunities to help the industry shift to sustainable practices.
• Telefilm CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partner supporting sustainable film and television production. Contributing to Green Frame coalition progress reports and sustainability planning tools.
• Ontario Creates / Ontario Green ScreencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOntario Film Commission partner advancing sustainability within creative industries. Partner in Green Frame coalition.
• Directors Guild of CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner including development of DGC Materials Carbon Calculator for measuring embodied carbon in production materials. Hosts National Sustainability and Climate Action Committee.
• IATSE Local 891coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees local supporting sustainable production practices in Vancouver.
• Canada Media Fund (CMF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Green Frame coalition working on national progress toward sustainability goals.
• USGBC-CAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for SPEC (Sustainable Production in Entertainment) certification, the first industry-standard environmental certification.
• Amazon MGM StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on SPEC certification initiative and featured in renewable diesel case study (The Greatest production).
• Portable ElectricminorOthersClean tech vendor providing portable battery units for productions, reducing diesel generator use.
• Rethink ResourceminorOthersZero waste diversion services provider with comprehensive waste stream solutions grounded in circular economy principles.
• Location FixerminorOthersFilm liaison company providing sustainable location management services in Vancouver and Sea to Sky region.
• Agreen ProductsminorOthersDistributor of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable tableware and food packaging.
• EODevminorOthersDeveloper of hydrogen-based sustainable energy solutions for low-carbon future.
• Diversion Zero WasteminorOthersZero waste program diverting waste from landfills and providing diversion reports.
• Valid ManufacturingminorOthersWorld-class innovator providing robust products for industry leaders.
• The Earth GroupminorOthersSocial enterprise supporting World Food Programme school meals programs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Picture Green: Independent consultancy and producer network focused on environmentally sustainable film and television production, offering carbon calculators and on-set sustainability support. Comparable to SES's Green Marketplace and DGC Materials Carbon Calculator offerings.
• BAFTA Albert: Industry-led sustainability organization for the UK screen arts (film, TV, and games) that delivers training, certification (Albert Certification), and production tools. Closest functional analogue to SES's SPEC certification and SPF training programs, though anchored in the UK.
• Earth Angel: New York-based sustainable production services company providing consulting, crew training, and on-set sustainability management for film, TV, and advertising productions. Directly comparable to SES's SPIP workforce-development and on-set sustainability practitioner offerings in a US market.
• Green Production Guide: Industry-wide resource platform providing sustainable production tools, vendor directories, and best practices for film and television. Directly comparable to SES's Sustainable Production Resource Guide and Green Marketplace, and serves overlapping studios and productions.
• Green Spark Group: Vancouver-based full-service sustainability agency that delivers sustainable production services across film and television for clients including HBO, CBC, and productions such as Succession and The Mandalorian. It is both a foundational SES partner and a direct competitor in entertainment sustainability consulting.

Emerging players

• Clean Production Action: Non-profit working with the entertainment industry to adopt clean production practices through research, tools, and partnerships. Comparable in advocacy and resources focus, though operating primarily in the US with a broader toxic-use and chemicals lens.

Broad incumbents

• Environmental Media Association (EMA): Non-profit mobilizing the entertainment industry to communicate environmental issues through programming, awards, and events. Comparable in mission to leverage entertainment for sustainability outcomes, with a broader communications and awards-driven model.
• Julie's Bicycle: UK-based global charity supporting the creative industries to act on climate change and sustainability. Comparable to SES in mission, training programs, and resource libraries, but operating at a larger international scale across arts, culture, and entertainment.
• NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) — Entertainment Initiative: Major environmental non-profit with programs engaging Hollywood studios and the entertainment industry on climate, energy, and sustainable production. Comparable to SES in sustainability advocacy for the entertainment sector, though operating as a program within a much larger environmental organization.
• Producers Guild of America (PGA) Green Committee: Industry body initiative advancing sustainable production practices within the US producer community through guidance, resources, and events. Comparable in advocacy and knowledge-sharing role, though embedded inside a larger labor/guild organization rather than a standalone non-profit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sustainable-entertainment-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/sustainableproductionforum
• Xx.com/SPF_global
• Facebookfacebook.com/SustainableProductionForum

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sustainable Entertainment Society