Sustainability policy
Company Statement
At Those Guys Make Sets, we are deeply committed to environmental sustainability and passionate about reducing our ecological footprint while delivering outstanding set construction services to the film & television industry. We recognise that our work carries an environmental impact, which we pledge to continually minimise. We aim to lead by example within the sector, promoting sustainable material use, energy efficiency, waste reduction and community engagement.
We believe that sustainable practices are integral to strong business performance, long-term viability, and social responsibility. As a young company we are committed to being as innovative as possible to make sustainability more financially viable and not just to view it as a box ticking exercise. We are dedicated to staying up to date with governmental policy and to research bespoke ways to improve upon existing practices. Consequently, we embed environmental considerations into every aspect of our operations: Through this policy we define our standards, responsibilities and goals for sustainability.
Index
Scope & Purpose
Roles & Responsibilities
Sustainable Materials Usage
Workshop & Office Energy Efficiency
Transport, Commuting & Logistics
Waste, Recycling & Reuse
Community Engagement & Donation of Used Sets/Materials
Monitoring, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
BAFTA Albert Membership
Review & Approval
1. Scope & Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that environmental considerations are built into our practices, reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, maximise reuse and recycling, and work with our community to up-cycle materials rather than send them to landfill. This policy applies to all of our operations: our workshops (Birmingham and London), the storage facility (Birmingham), office functions, transport and logistics, construction of sets for film/TV clients, and all staff and contractors engaged by Those Guys.
2. Roles & Responsibilities
The Company Director is ultimately responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy.
The Sustainability Coordinator (or appointed staff member) will track performance, report progress, advise on materials, and champion improvements.
Workshop managers (Birmingham and London) must ensure that carpenters, painters, plasterers, sculptors and others follow the policy in day-to-day work.
All employees and contractors are responsible for following the sustainability practices set out here, reporting issues (e.g., waste, inefficiency) and suggesting improvements.
3. Sustainable Materials Usage
3.1 Wood & Timber
We commit to sourcing timber from FSC-certified or similarly sustainably managed forests (or recycled/reclaimed timber) whenever possible.
Preference will be given to softwoods (e.g., sustainably sourced pine, spruce) when structural use demands, or rapid-growth species and certified stock, to reduce pressure on slow-growing hardwoods.
For trim, detailing or visible surfaces where hardwood is specified, we shall use reclaimed hardwood or certified hardwood only.
We will keep accurate records of timber specification, source, certification and reuse potential (for e.g., off-cuts stored for future use).
All timber off-cuts, defective pieces or surplus stock will be separated and stored in our Birmingham storage facility (see Section 7) for reuse in future productions, reducing the need for new material and preventing disposal to landfill.
3.2 Other Construction Materials
For carpentry, plastering, painting and sculpting, we will evaluate materials for sustainability (recycled content, minimal toxic additives, ease of disposal).
Where MDF, plywood, or chipboard are required, we will specify those with high recycled content and low formaldehyde emission ratings (E1/E0) and avoid types that cannot be recycled.
For props or scenic elements requiring plywood or panel board, we will plan for reuse or refurbishment rather than one-use.
3.3 Sculpting Materials (Polystyrene, Fibreglass, etc.)
Recognising that our sculptors must use materials such as polystyrene foam and fibreglass, we commit to using only the minimum necessary volumes and specifying closed-cell or expanded foams that are easier to recycle (or take back) when available.
Polystyrene: off-cuts and waste foam will be collected separately and, where feasible, sent to specialist foam‐recycling facilities rather than general waste. If disposal is unavoidable, ensure legal hazardous-waste protocols are followed.
Fibreglass/resin composites: pieces will be evaluated for reuse in future sets. If disposal is required, waste will be stored securely, labelled and disposed of via authorised waste contractors in compliance with UK regulations for composite fibre waste.
Sculptors will be trained in safe handling of resins, catalysts and solvents, and in proper waste segregation (see Section 6).
3.4 Painting & Finishing Materials
Painters will use low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, water-based systems or those with high sustainability credentials wherever client specification allows.
All paint containers, thinners, solvents, and cleaning fluids must be stored in labelled, sealed containers, in appropriate storage (see safe storage below) to prevent leaks or vapour release.
Empty paint cans, partially used containers, used rags/solvent wipes must be segregated: used solvents must not be poured into general drains; they must be collected by approved hazardous-waste contractors.
Paint brushes, rollers etc should be cleaned using designated wash-stations that capture waste-wash water for recycling or disposal by qualified contractors.
Surplus paint should be returned to suppliers or charities if viable or stored for reuse rather than new purchase.
All finishing materials (varnishes, lacquers, specialist coatings) must be assessed for environmental impact and disposal route before specification.
3.5 Safe Storage Practice
All materials (timber, panels, polystyrene, fibreglass, paints/solvents) must be stored in designated areas in the workshops: dry, ventilated, free from ignition sources, labelled clearly, with spill-kits and containment trays where necessary.
Flammable or solvent-based materials must be stored in flame-proof cabinets or compliant storage, with appropriate signage.
Material inventory must be maintained so surpluses are identified quickly and reused rather than over-purchased.
Off-cut storage bins (timber, foam, fibreglass) must be clearly marked, and staff must be trained in separation and reuse routes.
4. Workshop & Office Energy Efficiency
4.1 Lighting, Heating, Electrical Use
Both our Birmingham and London workshops and offices use LED lighting (motion-sensors where possible) rather than conventional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, to reduce energy consumption.
Heating systems are maintained efficiently: e.g., modern boilers or heat pumps where possible, thermostats optimised for occupancy, and robust insulation of workshop and storage facility.
Offices implement “switch-off” policies: computers, monitors, printers and other electrical equipment to be turned off when not required; workshop machinery to follow scheduled shutdowns rather than idling.
We will undertake periodic energy audits (at least annually) to identify opportunities for improved insulation, equipment upgrades, or behavioural change (e.g., storing set-build processes to reduce heating demand).
Wherever possible, we will procure electricity from renewable or green-tariff suppliers.
Machines (saws, CNC routers, dust extractors, compressors) must be serviced regularly and switched off when not in use; staff must be trained to minimise idling, use appropriate size machines for job tasks (avoiding oversized power use) and ensure dust‐extraction units are efficient.
4.2 Workshop Efficiency & Layout
The layout of both workshops will be organised to reduce wasted movement, minimise transport of heavy materials within the facility, and optimise workflow to reduce machine run-time.
Material stock will be located to minimise re-handling and reduce forklift or other vehicle usage inside workshops.
Where feasible, natural daylight will be used; blinds and insulation will minimise heat gain or loss.
Offices will adopt digital workflows to reduce paper use; reuse of print‐stock and double‐sided printing will be default; recycling bins for paper and card will be placed in accessible areas.
5. Transport, Commuting & Logistics
5.1 Employee Commuting
Recognising that some staff travel between our London and Birmingham workshops, we encourage the most sustainable modes: rail travel for longer distances rather than single-occupancy car journeys; car-sharing.
We will provide or promote cycle-to-work schemes, secure bike storage and showers at both sites (where feasible) to encourage cycling or public-transport commuting.
We will review and incentivise public-transport passes or season tickets for staff rather than reimbursing high-emission individual car use.
5.2 Delivery of Sets to Studios
For delivering built sets from either the Birmingham or London workshop to client studios, we will plan consolidated loads to minimise the number of journeys, use low-emission vehicles (Euro 6/EV where available), and optimise routing using software to reduce mileage.
Where feasible, we will choose “back-haul” logistics (i.e., combining set delivery with return trips or consolidating with other shipments) to reduce empty-vehicle kilometres.
Material deliveries to our workshops and storage facility must similarly be consolidated, scheduled to avoid multiple small shipments, and use suppliers committed to low-emission transport (electric vans/efficient trucks).
We will maintain a log of journeys for set deliveries and materials transport to monitor fuel use and emissions and identify options for switching to cleaner vehicles or methods.
5.3 Supplier & Sub-contractor Engagement
We will engage suppliers and transport sub-contractors who can demonstrate low-carbon practices (fuel-efficient fleets, EV use, carbon-offset programmes).
We will negotiate scheduling to reduce unnecessary trips, ensure drop-off/pick-up points are optimised, and favour local sourcing (within the UK) to reduce import-rail/road emissions.
6. Waste, Recycling & Reuse
6.1 Material Reuse & Storage
Our Birmingham-based storage facility will be used to store used sets, off-cuts, surplus materials, and decommissioned scenic elements for reuse in future productions. This circular-economy approach reduces raw-material purchase, avoids waste, and offers cost-savings.
Each set decommissioning will trigger review of materials for reuse: timber, metal frames, panels, foam cores, fibreglass castings, paintable surfaces, props. Where reuse is not viable internally, we will donate or recycle via community projects (see Section 7).
Off-cuts from carpentry (timber, panels) will be stored and labelled; unusable pieces will be processed via timber recycling contractors rather than general waste.
Foam and fibreglass waste from sculpting will be segregated and tracked (see Section 3.3).
Paint, solvent and chemical waste will be collected and disposed via authorised hazardous-waste outlets; records of disposal will be kept.
6.2 Recycling in Workshops & Offices
Clearly labelled recycling bins will be provided throughout workshops and offices for paper/cardboard, metals, timber off-cuts, plastics, foam, glass, cans.
Employees will receive training on correct segregation of waste stream items (e.g., clean wood vs painted/contaminated wood, composite materials vs pure metal, etc.).
We will track recycling tonnage and landfill diversion rates annually.
Consumables such as printer cartridges, toner, lightbulbs, batteries will be recycled via approved schemes.
Office-kitchen consumables (cups, utensils) will be reused where possible; single-use plastics will be phased out.
6.3 Minimising Carbon Emissions & Footprint
We will maintain and publish an annual estimate of our company’s carbon footprint (Scope 1 & 2 at least) and set targets to reduce it year-on-year.
Waste reduction is integral: by reusing set elements and materials we lower the embodied carbon of our builds; by choosing sustainable materials we further reduce upstream emissions.
We will ensure documentation of material sources, reuse rates, recycling rates and transport mileage to allow improvement planning.
7. Community Engagement & Donation of Used Sets/Materials
7.1 Partnerships & Local Charities
Those Guys will collaborate with Birmingham-based charities and organisations to donate usable set materials, furniture, scenic elements or off-cuts that we cannot reuse internally. For example:
Upcycle Birmingham
Social enterprise based in Castle Vale, Birmingham.
Collects unwanted furniture and household items, repairs and resells at affordable prices.
Provides volunteering, training and employment opportunities.
Website: https://upcyclebirmingham.org.uk/
Ladywood Furniture Project
Charity supporting individuals & families on low income in Birmingham by providing affordable, good quality furniture.
Also helps local people develop employment skills via volunteering.
Website: singleparents.org.uk/organisation/ladywood-furniture-project-birmingham/
Birmingham City Mission (Resource Centre)
Via their Resource Centre, they distribute furniture, white goods and other essentials to people struggling financially in Birmingham.
Accepts donations of furniture and helps people moving into accommodation to access basic furniture packs.
Website: https://www.birminghamcitymission.org.uk/resource-centre
The Wood Shack (Jericho Wood Recycling)
Social enterprise specialising in waste wood collection (pallets, off-cuts, timber) throughout Birmingham and nearby areas.
Offers reclaimed timber for sale and runs workshops to up-skill people in using reclaimed wood.
Website: https://www.jerichowoodshack.uk/sustainable-wood-recycling
CT Furniture & The ReUsers Shop
Charity that collects donated furniture in the West Midlands and sells at affordable prices.
The “ReUsers Shop” at Sutton Coldfield Household Recycling Centre rescues, restores and sells second-hand items (including furniture, garden, etc).
Website: https://www.birmingham.veolia.co.uk/community/ct-furniture-and-reusers-shop
Friends of Handsworth Park – Community Garden
Created a community garden in Handsworth Park, Birmingham; while not solely furniture up-cycling, community garden projects often involve up-cycled wooden structures, benches etc.
Useful contact if you’re interested in up-cycling timber for garden furniture.
Website: https://www.handsworthpark.co.uk/community-garden
Warm Earth
Community gardening project in Birmingham. Among their activities: up-cycling wooden pallets into furniture.
Provides inclusive volunteering, skills development in outdoor and timber-upcycling activities.
Website: https://www.warmearth.co.uk/
Veolia – Tyseley Reuse Shop
Operated in partnership with Community Reuse and Birmingham City Council at the Tyseley Household Recycling Centre, Birmingham. Accepts furniture for reuse.
Let’s residents donate unwanted furniture and household items for reuse instead of landfill.
Info: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/50277/household_recycling_centres/2583/donate_your_unwanted_items
7.2 Donation & Up-cycling of Sets
At decommissioning of a production, Those Guys will evaluate which set elements or materials can be donated or repurposed for community use rather than disposed. E.g., large wooden panels, scenic timber, props, furniture items.
Donated items will be recorded (what, where donated, when) and the social/community value noted (e.g., how many pieces given to local schools, community arts projects etc).
Our storage facility near the Birmingham workshop will host available materials and set elements for donation or internal reuse. This facility is a vital sustainability asset: by holding decommissioned sets and surplus materials centrally, we reduce the need for new purchases and avoid sending materials to landfill.
We will incorporate a schedule of community drop-off days and co-operate with charities to make hand-over efficient (truck/van consolidation, minimal transport emissions).
7.3 Supporting Circular Economy & Skills
When working with local charities, we will seek opportunities to support up-cycling workshops (e.g., refurbishing donated scenic timber for community furniture, teaching local volunteers simple carpentry/painting skills).
TGMS may host or sponsor a “set-material reuse” open-day or partner project with local art schools, community centres or regeneration initiatives, particularly in Birmingham, to reinforce our sustainability commitment.
8. Monitoring, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Those Guys will maintain a Sustainability Dashboard that records: timber purchase volumes (new vs reclaimed), foam/fibreglass waste quantities, paint/solvent hazardous-waste volumes, transport mileage and fuel/energy use, recycling tonnages, reuse tonnages, donations to community partners.
On an annual basis, the Director and Sustainability Coordinator will review performance against targets, identify areas of improvement, and set the next year’s objectives (e.g., “reduce raw-timber purchase by 10%”, “switch 20% of site deliveries to electric vehicles”, “increase reuse rate of decommissioned set elements by 15%”).
We will publish a summary of our performance internally (to all staff) and share key achievements externally (e.g., via website or client-communications) to demonstrate accountability.
Staff training will be reviewed annually: ensuring all new joiners receive sustainability induction; refresher training for carpenters, painters, sculptors on safe materials handling, waste segregation, equipment use.
We will keep abreast of technological and materials innovation in set-construction (e.g., bio-composite panels, recyclable foam alternatives) and update our materials-policy accordingly.
Any incidents (e.g., spillages of solvent, improper disposal, excessive waste) will be logged, investigated, and corrective actions taken.