The Nordic collaboration behind the Nordic Ecological Standard (NES) has received the Sustainability Initiative Award at this year’s Global Production Awards in Cannes.
The award, presented by Screen International, recognises initiatives that deliver measurable results in sustainable film and TV production.
“This is an important international recognition of a long-term and strategic sustainability effort across the Nordic film industry,” says Kjersti Mo, CEO of the Norwegian Film Institute.
“Three years ago, the Nordic film institutes identified stronger Nordic collaboration on sustainability as a concrete strategic priority. This award demonstrates what can happen when we develop shared solutions across borders. We are proud to have helped create a common standard that makes sustainability an integrated part of how film and TV are produced in the Nordic region", says Mo.
NES is now being rolled out across the Nordic countries throughout 2026.
In its statement, the jury highlighted NES as a strong and innovative initiative demonstrating significant Nordic collaboration on sustainability across borders.
“The green transition requires practical tools and common standards that work internationally. Film and TV production increasingly operates across borders, and sustainability efforts must do the same. We hope this initiative can also inspire other regions to develop similar collaborations,” says Mo.
Picture of the award. Photo: Swedish Film Institute
NES has been developed by the film institutes in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland in collaboration with Nordisk Film & TV Fond, regional funds, broadcasters and industry organisations.
The standard covers six key areas:
• General requirements
• Transport of people and materials
• Energy consumption
• Accommodation and catering
• Material use
• Biodiversity
NES builds on experiences and best practices from countries including Germany and Austria and is currently supported by 34 Nordic funds, broadcasters and industry organisations.
The initiative also supports the Nordic Council of Ministers’ ambition of making the Nordic region the world’s most sustainable region by 2030.
