Cardiff Animation Festival is a brand that offers a range of resources, information, inspiration, and community for the animation, games, and VFX industries. With a focus on sustainability, the festival aims to support the transition towards a net-zero animation industry. Through their Green Cymru Challenge Fund, they have conducted research and development to understand the carbon emissions of these industries and identify the challenges and opportunities in reducing them to zero.

The festival found that the animation industry has the potential to lead the way in reaching net-zero emissions due to its relatively low carbon footprint. However, they acknowledge the main environmental impacts come from energy usage in office buildings and commuting emissions. While working from home can reduce the impact, it depends on the production pipeline used.

Recognizing the need for guidance and expertise, Cardiff Animation Festival aims to provide a central hub where businesses and freelancers can access relevant information, tools, and support. As government policies and legislation regarding carbon emissions are expected to change, the festival encourages the industry to proactively address this issue and become a driving force for sustainable practices. Furthermore, the festival acknowledges the evolving working practices after the lockdowns of 2020-21.

This presents an opportunity to consider hybrid models of office and home working that support carbon reduction journeys while also considering other factors such as wellbeing, equity, inclusion, and ecological concerns. To help businesses and freelancers in the animation, games, and VFX industries on their journey towards net-zero, Cardiff Animation Festival offers a roadmap, carbon footprint calculation tools, and ideas for easy wins and long-term goals. They also invite interested individuals to join their Planet Positive Animation Network on Discord for discussions and to reach out via email or call to learn more about their assistance in achieving net-zero emissions.

Join Cardiff Animation Festival in their mission to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious animation industry