How to Get Started

Careful planning can make this possible. For example, if a fuel-efficient vehicle costs an extra $150/week, rent it for a position that will save $150/week in fuel costs. Examples include cast drivers, buyers, and location.

  1. Source fuel-efficient vehicles while budgeting for your production. Prioritizing crew positions that drive the most will have the most opportunities to save money and fuel. Typically, these are cast drivers, location scouts, and buyers.
  2. Request the most fuel-efficient option for all rentals. This may look like going from a large SUV to a midsize or compact car. It may look like renting a hybrid, plug-in, or full EV.
  3. Discuss with the department head and/or crew member. Some positions require larger vehicles, some do not. Ensure that the crew member feels that their logistical needs are met.
  4. Limit or eliminate idling. Discuss with all departments and identify means to reduce idling. For example, provide a temperature-controlled area for drivers to wait and avoid having to idle.

Who to Talk To

Read more about how to work with departments to help reduce vehicle fuel on your production.

Communication Guide

Quick Math to Measure Fuel Reductions for Vehicles

You are comparing fuel use to the car you have replaced. Example: Cast Car #1 is an EV SUV, replacing a Suburban V8 SUV.

Calculate the mileage driven by the vehicle:

  1. Record the starting mileage on Cast Car #1 when rented.
  2. Record the mileage at the end of the production (or as often as you’d like to track savings).

Use this tool to get mpg ratings and use the following formula to calculate:

  • # of miles driven at mpg rating of replaced car = # of gallons of fuel saved
  • # of gallons of fuel saved divided by 100 is (+/-) = # mtCO2e reduced.

For example:

  • The Chevy Suburban 4WD has a miles-per-gallon average of 16.
  • The EV SUV has driven 4500 miles over the course of the tracking period.
  • Had that been the Suburban 4WD:
    • 4500 miles driven divided by 16 mpg = 4500/16 = 281 gallons of gas.
  • Using the EV SUV has saved you 281 gallons of gas, which is approximately 2.8 mtCO2e.

Emissions equivalencies:

  • Approximately 100 gallons of fuel have been saved, reducing your production’s footprint by 1 metric ton of Carbon Emissions (1 mtCO2e).
  • 1 mtCO2e is the equivalent of 10 trees absorbing carbon dioxide for 10 years.

What Does Success Look Like?

  • Your crew considers and incorporates fuel-reduction opportunities in logistics planning.
  • You saved on your fuel budget.
  • Your cast can stay close to set in their climate-controlled, quieter vehicles.