Disney Studios Australia's Landmark Solar Achievement
How Disney Studios Australia (DSA) made Australian screen industry history by becoming the first operating film studio to go solar.
SSA member Disney Studios Australia (DSA) has made Australian screen industry history by becoming the first operating film studio to go solar. Installing an impressive 460kW system across five buildings, this achievement represents a pivotal shift towards sustainability in Australia's entertainment sector.
The secret to DSA's success? The combination of a dedicated Green Team, strategic planning, ongoing stakeholder engagement, and the drive to balance cultural preservation whilst embracing sustainable innovation. This landmark installation doesn't just power buildings, it powers the future of sustainable filmmaking in Australia.
The solar initiative began with the establishment of the DSA Green Team in 2019, when Business Affairs Coordinator, Matilda Finckh said solar energy "felt more like a pipe dream than a practical option." The project drew inspiration from Disney's broader sustainability commitment and other forward-thinking businesses that had embraced solar technology. As the team noted, witnessing these "bold steps toward sustainability showed what's possible and encouraged us to push even further with our own initiatives."
The final 460kW system spans five buildings: a 60kW system on Building 34, 100kW systems on Building 36 and Stage 2, and a combined 200kW installation across Stage 5 and Stage 6.
The solar installation forms part of a comprehensive sustainability program including electric vehicle charging stations, LED set lighting for production, water tanks, and 15 dedicated recycling streams achieving an impressive 85-90% landfill diversion rate. No stone is left unturned, even down to the on-site worm farm! DSA not only borders 140 acres of film-friendly parklands, but has a huge amount of trees and greenery throughout the site, an environment that promotes wellbeing and connection to nature. This holistic approach demonstrates how studios can create meaningful environmental impact across all operational areas, and drastically reduce the impact of their client’s productions.
Disney Studios Australia views this installation as a foundation for expanded sustainability efforts. The team aims to "build on the momentum of this solar initiative by exploring further opportunities to integrate renewables across the site, reduce our environmental footprint, and align more closely with long-term sustainability goals." Read more about their longterm goals here.
"Bold steps toward sustainability showed what's possible and encouraged us to push even further with our own initiatives."
By successfully navigating heritage constraints and infrastructure challenges, DSA has transformed what was once considered "a pipe dream" into large-scale renewable energy adoption that is both feasible and essential for meeting their ambitious 2030 Net Zero goals. This achievement extends beyond a single studio's operations and shows how the screen industry can meaningfully contribute to Australia's renewable energy transition while maintaining production excellence, paving the way for widespread adoption across the sector.
Read about how other SSA members SBS and Docklands Studio are approaching renewable energy here.
