VMI TV has been honoured with the West London Business SME Green Business of the Year award at the prestigious awards ceremony in Twickenham on 29 January 2025. This accolade, in the inaugural year of the category, recognises VMI’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and industry-wide environmental leadership.
VMI’s sustainability journey was inspired by the Better Futures programme with Imperial College in 2021, which set the company on a path to achieving an ambitious net-zero emissions goal by 2030. Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 9, the company has implemented a series of transformative strategies targeting Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions—resulting in a remarkable 50% reduction in base-year emissions, achieved two years ahead of schedule.
Key initiatives driving this success include:
- Near 100% electric/electric hybrid delivery vans to cut transport emissions.
- 55KW of Solar panel installations at London and Bristol facilities.
- Enhanced insulation and LED lighting to improve energy efficiency.
- Zero-waste policies, ensuring all waste is either recycled or incinerated for energy recovery.
- 100% Renewable energy sources powering all operations.
By 2022, VMI had achieved nil-waste status, demonstrating its leadership in sustainable business practices.
Beyond internal sustainability efforts, VMI actively promotes eco-conscious practices across the film and media industry. Employees are encouraged to adopt sustainable lifestyles, with initiatives such as:
- Incentives for plant-based diets and sustainable commuting.
- Reduced air travel policies to lower carbon footprints.
- Collaboration with suppliers, clients, and competitors to drive sector-wide change.
Additionally, VMI spearheads an industry-wide sustainability group, fostering best practices and knowledge-sharing to encourage a collective transition to net zero.
The judges commended VMI’s approach, stating: “VMI TV’s comprehensive transition to net zero by 2030 is exemplary. The company has invested in solar panels, EVs, and bespoke innovations, demonstrating outstanding leadership in helping the wider industry achieve sustainability goals.”
Amidst significant challenges within the TV industry, VMI Managing Director, Barry Bassett, expressed pride in the company’s achievements, stating: “We are super proud to have been recognised for our efforts in decarbonising both VMI and the wider industry—especially during a time when many competing rental companies have struggled.”
With emissions reduced from 213T in 2021 to just 78T in 2023, VMI continues to set the standard for sustainability in the film and media industry. Through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, VMI remains at the forefront of the green transition, proving that business success and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
