Climate and Sustainability Initiatives

At Terra Mater Studios, we truly believe that businesses have a role to play in reducing their environmental impact and using resources responsibly. This is why we continuously work to integrate environmental considerations into our daily operations and productions, with a focus on transparency and emissions reduction. We regularly review our activities and implement measures aimed at reducing their environmental impact.

As a company, we have already introduced many key initiatives which are highlighted below to achieve our goals.

Calculating Emissions

Working with certified green consultants, we have integrated the UN Sustainable Development Goals and scientifically evaluated emission reduction targets into our strategy. Our goal was to reduce our emissions by 50% before 2030: and we hit our ambitious target ahead of schedule in 2024. Our strategy has been developed in collaboration with Vienna’s University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Competence Center for Climate Change, and includes a systematic process for calculating our emissions.

A progress circle showing a 50% reduction, with text about achieving a 50% carbon footprint reduction by 2024 compared to 2019—an important step for any sustainable business. A photo of a tall leafy tree is on the right side.
Logo for OekoBusiness Wien features three squares in orange, green, and gray with a leaf icon, symbolizing a commitment to green business. The text reads Ausgezeichnet 2023 in bright green, with a leaf graphic at the bottom. The background is a green gradient.

Road to 2030

To help us achieve our ambitious aim of reducing our emissions by 50% by 2030, we created the Terra Mater “Road to 2030” initiative. This outlined the objectives we aimed to achieve by 2024, including general waste reduction, transitioning to 100% electric vehicles, prioritizing service providers with environmental certifications, and encouraging sustainable travel options – on international productions as well as the daily commute.

Certifications & Awards

In 2021, Terra Mater Studios obtained Ökobusiness Certification from the city of Vienna. This program helps companies to become “eco-businesses” by establishing emission reduction goals for a period of three years, thereby lowering their impact on the planet. In October 2023, we successfully completed the re-certification process. In recognition of our commitment to sustainable filmmaking, we were honored with the Viennese Energy Globe Award 2023 in the “Air” category, recognizing our efforts to implement green production practices and reduce production-related emissions.

Aerial view of a dense forest embodies a vibrant green business ethos, highlighting sustainability. The logo at the center features a stylized tree with a person as the trunk, accompanied by the text Terra Mater Studios in crisp white letters.
Three women in colorful clothing sit around a coal stove, engaging in a green business initiative. Focused and collaborative, they work together in a rural setting, surrounded by a brick wall and tools.

Supporting Communities

In 2021 and 2022, in addition to our emission-reduction measures, we supported the Forest Protection Kasigau Wildlife Corridor Kenya initiative, with CCBS Gold-level certification. We have since expanded our efforts to include support for Gauri Sankar and Siwalik, regions of Nepal that are at critical risk of deforestation and facing numerous challenges following the 2015 Gorkha. Establishing sustainable agroforestry systems in these areas also provides additional sources of income for local communities. In 2025, Terra Mater Studios supported a project in South Sudan that aims to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve local livelihoods with efficient cookstoves and compressed earth bricks.

Sustainable Development Goals

Reducing the environmental impact of our operations and productions is an important part of our strategy. We have therefore integrated five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are particularly relevant to our activities into our business processes.

Infographic titled "Goals for a Better World" highlights Sustainable Development Goals: 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) set against a vibrant green leafy background, inspiring green business practices.
A modern building covered in lush green vines, with large glass windows reflecting trees. Grass surrounds the structure, and a logo in the bottom right corner reads Natur im Garten with colorful imagery.

Sustainable Spaces

Our headquarters in Vienna are where (most of) the magic happens. Located in the green district Hietzing, our garden is certified by the “Natur im Garten” program, highlighting our dedication to biodiversity and  responsible garden management.

In summer 2021, we added an addition to our office building, for which we received the klimaaktiv Silber certificate, an official austrian certification standard for sustainable construction and renovation. The annex was constructed with a heavy focus on wood and glass, giving a warm and welcoming feel to our employees and guest. Climbing plants provide provide natural shading for the building and contribute to a more comfortable indoor climate.

These measures contribute to our ongoing efforts to improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions associated with our activites.