Green Business

We at Terra Mater Studios truly believe that we need to take responsibility for our planet. As a company, it is fundamental for us to shape our work and processes in a way that is clearly defined, transparent, and built for a sustainable future. We want to inspire others to be part of the solution too, by being aware of their impact on the environment and leaving behind a positive footprint.

As a company, we have already taken the following steps to creating a greener future for our business and our planet:

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 aim is to reduce our emissions by 50% before 2030: an ambitious target that helps us make a significant contribution to limiting global warning to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 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.

Image of a corporate carbon footprint report. On the left, a 44% green pie chart with text about the reduction in carbon footprint compared to 2019, showcasing our commitment to being a green business. On the right, a large green tree set against a clear blue sky.
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 2023, including general waste reduction, transitioning to 100% electric vehicles, engaging environmentally friendly service providers, and encouraging sustainable travel options – on international productions as well as the daily commute.

Eco-Certification

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, highlighting our efforts to reduce emissions and promote environmentally responsible film production.

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, we compensated all unavoidable emissions by supporting the Forest Protection Kasigau Wildlife Corridor Kenya initiative, as a result of which we attained 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 earthquake. Establishing sustainable agroforestry systems in these areas also provides additional sources of income for local communities. In 2025, we are proud to support a sustainability project in South Sudan that reduces CO2 emissions while improving local livelihoods.

Sustainable Development Goals

We aim to leave a positive environmental footprint and to reduce our emissions even before they occur. Aware of our impact on the planet, we have integrated five UN Sustainable Development Goals in particular into our strategy and 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 eco-friendly practices.

In summer 2021, we added an addition to our office building, for which we received the klimaaktiv Silber certificate. The annex was constructed with a heavy focus on wood and glass, giving a warm and welcoming feel to our employes. Climbing plants make this building even greener – and by providing natural shade even cooler to work in.

These measures underscore our ongoing efforts toward technological innovation and environmental stewardship.