‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ Leaves Behind a Sustainable Legacy

From its first episode in 2010, the characters of Downton Abbey have been mindful of their legacy - and that sense of care and continuity extended behind the scenes during the making of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. As the beloved franchise prepared to bid farewell, the production aimed to leave a lasting legacy not only on screen, but also through sustainable practices behind the scenes.

The film participated in the NBCUniversal GreenerLight Program. In partnership with Carnival Films, Focus Features, and Universal, the production team brought together creative vision and thoughtful innovation to ensure the final chapter of Downton Abbey incorporated responsible production choices.

From prep through post-production, a dedicated Eco Department oversaw sustainability across the production - from energy and fuel to materials, transportation, and crew engagement. Implementing the studio's sustainable production standards helped the film avoid over 40% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions¹ and resulted in a footprint half the industry average for a film of its size. ²

Conserving Fuel

When filming on location, the team prioritized low-carbon energy solutions utilizing small batteries and hybrid generator units fueled with renewable diesel (HVO).

The production also piloted a green hydrogen fuel cell, offering a glimpse into the future of clean temporary power. Cast and crew toured the system, learned about the innovative technology, and sampled the filtered water produced as a byproduct.

The production used 13 electric vehicles and six hybrid vehicles to transport cast and crew. At Mortlake Brewery Studio, the team installed six temporary EV chargers and deployed six more at the unit base to support on-location charging throughout filming.

These efforts helped production avoid a third of its typical fuel consumption, reducing costs and supporting a quieter set.³

Reusing Materials

From costumes to props, the production of Downton Abbey consistently reused assets across its many chapters. For The Grand Finale, the team repurposed materials from previous Downton productions, rented when possible, and donated to local nonprofits at wrap - including construction materials, carpets, fabrics, and bedding. At the end of production, the team donated costumes and materials to local nonprofits while also gifting over 150 cubic yards of set pieces to an outdoor museum for continued use.

The production used a three-bin waste system to help sort recyclables and compostables, while catering eliminated single-use items in favor of reusables. Additionally, coffee grounds were saved for gardening, and extra food was transformed into snacks and later meals.

Engaging Cast & Crew

Cast and department heads attended a sustainability masterclass, and many opted to car share, bring reusable items, and reduce trailer energy use. The cast and crew also raised funds, matched by the studio, for a charity that creates and maintains green spaces at healthcare facilities across the UK.

Just as the Crawley family cared deeply for the Downton estate and its people, the production took care to ensure its final chapter reflected that same sense of responsibility - through thoughtful, sustainable production practices.

¹ Emissions avoided is determined by comparing the production's Scope 1+2 market-based carbon footprint, including the usage of low carbon fuels and fuel reduction efforts like hybrid and electric vehicles, grid ties, and batteries for production power, to a pro-forma Scope 1+2 market-based carbon footprint calculated with only fossil fuel-based fuels, standard vehicle usage, and additional diesel generator usage.
² Industry average is based on film Scope 1+2 emissions published in the "Carbon Emissions of Film & Television Production 2020-2022" by the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance.
³ Avoided fuel consumption is determined by comparing the production's fuel usage to a pro-forma scenario that assumes only fossil-fuel based equipment and excludes any fuel-saving technologies such as batteries, hybrid generators, green hydrogen, grid ties, or hybrid and electric vehicles.