Northern Ireland Screen has announced an innovative partnership with Habitat for Humanity Ireland, encouraging film and television productions to donate surplus materials, props, and furniture at the end of filming. This collaboration aims to reduce waste, promote the circular economy, and foster sustainable practices within the region's thriving screen industry.

The donated items will be redistributed through Habitat for Humanity's social enterprise, Habitat ReStore, raising funds for local communities.

The recently wrapped Channel 4 production, In Flight, was one of the first to participate, donating reusable set materials and furniture, including desks, chests of drawers, and various homeware items.

Gavin Kelly, Facilities and Sustainability Manager at Northern Ireland Screen, said: “Northern Ireland Screen is encouraging productions to rethink what happens when the cameras stop rolling. All too often, high-quality sets, materials, and furniture are discarded and end up in landfill. Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity provides practical, impactful steps toward a more sustainable industry. Together, we’re making it easy for crews to build sustainability into every production, until it becomes second nature." Niall McConkey, ReStore Impact Manager at Habitat Ireland, welcomed the partnership: “We are delighted to partner with Northern Ireland Screen, connecting us with local film and television productions, working together to build a more sustainable world. Partnerships with local businesses enable positive impacts for local people, communities and the environment."

He highlighted ReStore's impact: "Last year, Habitat ReStores diverted more than 1,600 tons of reusable material from landfill, as well as helping 120,000 people to access low-cost materials and offering volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn new skills for employment. ReStore can help companies achieve ESG and recycling targets and supports Habitat’s impact in Ireland and around the world."

Sustainability is a core principle for Northern Ireland Screen, which aims to integrate environmentally conscious practices across all areas of the film and television sector, from set construction to skills development, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and minimising environmental impact. The organisation actively promotes sustainable production through education, industry engagement, and the endorsement of green standards.

This new partnership with Habitat for Humanity ReStore further solidifies Northern Ireland Screen's commitment to building a world-class screen industry that champions environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.