Sustainable Industry

Ecological sustainability means utilizing natural resources while ensuring their availability for future generations. Sustainability means maintaining the resilience of the environment and aims to minimize the negative impacts of human activities on the climate, biodiversity, and ecosystems.

In the audiovisual sector, ecological sustainability can mean travelling by land, using renewable energy, reducing energy consumption, sourcing and building through circular economy, or increasing the use of plant-based food. Environmental sustainability is not just about concrete actions, but also about how the industry can influence attitudes and behaviour more broadly: incorporating ecology in screen content and stories can raise public awareness of environmental issues and promote more sustainable practices in the broader society. 

APFI’s role is to provide information on the ecological aspects of the industry and productions, and to offer ways to promote sustainability. From 2021 onwards, this has meant providing statistics, training and tools, and working closely with stakeholders in the sector. 

Social sustainability refers to maintaining and strengthening conditions for well-being for future generations. In the context of corporate responsibility, social responsibility refers to the impact of a company’s actions on its employees, stakeholders, and on society. The basis of socially responsible activity is the respect for human dignity and individual rights. Key aspects include the right to be treated equally, fairly, non-discriminatorily, and with respecting and protecting privacy. Cultural responsibility also takes into consideration practices, traditions, and languages related to different cultures. 

Socially responsible management incorporates the values of social and cultural responsibility and views employees as long-term assets for the company. In a responsibly managed company, employees are well, motivated, creative, and committed, which, in the long term, increases the company’s competitiveness, profitability, and positive image. 

At APFI, socially sustainable development is promoted by providing information, offering training, and conducting various development projects. APFI’s member companies are committed to complying with statutory employer obligations and APFI’s code of conduct, which includes respecting each individual’s value, promoting employee well-being, fair treatment of employees, and ensuring that no form of harassment or discrimination is tolerated in the workplace. APFI’s notice form allows reporting if a member company has failed to adhere to these principles, or has for example neglected to address misconduct or harassment. 

The Avaus Responsibility Project has focused especially on promoting equality, employee well-being, and responsible leadership in the audiovisual industry.

Economic sustainability refers to a fair economic system or the responsible and sustainable use of resources by a company. In terms of corporate financial responsibility, key aspects include complying with regulations, paying taxes, preventing bribery and corruption, and maintaining effective internal control. 

Responsible financial management and governance provide a foundation for companies’ social and ecological sustainability, helping them prepare for future challenges. The social dimension of economic sustainability includes financial responsibilities related to people, such as employee costs, leave, vacations, and contractual practices. Its ecological dimension considers the use of natural resources, the circular economy, and ecological thinking in general. 

APFI’s member companies are committed to fair treatment of business partners and transparency with stakeholders, as well as striving to meet the ethical, legal, commercial, and public expectations related to the industry.