Sustainable video production refers to a holistic approach in the design and production of video content, which particularly focuses on reducing negative impacts on the environment.
The Livestream Studio at Munich’s Ostbahnhof combines professional equipment with innovative sustainability concepts. Through the use of energy-efficient LED lighting and power-saving camera systems, first-class image quality is achieved with significantly reduced energy consumption. The clever room layout combines production areas with office spaces: This avoids the unnecessary space requirements of classic large studios without compromising comfort or technical capabilities.
For us, sustainability doesn’t stop at the studio door. The central location right at Ostbahnhof makes your arrival as easy as it is environmentally friendly: Guests and teams can reach us conveniently by S-Bahn, U-Bahn, or regional trains – which not only saves time but also automatically makes every production more climate-friendly.
In this article, we’ll show you what concrete steps lead to more sustainability in the livestream sector without having to compromise on quality.
LED Lighting as the Foundation for Energy Efficiency
Lighting is often the biggest power consumer in the studio. Our LED lamps with softboxes and additional LED panels show how modern technology pays off.
The main advantage lies in efficiency: LEDs produce the same brightness as conventional halogen lamps but use only a fraction of the energy. Additionally, they generate hardly any heat, which drastically reduces cooling requirements.
For individual backgrounds, we use a reusable trade fair system: only the fabric is exchanged, resulting in less waste. The used backgrounds are stored for recurring customers and reused in the next livestream. Alternatively, we rely on green screen technology, which works completely without printed backgrounds and offers maximum flexibility.
Professional PTZ Cameras for Energy-Efficient Recording
Modern camera technology like our Canon CR-N500 PTZ cameras shows how functionality and energy efficiency can be combined. PTZ stands for “Pan-Tilt-Zoom”, meaning cameras that can pan, tilt, and zoom. A major advantage of this technology is that a single PTZ camera can replace multiple static cameras.
Through remote-controlled positioning, various perspectives can be used without having to set up additional hardware. This reduces both space requirements and power consumption.
Clever Workflows Reduce Energy Consumption
The difference between sustainable and wasteful studios often lies in daily habits. Monitors and mixing consoles in standby mode consume surprisingly a lot of power. A complete shutdown after each production adds up to significant savings over the year.
Smart lighting control also makes a big difference. Instead of illuminating the entire studio evenly and very brightly, experienced technicians only light up the areas that are really needed. This targeted lighting has a double advantage: It lowers power consumption and simultaneously improves image quality through deliberately set shadows and contrasts.
Such optimizations show that sustainability and professionalism go hand in hand. Studios that pay attention to energy efficiency often work more technically precise and achieve better results.
Optimization of Transmission Technology with Professional Software
For livestream production, we use vMix Pro, a software for live video mixing. The bitrate determines how much data is transmitted per second. A higher bitrate means better quality but also higher energy consumption. With vMix or with our hardware encoders, such as the Kiloview P3, an optimal compromise between quality and efficiency can be found.
Modern video codecs, i.e., data compression methods, work much more efficiently than older standards. They can transmit the same image quality with less data. This saves not only energy but also bandwidth.
Small amounts of data are particularly noticeable when the livestream is played out to a large number of participants. With participant numbers beyond 1000 viewers, a considerable amount of server performance is required, resulting in high power consumption.
Sustainable Materials and Modular Concepts
Green Event Technology describes the approach of designing event technology in an environmentally friendly way. This includes durable materials that can be used in versatile ways. Modular setups can be used for different productions instead of building new elements for each event.
Reusable elements not only reduce waste but also save costs. A well-designed modular system can be quickly adapted to various requirements. This saves time during setup and makes productions more flexible.
The choice of materials also plays an important role. Recyclable materials and those from sustainable production protect the environment. Often, these materials are also more robust and durable than cheaper alternatives. Supply chains must also be considered: Choose materials from responsible production, products that are manufactured without child labor and comply with European environmental standards.
Economic Benefits of Sustainable Production
Sustainability and economic efficiency often go hand in hand. Energy-efficient devices save electricity costs. Durable materials need to be replaced less frequently. Modular systems can be used in versatile ways and amortize faster.
Many customers appreciate environmentally conscious work and deliberately choose providers that focus on sustainability. This can be an important competitive advantage. At the same time, operating costs decrease, which directly affects the profit margin.
The transition doesn’t have to involve large investments. Often, small adjustments are enough to achieve noticeable improvements. Replacing lighting or optimizing workflows can already bring significant savings.
Comprehensive Sustainable Package
Beyond technology, we focus on regional cycles: For catering in our studio, we work exclusively with partners from the Werksviertel – freshly delivered on foot, without long transport routes. This way, we support the local economy and simultaneously reduce our CO₂ footprint.
Individual Solutions for Every Studio
Every studio has different requirements and possibilities. What works in a large production studio doesn’t necessarily fit a small setup. That’s why individual consultation is important to find the right solutions.
Depending on the size, there are various adjustments that can be made.
When planning new studios, sustainable concepts can be integrated from the start. This is often more cost-effective than later retrofits and leads to better results. We are happy to advise you on the various options and help you find the optimal solution for your requirements.
Do you want to make your livestreams more environmentally friendly – without losing quality? Then contact us now! We will find the optimal balance between sustainability and performance for your requirements.
