StreamSCAPES

Acronym:  StreamSCAPES
Title: Driving Sustainable Climate Transition of Video-On-Demand Platforms at a Time of Transformation

Can you provide a brief overview of the StreamSCAPES project and its primary objectives?
StreamSCAPES aims to drive the sustainable climate transition (SCT) within Video-On-Demand (VOD) platforms. VOD provides a very convenient way for a growing number of users to access audiovisual content but we believe VOD platforms can play a strong role in supporting SCT. The project focuses on addressing sustainability challenges by mapping current practices, identifying gaps, and piloting innovative solutions. It emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to develop tools like a carbon footprint calculator applied to video streaming, a certification system for sustainable practices, and policy recommendations aligned with the European Green Deal and the European Industrial Strategy.

How will you make VOD platforms more sustainable?
The project intends to turn VOD platforms more sustainable by:

• Developing tools like the Green Streaming Tool (GST) and Green Production Tool (GPT) to measure and mitigate the environmental impact of streaming activities.
• Creating a pilot SCT VOD certification to standardize and promote sustainable practices.
• Designing business clinics and dashboards for carbon footprint transparency.
• Encouraging industry stakeholders and policymakers to adopt low-carbon business models and sustainable operational practices.

How does StreamSCAPES fit in the European Green Deal?
The European Green Deal is the European Union's roadmap to make its economy sustainable by achieving climate neutrality by 2050. StreamSCAPES aligns with the European Green Deal by:

• Supporting the EU’s goals for decarbonization and sustainable industrial practices.
• Promoting cultural policies that link environmental and social dimensions of sustainability.

Addressing environmental impacts in the CCIs and proposing frameworks that balance climate urgency with cultural and creative outputs.
 
What role does VUB play in the StreamSCAPES consortium, and what are some of its key contributions?
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is one of the four academic partners, contributing its expertise in mapping industry practices, developing sustainability metrics, and piloting tools for the SCT. VUB works closely with other consortium members to:

• Support the development of the GST and GPT.
• Conduct surveys and stakeholder interviews to gather industry insights.
• Facilitate workshops and stakeholder engagement to co-develop sustainable practices.

What will be the broader impact of the StreamSCAPES project?
The project seeks to:

• Transform VOD platforms into models of environmental sustainability within the Cultural and Creative Sectors.
• Inspire policy and industry innovation for the green transition.
• Equip cultural professionals and youth with tools and knowledge to support SCT.
• Promote environmental awareness across European audiences and stakeholders.