Clean technology innovation is ramping up in New Orleans, with companies like Refresh Environmental taking root and the launch of a new venture fund focused on cleantech.
And now, New Orleans-based Second Line Stages, the city’s first state-of-the-art movie studio and nation’s first LEED Silver certified movie studio, is furthering its efforts in cleantech. Second Line just announced that it will offer biodeisel fuel to the region’s booming film industry.
Second Line has partnered with Golden Leaf Energy to offer the biodeisel, which is manufactured locally from spent cooking oil.
Diane Wheeler Nicholson, Director of Sustainability at Second Line Stages said “In 2010, the film industry in Louisiana generated over $450 million in revenue for the state, with more than $300 million generated in the New Orleans region alone. The industry continues to grow and fuel spends are a real part of a budget for every project. The production industry at the national level is committed to going green and the use of biodiesel helps to expand these ongoing efforts toward sustainability in our region. We are thrilled to be able to make it available.”
“Golden Leaf Energy is excited to be working with Second Line Stages. We commend Second Line Stages and their customers, Hollywood Trucks, Limo Livery and others for their commitment to alternative fuels and a cleaner environment,” said Troy Clark, Managing Partner at Golden Leaf Energy. “We are confident that this partnership will demonstrate the benefits and rewards of using locally produced alternative fuel to all fleets in the region.”
The fuel will be available at Second Line Stages, located at 800 Richard Street in New Orleans. Delivery of biodiesel is also available for productions shooting on location. Projects filming in the greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas can now save time and cut costs associated with repeated visits to pumping stations.
“As our film industry continues to grow, we applaud Second Line Stages’ continued efforts to provide cost effective and eco‐friendly options to productions,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “Film New Orleans, part of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy, encourages all productions to support sustainability in their production techniques and be mindful of their impact on the environment.” Hollywood Trucks, Louisiana’s largest, full‐service film fleet, was the first fleet to commit to using the B5 blend in their diesel vehicles. This program is available to all fleets. A sticker by the gas tank will mark the vehicle’s ability to take the fuel.