At LAIKA Studios, renowned for iconic films like Coraline, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings, creativity isn’t just in the movies – it’s in everything they do, including their commitment to sustainability. This dedication to energy efficiency led them to partner with the Energy Trust of Oregon, a relationship that has brought about significant changes and savings.
Participation in Energy Trust’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) offering played a pivotal role in guiding LAIKA toward smarter energy use. SEM is more than just an offering; it’s a roadmap that helps businesses like LAIKA build a culture of energy awareness through workshops, employee engagement and behavior change strategies that uncover opportunities for savings. This approach empowered the studio to look beyond quick fixes and take a long-term view of energy efficiency.
“Energy Trust of Oregon provides the tools and guidance to help us reach our goals,” said Carla Chen, sustainability program manager at LAIKA.
As a result of their SEM journey, the team identified several impactful upgrades including a major evolution in their stop-motion animation setup: a shift to LED lighting. Replacing incandescent stage lights with LED lights has not only improved the working environment by reducing heat but also significantly cut energy consumption. The result? A more comfortable, productive space for employees, proving that energy efficiency doesn’t just save money – it enhances overall operations.
Beyond lighting, LAIKA has also made strides in upgrading their HVAC systems, resulting in more consistent and comfortable climate control across their facilities. By covering about 60% of the cost for LAIKA’s HVAC controls project upgrade, Energy Trust enabled the studio to achieve their sustainability goals without breaking the bank.
“The incentives are really a no-brainer,” said Jim Boicort, facilities building and equipment supervisor at LAIKA.
Ready to see how energy-saving improvements can benefits your business? Watch the video to learn more about LAIKA’s journey and discover how you can start your own path to energy efficiency by visiting www.energytrust.org/commercialSEM.