On the heels of CBC announcing a carbon footprint requirement for English-language productions, Corus Entertainment has hired its first head of environment and sustainability.

Sheila Ritson-Bennett (pictured) takes on the newly-created role, effective yesterday (Nov. 22), and reports to Jennifer Lee, EVP and general counsel.

Ritson-Bennett will oversee Corus’ environment, social and government (ESG) strategy across the company, as well as provide legal counsel on social and policy matters.

Ritson-Bennett has worked in ESG policy for more than 15 years, with major financial institutions such as BMO and TD, and served as legal counsel for the government of Ontario’s Ministries of Natural Resources, Forestry and Energy. She has a graduate degree in climate change law and is the co-founder of the Climate Change Lawyers Network.

Several organizations within the Canadian screen industry have made efforts to increase sustainability measures in 2021, including the launch of the Ontario Green Screen Strategic Plan to introduce measurable sustainability goals for the province.

Last week CBC announced that, as of Jan. 3, 2022, original English-language production from independent producers with a budget of more than $400,000 must hit the “albert” carbon footprint standard.

On the producer level, Cream Productions has formed an in-house sustainability team as part of its efforts to be carbon negative, led by Angelica Siegel as sustainability strategy manager.