VSME Approach and ESG Strategy: Feedback and Insights from Dreamwall Studio

In the audiovisual sector, the ecological and social transition is no longer just an option. Much like the initiatives driven by organizations like Ecoprod, taking action requires a structured approach. In the realm of animated image production and virtual productions, computing phases, secure data storage, facility management, and team mobility generate tangible physical impacts.

At Dreamwall, we have been working since 2020 on measuring and progressively improving our practices. Without claiming to be perfect, but driven by the desire to act clearly and measurably, here is where we stand in our VSME approach (sustainability reporting standard for SMEs) and the construction of our animation ESG report.

Located in Marcinelle on the historic site of Dupuis publishing, Dreamwall relies on a permanent team of about 80 full-time and fixed-term employees, supplemented by nearly a hundred freelance artists and technicians depending on the pace of productions and shoots.

The production of animated series, feature films, virtual sets, video mapping… demands sustained IT and energy resources: graphic workstations, local render farms, high-speed storage servers, and air conditioning for technical rooms. To address these challenges without burdening daily work, we are moving forward on two main tracks:

• An environmental action plan: reducing our energy consumption, extending equipment lifespan, and adopting more sober habits;

• Structured ESG tracking: developed with support from Charleroi Entreprendre. We rely on the European VSME framework, specifically designed to provide SMEs with a clear and accessible tool.

Our goal is simple: to offer our producer partners, broadcasters, and creative teams a transparent, well-managed, and pragmatic working environment.

To transform a company and anchor genuine SME corporate social responsibility, we must rely on verifiable facts and figures. Here is how we manage our initiatives:

• Dedicated internal steering: an internal focal point — Olivier Auquier, Art Director at the studio, has also served as Green Manager since undergoing training in 2021.

• External audits and diagnostics: To establish a neutral and independent assessment, our infrastructure underwent an audit by the Union Wallonne des Entreprises (UWE) in 2021, a technical evaluation by Workflowers in 2022, a comprehensive mobility assessment in 2023, and a consolidated low-carbon diagnostic in 2024.

• Carbon measurement with Carbulator: To calculate the studio carbon footprint of our productions, we use Carbulator, an industry-recognized carbon footprint calculator. Throughout 2025, we are testing and fine-tuning this tool across several series currently in production (notably Yakari and Inspector Croquette). This allows us to know precisely what each production stage consumes.

Analyses of our production pipeline highlight the central role of energy management and IT equipment. Streamlining measures have been deployed across the entire site.

3.1. Building Energy and Facilities

The Marcinelle site features 216 photovoltaic panels, generating electricity that covers about 10% of the overall annual needs of the building shared with Dupuis publishing. The additional electricity supplied to the studio has been covered by a guaranteed 100% renewable energy contract since late 2021. Thermal regulation of workspaces and the server room is managed by a centralized Siemens building management system (BMS), while the transition from traditional lighting to LED panels was completed in animation and circulation areas.

3.2. Operational Sobriety: The Bongo Pipeline Approach

In an animation studio adopting a VSME approach, animation digital sobriety isn't about doing without tools, but about making work smoother, more logical, and less resource-intensive. It is in this spirit that we created Bongo, our internal production tracking and management tool.

Developed by our R&D teams, Bongo simplifies the daily work of our artists while reducing technical impact:

• Fewer heavy transfers: Bongo allows artists to work directly on relevant files without relying on bandwidth- and energy-intensive remote access systems.

• Reusable tools: Instead of reinventing the wheel for every project, the tool relies on standardized modules. This prevents errors, secures data, and saves time.

• More time for creativity: By automating file organization and technical checks, Bongo frees artists from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on visual creation.

Learn more about our proprietary tools

3.3. Mobility Schemes and Travel Policy

Daily commutes and business trips account for a significant share of emissions. We have set simple rules:

• Third-party mobility payment: Direct 100% coverage of public transit subscriptions (SNCB, TEC, STIB) for all studio employees.

• Mobility budget: Option to convert eligibility for a company car into an individual mobility budget.

• Travel guidelines: Train travel prioritized for all business trips to accessible destinations in Western Europe (France, Netherlands, Germany).

• Work organization: Implementation of a structured hybrid remote-work framework aligned with production schedule phases, balancing team presence and travel reduction.

We prioritize local partners and reuse. Our 7 waste-sorting stations in the studio were built using reclaimed wood by the "Nos Pilifs" farm, an adapted work facility. Cleaning of our premises is entrusted to an ISO 14001-certified company using eco-labeled products.

For team meals, production meetings, or co-producer visits, we regularly turn to Carolostore, a network of local artisans in Charleroi. We provide reusable tableware sourced from the local Recycling Center (Ressourcerie), which has enabled us to eliminate the vast majority of single-use cups.

Drafting our first VSME sustainability report provides us with a clear line of conduct for the coming years:

Here are a few concrete action examples: