The 5th edition of the Video Mapping Festival ended at the end of October 2022.
In the current energy context, and following the increasing number of questions from the public and partners about the energy consumption of such an event, it seemed necessary to look into these questions before tackling the next edition.
Here are some insights into mapping!
How much energy does a video mapping consume?
The projection of a video mapping requires high-powered equipment which can seem very energy-consuming.
As an example, here are the data that we have collected regarding the energy consumption of a “classic” mapping (on the facade of a city hall, a church, etc.), which requires the use of 2 video projectors of 30 000 lumens, a server and a sound system.
For a 1-hour projection:
. Videoprojector 30 000 lumens: 4,5 kWh ; that is for 2 videoprojectors: 9 kWh
. Broadcast computer + control room tools: 0,2 kWh
. Sound system: 2,76 kWh
Overall, a 1-hour video mapping projection consumes about 12 kWh.
Sources: data collected from our equipment’s constructors.
The projection of a mapping benefits several hundred people (even several thousand for some events).
The equivalent consumption per person would therefore be approximately:
. 0.024 kWh per person for a showing in front of 500 people
. 0.012 kWh per person for a showing in front of 1 000 people
Some comparative data
• Watching television during 1 hour consumes about 0.125 kWh.
The 12 kWh consumed by a classic mapping would be equivalent to around 100 televisions turned on for 1 hour.
Sources: https://www.futura-sciences.com/maison/questions-reponses/electricite-peut-on-faire-1-kwh-12751
1 hour of viewing on a streaming platform consumes about 0.48 kWh (low range, for viewing on a wifi TV).
25 people watching streaming content for 1 hour would therefore consume as much as a classic mapping.
Sources: https://anticiper.org/transition/consommation-energie-streaming-video.php
It should be noted that these data relate to television and streaming alone, without considering heating, home lighting etc.
• It is difficult to measure the impact of entertainment venues because many factors are involved (heating, air conditioning/ventilation, stage lighting, sound, etc.) and vary according to the type of show or venue. Moreover, the data is rarely communicated.
According to the information we were able to gather, a 650-seat venue uses about 120 000 kWh per year (mainly through the heating and ventilation system of the venue). If it is estimated that the venue hosts a minimum of 150 events per year (average of 3 shows per week), this corresponds to an energy consumption of approximately 800 kWh per event.
For further information…
The energy impact of video mapping is therefore relatively low.
We could also consider the fact that a video mapping projection leads to energy savings, particularly in terms of urban lighting (switching off public lighting and nearby signs for better showing conditions); or that the participation of the public in such an event allows them to save energy compared to what they would have used if they had stayed at home (screens, lighting, heating, etc.).
Besides, the Rencontres Audiovisuelles association, organiser of the Video Mapping Festival, is committed to a sustainable development approach.
In connection with the progress initiative which began in 2019 (supervised by the APES), the carbon footprint of all the organisation’s actions was calculated in 2022. The result is a precise action plan, applied to all actions and events, which is currently being implemented. The teams (permanent and temporary employees) are made aware of these issues.
In addition, carbon emissions will now be offset by investing in environmental projects.
In light of this data, we are pleased to announce that we are serenely preparing the 2023 edition of the Video Mapping Festival, and look forward to seeing you at our events!