Here Comes the Sun: Abbey Road Studios to run on renewable energy

The deal will see Ecotricity supply power powered by wind turbines and solar panels to four of Universal Music UK’s main London sites, including its Kensington High Street headquarters and Abbey Road Studios – the oldest recording studio specially designed in the world, famous for the eponymous album produced there by the Beatles.

“Universal is committed to sustainability, as are many of our artists, and we hope other organizations will follow our lead and take similar steps to power their operations with green energy,” said David Sharpe, director of operation of Universal Music U.

Universal recently earned three-star Creative Industry Green certification for its forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability.

Ecotricity founder Dale Vince believes more companies should follow in Universal Music UK’s footsteps by switching to green energy providers.

“Powering a business with green energy is the single biggest step a business can take to reduce emissions that cause air pollution and climate change,” Vince said. “By simply switching to green power, Universal Music UK will reduce the environmental impact of its own operations, while supporting Britain’s energy independence and green economy.”

disruptive force

A recent Sunday Times study identified Ecotricity as one of the UK’s most disruptive businesses. The research recognized Ecotricity as the world’s first “green” company, whose business model is creating a new market and “quickly taking market share from competitors”.

The Gloucestershire-based company’s latest foray into the UK renewables market has led to more than £12million in applications for its fourth mini corporate bond before last week’s deadline.

Ecotricity has overseen several projects over the past few months, including an on-site NHS wind turbine and ‘hybrid’ wind farms. Earlier this year, the company won planning permission to create some of Britain’s first hybrid energy parks, combining current wind farms with two new “solar farms” in Devon and Leicestershire respectively.

The energy supplier plans to build a 100-acre green sports and technology eco-park next to the M5, which could create more than 4,000 jobs in the emerging green economy. He also recently reached an agreement to buy an additional 3.1 million shares in rival renewable energy provider Good Energy, increasing his stake in the company from 5.58% to 24.85%.

George Ogleby