Higher Rhythm Recording Studio
Higher Rhythm Recording Studio, based in Doncaster, is one of Yorkshire's best known studio facilities managed by multi-award winning company Higher Rhythm Ltd. As well as a studio, Higher Rhythm runs the Circuit Records label, Sine FM 102.6 Radio Station and a variety of development opportunities for regional artists and studio engineers.
In 2008, Higher Rhythm voluntarily participated in a sustainable development project with Groundwork UK to audit the environmental impact of their services. This led to a commitment to go green, and the company developed practices around more effective recycling and use of energy, creating new responsibilities for staff members to monitor energy usage in the rooms they were conducting work in, and implanting a “when not in use, turn off at the wall” rule.
Environmental policy
Higher Rhythm's environmental policy is incorporated into their broader Sustainable Development policy, which is available through the staff intranet and aims to promote engagement with sustainable business practices, as outlined in the UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy (2005):
- Living within environmental limits;
- Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society;
- Achieving a sustainable economy;
- Promoting good governance; and,
- Using sound science responsibly.
To achieve this vision, Higher Rhythm seeks to:
- promote sustainable development within their educational programmes.
- improve performance in the use of sustainable energy, waste reduction and recycling, purchasing and fair trade, refurbishment and maintenance resources associated with the building, sustainable transport, and use of all resources.
- encourage staff to measure, and improve their use of all resources, including transport fuels, energy, water and paper.
Music free from mains, on the go!
Higher Rhythm's Outside Broadcasting Vehicle is used for their radio station, Sine FM, and for mobile location recording for studio artists. This custom coach-built Mercedes diesel sprinter was designed for working at festivals, events and community locations. During the design phase, the company invested in a solar panelled roof and an additional kinetic charging system for the batteries so that they recharge both when the vehicle is on the move and stationary.
The mobile studio is powered by 3 marine grade ‘glass mat’ battery units which are built not to degrade internally and hold charge more efficiently. In fact, they hold so much power that over a 5 day festival the vehicle can run computers, PA, recording rig, lights, showers and all, without running them down. During the two and a half years that Higher Rhythm have been using the vehicle, they've never needed to charge the batteries using 240v volts mains power.
Recycling
Higher Rhythm Studios recycle almost all waste having developed the internal facilities necessary to do so, and share a refuse area with Doncaster MBC. All paper, cans, bottles and plastics are recycled and the studio has a separate hopper for cardboard. This results in very little mixed waste. The recycling process is ‘policed’ by dedicated staff members who make sure that it is communicated to trainees, volunteers and clients.
Reducing energy use
Staff implement a switch off rule which involved turning off appliances and electronic devices at the wall when not in use. Practices such as these have seen their quarterly energy bills reduced by up to 10% in 2011.
