From energy-efficient equipment to waste reduction and green building practices, recording studios are increasingly implementing sustainable practices that minimize their carbon footprint while delivering exceptional services to artists and filmmakers. Embracing eco-friendly practices in studios reduces environmental harm and meets the increased client demand for project sustainability.
Using energy-efficient equipment is a major area of focus for many recording studios going green. “The kinds of lighting we choose, the sound systems, and even climate control systems all have outsized environmental impact,” says Eileen Richardson, former owner of the iconic Evergreen Stage in Los Angeles.
As CEO of DiaDan Holdings, Richardson witnessed the transition to sustainability at the Evergreen Stage during their time of ownership (2010 to 2016). “We invested in equipment that uses less energy, such as LED lighting and low-energy sound systems, significantly reducing our overall energy use while still upholding the high production standards our clients demanded and deserved.”
The Evergreen Stage was once The Magnolia Theatre, a classic 800-seat Hollywood movie house that opened in 1940 and featured a landmark 170-foot pylon inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It was renovated extensively in the ’60s with an Italian marble facade and a new marquee, as well as upgrades like air conditioning.
But after closing in 1979 due to pressure from the multiplexes, the former silver screen was transformed into one of the city’s premier recording studios, featuring a 3,000-square-foot live room. The flexibility, high standards for recording quality, and access to vintage sound equipment made the studio popular with the music industry’s biggest stars.
In addition to doing the right thing for the planet, eco-friendly practices make studios an attractive environment for creators who are as committed to a sustainable future as they are. Today, many top artists insist on recording in sustainable spaces with state-of-the-art acoustics and energy-efficient technology. The Evergreen Stage and DiaDan Holdings were among the first to fully embrace this transition.
“Several of our clients were aware of their own environmental impact and wanted to collaborate with a studio that shared those values. By incorporating sustainability practices into our daily operations, we provided a space that supported both our visions,” says Richardson.
Two other music studios that have been going green are the Wamm Recording Studio in Atlanta and the Higher Elevation Studios in Nova Scotia. They’ve undertaken a number of sustainability measures, such as energy-efficient lighting, climate control, and sustainable materials in renovations. Their commitment to sustainability lowers the studio’s carbon footprint and attracts eco-conscious clients.
The shift to sustainability also means a big difference on the finance side. In the long run, energy-efficient studios save money on energy bills and operating costs. Moreover, many clients don’t mind paying extra for eco-friendly production spaces.
As more studios implement green practices, the recording and film industries will likely undergo more sweeping changes. With its eco-focused approach, the Evergreen Stage and DiaDan Holdings set an example of how studios can produce quality, innovative work while remaining environmentally sound.