Public Servant Lifestyle

Johnny Borrell, lead singer of Razorlight, recorded a new song in support of The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth climate campaign, at the Europe’s only solar powered recording studio. The song has been recorded to highlight the solutions to climate change which exist and which could flourish if the Government introduces a strong climate change law.

The song was recorded in Studio A at The Premises in Hoxton, East London which is powered by eighteen solar panels. It is initially available to download for free from environmental pressure group Friends of the Earth.

On the day of recording Johnny Borrell joined Friends of the Earth on an eco trip around London to experience some of the solutions to climate change.

During the day the Razorlight front man supporting the FoE's campaign for a strong climate change law by:

Test-driving a Vectrix electric scooter - the first of its kind in the world. The high performance Vectrix scooter has a top speed of 62 mph and zero emissions

Recording his song - Funeral Blues - at Studio A

Preparing lunch with TV chef, Oliver Rowe at his restaurant, Konstam. Oliver sources most of the food used in the restaurant from within greater London - cutting down on food miles

Transport through the city was provided by Transport for London's diesel-electric hybrid double-decker bus and an Ecoigo hybrid taxi. The bus is a world first and emits up to 40% less carbon dioxide than its diesel counterparts

Micro-Generation Systems

Micro-generation systems - such as solar panels, small-wind turbines and renewable heating - have a key role to play in tackling climate change. They have the potential to provide over 100% of a building's energy needs with clean, renewable energy. And any surplus energy could be sold into the national grid. More than half of UK carbon dioxide emissions, the main climate changing gas, come from buildings.

Johnny Borrell said: “I really enjoyed recording my first solar powered song – the studio made tackling climate change easy. I’d like to see this sort of thing take off right across the UK. That’s why I support The Big Ask, Friends of the Earths campaign for a strong climate change law. A strong law will force the Government to make it easier and cheaper for everyone to make the most of solar energy – and the many other climate change solutions which are out there.”

The Director of Friends of the Earth, Tony Juniper said: “The Premises solar powered recording studio – used by Johnny to record his new song for Friends of the Earth - highlights just one of the ways we can tackle climate change. The studio is a one off - we need many more homes and businesses to follow suit if we are going to make the cuts in carbon dioxide emissions that are needed. The Government can help make this happen. To ensure they do we need a strong climate change law that commits the UK to cutting its emissions by at least 3% a year.”

Johnny Borrell said: "Working with Friends of the Earth on The Big Ask climate campaign has made me realise that climate change is a problem we can solve. The solutions to climate change exist - from solar power to electric bikes and locally sourced food - we just aren't making the most out of them. That's why I support The Big Ask, Friends of the Earth's campaign for a strong climate change law. A strong law will make sure the Government does all it can to help these solutions flourish."

Tony Juniper added: "Johnny has experienced some of the solutions to climate change which are out there - promoted by forward thinking individuals or businesses. However these solutions need to be main stream if we are going to make the cuts in carbon dioxide emissions that are needed. The Government can help make this happen. To ensure they do, we need a strong climate change law that commits the UK to cutting its emissions by at least 3% a year."

Photovoltaic Panels

Studio A where the song was recorded is the only solar powered recording studio in Europe. State-of-the-art and sustainable, it’s powered by photovoltaic panels, which convert light energy into electricity. In one year, the studio will use the same amount of power as it generates. Carbon-conscious artists who have already recorded there include Bloc Party, Hot Chip, Klaxons, Hard Fi, The Magic Numbers, Charlotte Church and Lily Allen - as well as Johnny Borrell. The FoE 'Big Ask' campaign is also supported by Radiohead lead singer Thom Yorke.

Friends of the Earth led the campaign for a strong climate change law. The Big Ask campaign is calling for a law that will commit the UK to cutting its carbon dioxide emissions by at least 3% every year.

The Government agreed to introduce a Climate Change Bill in November. However the proposed law is weak and will not ensure the UK plays its part in keeping global temperatures below danger levels. A strong law will force the Government to introduce a range of measures aimed at cutting emissions. This could include making it easier and cheaper for homes and businesses to use solar energy.

Visit the campaign website for more information on the activities of Friends of the Earth.

Photocredit: Balthazar Serreau/Friends of the Earth. Images are copyright Friends of the Earth. PSP Ltd is not responsible for the contents of external websites.

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