Al Gore presents UK green energy pioneers prizes

In recognition of importance of ground-breaking initiatives in fight against climate change, former US Vice President Mr Al Gore, will present the prizes at the Ashden Awards ceremony.

The world's leading green energy prize, the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy, has selected a top cast of renewable energy and energy efficiency pioneers from across the UK to enter the final stage of the competition which takes place in June.

In recognition of the importance of these ground-breaking initiatives in the fight against climate change, former US Vice President Mr Al Gore, will present the prizes at the Ashden Awards ceremony held at the Royal Geographical Society, London, on 21st June.

The event will be hosted by Anna Ford and attended by grassroots, public sector and business enterprises from around the world, with an additional VIP event.

In a statement of support, Mr Gore said, "The Ashden Awards are a powerful reminder that well designed and managed local sustainable energy initiatives can tackle climate change while meeting the needs of local communities".

"Tackling these issues simultaneously - in both rich and poor countries - is critical to addressing the twin planetary challenges of climate change and sustainable development".

Eight contenders from the UK will compete in categories including Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Schools and this year's new addition, the Energy Business Award.

The UK finalists this year are:.

Ecotricity is a fast-growing electricity supply company rapidly making wind power a more popular and effective renewable energy option in the UK by working in close consultation with local communities, careful selection of wind farm sites and using the most efficient and reliable turbines.

Wood Energy is one of the UK's leading wood-fuel heating businesses, providing over a third of the country's total wood heat capacity and saving almost 12,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year through its boiler installations.

Cumbria Energy Efficiency Advice Centre is scaling up simple energy efficiency measures throughout Cumbria with an integrated and highly professional service offering advice, funding and insulation.

In just two years it has insulated the cavity walls of over 9,000 homes and provided loft insulation for over 5,000 homes, saving 12,500 tonnes of CO2 a year and reducing fuel bills by over GBP1.6 million a year.

ENWORKS based in Greater Manchester is using a unique online programme to help businesses in the North-West reduce their use of resources, cut their waste production - and make huge cost savings.

Almost 1,000 businesses are participating in the programme, saving them about GBP12 million a year from a total capital investment of only GBP5.5 million and reducing CO2 emissions by 18,000 tonnes a year.

Solarcentury is a beacon for the UK's solar power market, showing how attractive, flexible and easy to install solar PV can be, even in crowded urban areas.

It has designed and installed 550 solar systems across the country, meeting the rigorous standards of planners as well as clients.

Nottinghamshire County Council is pioneering a scheme to heat its local schools with sustainable wood pellets instead of coal.

Already, CO2 emissions have been reduced by 2,400 tonnes a year, providing a model for local authorities around the country.

Seaton Primary School in Devon lives out its school motto of 'Caring now for the Future', and is one of a few UK schools to install a range of renewable technologies.

A 2.5 kW wind turbine and a 4.7 kW PV array on the roof of the school hall supply electricity directly to the school and solar water heating panels heat the school's outdoor swimming pool.

Woodheys Primary School in Sale, Cheshire has an excellent programme of practical energy saving across the school, a high-quality curriculum developed in partnership with WWF, a range of energy efficiency actions which have reduced gas consumption by 30% and a solar PV array on the school roof.

"All the finalists were selected because they stand out as inspiring examples of how providing local sustainable energy solutions to reduce global carbon emissions can also reap tremendous social and economic rewards for local communities around the world, including the UK" says Sarah Butler-Sloss, founder and chair of the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy.

"This year, the question of how the world can most effectively tackle climate change is permanently on the agenda".

"We believe these projects are excellent examples of doing just that and deserve to be highlighted and used to inspire others".

Back to top