Search Begins For The 2017 Sustainable Energy Pioneers

The 2017 Ashden Awards has been launched today and Ashden are calling for entries, initiating an opportunity for sustainable energy pioneers in the UK, developing countries and emerging economies to be awarded global recognition for their efforts.

Established in 2001, the Ashden Awards are a globally recognised measure for excellence in the field of green energy. Entry is free and the process will culminate in a total of £170,000 being awarded among up to 11 winners at a prestigious ceremony at the Royal Geographic Society in central London on 15 June 2017. The closing date for entries is 8 November 2016.

Ashden also provides winners with a wide-ranging package of support, tailor-made to their needs and which could include business advice, introductions to investors, help with communications and sharing of expertise through an elite alumni network.

In the UK Awards category for 2017, Ashden is particularly interested in energy storage and smart grid technology, as well as examples of businesses, projects or programmes that have found innovative ways to reduce pollution in urban areas by making transport more sustainable. Ashden is also looking for applicants working on the reduction of demand for energy in buildings, whether domestic, commercial or public sector.

Ashden also wants to hear from trailblazing sustainable energy enterprises and programmes from developing countries and emerging economies that are increasing access to sustainable energy and improving lives, while protecting the environment.

There is a new Powering Business Award for 2017 recognising efforts by enterprises or programmes which provide or use clean energy or energy efficiency in the provision of goods and services through business activities, for example in the agricultural, commercial and industrial sectors.

According to Rachel Kyte, CEO of Sustainable Energy for All and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, who gave the keynote address at this year’s Ashden Awards:

“I was incredibly impressed and moved by the Ashden Awards, not only by the winners but also by the whole atmosphere and the buzz in the room. That the awards are domestic as well as international is meaningful in a world of universal Sustainable Development Goals. The energy poverty in the UK is heart-breaking in addition to the huge effort we have ahead of us globally.”

For further information and to apply for a 2017 Award, visit http://www.ashden.org/apply/

Or contact the Awards Administrator: + 44 20 7410 7023, email: ukapps@ashden.org