Kevin McCloud, presenter of Channel 4's Grand Designs speaking at the 2012 Ashden Awards ceremony
The annual Ashden Awards ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London is a highlight of the calendar for many supporters of sustainable energy. The packed auditorium holds several hundred representatives from the business, academic, investor, charitable, professional, policy and media spheres who describe the evening as 'inspiring” and “uplifting”.
Every year we invite a leading global figure to give the keynote speech, with contributions from other VIPs. The event is hosted by broadcast journalist, Anna Ford. During the evening short films on the winners are broadcast, followed by presentation of the Awards. A private reception is held for special guests.
The awards are given in different categories, with an overall UK Gold Award and an overall International Gold Award for our contenders from the developing world. In 2011 we will make our first award for a sustainable travel initiative.
Since 2001, we have been honoured to have world-leading figures as guest speakers: HRH Prince Charles, Ms Wangari Maathai, Mr Al Gore, Sir David Attenborough, Dr Kandeh Yumkella, David Cameron MP, Hilary Benn MP, Greg Barker MP, Lord May of Oxford and Dr RK Pachauri.
"No one can attend an event like the Ashden Awards and fail to be inspired. What impresses me most about these projects is that they truly are becoming the change that is needed in the world. These Awards tell us how to illuminate the path to a sustainable future together."
Al Gore, former US Vice President speaking at the Ashden Awards ceremony, June 21 2007.
