The call for entries for the 2018 Ashden Awards is now open, offering sustainable energy pioneers in the UK, developing countries and emerging economies the chance to receive global recognition and up to £20,000 each for their efforts.
New this year is a UK Award celebrating organisations which are helping to transform the UK energy market by encouraging or creating the conditions for decarbonisation of the UK energy system, for example through peer-to-peer trading, local supply, 100% renewable tariffs or modifying demand for energy.
In the International Award categories, there is a new Sustainable Energy and Health Award recognising organisations making a direct improvement to people’s health or supporting health service provision through use of sustainable energy. This could include innovations that are reducing indoor air pollution; using clean energy to provide safe drinking water or adequate sanitation and hygiene; and providing sustainable electricity for powering vaccine refrigerators for example or sterilising medical equipment.
We also want to hear from trailblazing sustainable energy enterprises and programmes that are improving energy access in areas where markets for sustainable energy products and services are under-developed and energy access rates are low, including in humanitarian settings. Rapid urbanisation is another key theme with an International Award for Sustainable Transport and Mobility.
Entry to the Awards is free and 10 winners will be unveiled at a prestigious ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in central London on 14 June 2018.
Only awarded to the very best exemplars in their field, an Ashden Award can have a transformative effect on the growth and revenue of winning organisations. As well as the prize money, we provide winners with a wide-ranging package of support, tailor-made to their needs, which can include business support, introductions to policymakers, potential funders and investors, and sharing of expertise.
To find out more about the potential impact of winning an Ashden Award, watch this three minute video featuring 2015 Award winner Demand Logic.
The deadline for entries for the 2018 Ashden Awards is 7 November 2017 at 11.59pm GMT.
