For poor communities in the developing world, local sustainable energy is life-changing. Gaining access to a reliable and clean source of energy means incomes increase and fuel costs are reduced; peoples’health improves from switching from polluting energy sources; and educational opportunities are expanded by having light in the evenings and access to the Internet.
The environmental benefits of using local sustainable energy are also immense. Carbon emissions are reduced by switching from biomass or fossil fuels to renewable sources, or by using energy more efficiently. And many sustainable energy programmes slow deforestation by reducing the demand on wood for fuel.
Ashden Award international winners are living examples of the benefits that derive from sustainable energy.
To build on our winners’ hard won success and help them move forward we provide support in partnership with other organisations that are also committed to promoting sustainable energy:
Business support and organisational development
We link our winners with partner organisations to help them reach their full potential.
Creating connections
We put our winners in touch with each other and with influential people and organisations that can help them grow.
Research
We commission research based on our winners’ experience and knowledge and feed it into sustainable energy policy and practice through policy makers, the media, partners and others who can effect change.
Events
We hold a wide range of events to ensure the views and expertise of our winners are shared with others.
Publicity
We publicise the work of our winners through a promotional film, PR at the time of the awards and then on-going media and profile raising support.
