28 July 2010 Schools called for entry in energy awards: Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy seeking green schools
The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy is seeking entries from UK primary and secondary schools that encourage the use of sustainable energy for 2011. In particular, it is looking for schools that have developed both an ethos and practice of sustainability, in which the responsible use of energy is a key component. Judges are looking for initiatives that can demonstrate they've made tangible energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to cash prizes of up to £20,000, the winners will receive a package of benefits and support including a short film about their work, tailored post-award support, introductions to policy makers and, in certain cases, funders. The awards will be presented at a London ceremony in June 2011. School applicants must ensure that sustainable energy has been a key part of the practice and culture of the school for at least one year and that it includes behaviour changes that save energy, curriculum developments and technical measures such as installation of energy efficiency and/or renewable energy technology. The school must also have both the capacity and the commitment to make sustainable energy more widespread. In 2010, two outstanding schools were UK Ashden Award winners. Okehampton College in Devon is heading towards carbon neutrality with an array of energy-saving activities both inside and outside the college gates. In Cornwall, St Columb Minor is driving energy use down - making eco pledges, and generating energy with wind and solar. See September's Education Executive magazines for full case studies with the schools. Sir David Attenborough, who presented the awards in 2010, commented: "These award-winners are champions at delivering practical ways of protecting our planet and its precious biodiversity through the use of sustainable energy. They are reducing carbon emissions and protecting local eco-systems, while improving the lives of the people they touch. They greatly deserve to be celebrated for their important role in tackling both climate change and poverty." For the full news article and to be taken to the website, click here | 
