TAKING ACTION TO REWARD THE BEST IN THE GREEN INDUSTRY

The Action Renewables Association Awards in association with Tughans and Travelwise NI were officially launched today.  Now in their fourth year, the awards recognise excellence and reward innovation by local companies who are leading the way with renewable energy technologies and sustainability and awareness raising initiatives. The awards are open to all companies throughout Northern Ireland who are showing their commitment to the development and growth of the ‘green’ industry locally.

The awards will take place in the new Titanic Belfast attraction on Tuesday 20^th March, 2012, one of a series of familiarisation events taking place ahead of the official opening on 31^st March, 2012. This has been agreed due to the environmental and sustainable nature of the awards which compliments the ethos of the new building. As part of the event guests will be given a personalised guided tour of the building’s green credentials,  as well as the opportunity to meet and speak to the designer of the building Angus Waddington of Todd Architects and enjoy a 4 course lunch.

Nine prestigious awards are up for grabs including: Best Energy Saving SME (sponsored by ESB IE Electric Ireland); Most Innovative Construction Project (sponsored by The Ardminnan Group); Most Innovative Renewables Installation (sponsored by Dimplex Renewables); Most Sustainable Travel Plan implemented by SME (sponsored by Travelwise NI); Renewable Energy Awareness Award (Best School) (sponsored by RES); Best Training Provider (sponsored by SummitSkills); Best Community Project (sponsored by brites); Best Planner: Renewable Energy Project (sponsored by Advent Wind), and Tughans will be presenting the Action Renewables Award for Outstanding Work in the Renewable Energy Sector in Northern Ireland.  

Companies are required to submit their entries by Wednesday 25^th January 2012 after which the experts at Action Renewables will shortlist the finalists along with judges Norman Aspley, CEO of Northern Ireland Science Park and Dr Geraint Ellis and Dr Stephen McKay both Senior Lecturers at the School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering in Queens University, Belfast.

Speaking at the launch Michael Doran, Director, Action Renewables said; “The Action Renewables Association Awards rewards exceptional projects and those people who are showing their commitment to the renewable energy and sustainability initiatives locally.  The awards have grown from strength to strength each year, which demonstrates the dedication from local businesses to the development of the ‘green’ industry in Northern Ireland. ”

Andrew Ryan, Partner and Head of Energy, Environment and Planning at Tughans added: “Tughans is actively involved in the Renewable Energy sector, advising businesses on issues including funding and financial incentives for renewables projects, planning applications and consents for new installations and commercial agreements for start-up technology companies. These awards therefore provide an ideal opportunity for us to show our support to local companies that are showcasing excellence within the fast moving ‘green’ sector.”

Andy Bready of DRD Travelwise NI added: "We are delighted to be supporting the Action Renewables Awards which recognise the measures that local companies are taking to reduce their negative effect on the environment. Travelwise works with businesses all around NI to help reduce over-dependence on the car for both commuter and business travel through its Workplace Travel Plans, supporting employers in encouraging sustainable travel alternatives to help relieve congestion, improve the environment and improve the health and wellbeing of staff. We hope that these awards will not only reward the excellence and innovation already existing in the public and private sectors, but also appeal to new companies to promote sustainable modes of transport.”