Global innovative climate solutions recognised at Ashden Awards ceremony

Innovators cleaning up the film industry and bringing jobs and clean energy to Africa have been recognised at this year’s prestigious Ashden Awards.

At the ceremony in London last night, the climate charity announced the diverse range of winner’s, celebrating these climate solutions which help people and the planet.

Four of the eight winners are based in Africa, where organisers are on the frontlines of climate breakdown, while three are based in the UK and one is from Southeast Asia.

Kakuma Ventures was one such winner, recognised for its efforts in bringing renewable energy and Wi-Fi to Kenya’s largest refugee camp, allowing for educational and job opportunities.

Harriet Lamb, Ashden CEO, said: ‘Ahead of the crucial COP27 climate talks in Egypt, global leaders should sit up, take notice and provide adequate funding to scale up or spread these magnificent examples of creative climate solutions.

‘These innovators, at home and from across the Global South, are stepping up and making a difference to those least responsible for, but most harmed by, the world’s multiple crises. They show that climate solutions are huge opportunities, opening doors to jobs and livelihoods and improving people’s daily lives.’

Other winners included SokoFresh, also based in Kenya, which supports farmers to get their fresh produce to market with solar-powered cold storage, eliminating food waste.

Togo’s Energy Generation and Zimbabwe’s Zonful Energy were declared joint winners for providing green skills and training to women and young people from rural communities.

ASRI in Indonesia also won the Ashden Award for Natual Climate Solutions, as the organisation works with indigenous communities to replant in deforested areas and reverse the effects of illegal logging.

In the UK, both winners came from the North-West, with Stockport-based VECTAR Sets creating sustainable, 100% recyclable and re-usable film sets for film and TV programmes, such as Coronation Street.

B4BOX from Greater Manchester won for its work in training disadvantaged communities in retrofit skills, creating jobs and boosting energy efficiency. ]

In Scotland, Renewable Parts was chosen to win the Energy Innovation award for refurbishing wind turbine parts to cut waste and boost the renewable energy sector. 

Ashden awarded 245 ground-breaking organisations since 2001, facilitating opportunities to meet funders, investors and policymakers so organisations can make the most impact.

Winners and runners-up were chosen by a panel of judges, including clean energy sector specialists, indigenous community representatives, refugees and funders.

Photos provided by Ashden