2023 Ashden Awards: seeking organisations powering a fairer future

Entries open for the 2023 Ashden Awards: climate prize will power a fairer future

With a focus on natural climate solutions and wider access to clean energy, entries are open for the 2023 Ashden Awards. The eight awards announced today will supercharge climate innovation creating a fairer future – three of which are relevant to UK organisations.

The awards are seeking trailblazing, empowering initiatives in the UK and low-income countries. Winning innovation will tackle inequality as well as the causes and effects of global heating. More than 200 businesses, charities and public sector projects have been boosted by an Ashden Award since the prizes were launched in 2005.

Applications open on 18 January and close on 8th March, with winners announced this autumn after a rigorous judging process. Entry is free, and winners receive a grant of up to £25,000, publicity, and connection to new funders, investors and partners.

UK Awards focus on energy innovation, land management and community protection of nature

Three UK awards will put the spotlight on energy innovation, training in sustainable land management, and initiatives helping communities protect and restore the natural places around them.

Dr Stephen Hall, Ashden Head of Awards, said: “Our zero carbon future must be a fair one. That means good green jobs for all, bringing communities closer to nature, and making sure every family can heat their home without breaking the bank. It’s a vision the whole country can get behind – which is vital if we’re going to make it to net zero with the urgency required.”

“Up and down the UK – from our farms and forests to business parks and community centres – pioneers are already carrying out work that can inspire others or be scaled up for greater impact.

“If you’re a trailblazer creating a fairer zero carbon future, or you know someone who is, please spread the word or apply to the 2023 Ashden Awards.”

“Hugely helpful” – past winners share their stories

Guru Systems won an Ashden Award in 2020, for its work creating innovative hardware and data analytics platforms for heat networks, gas boilers and heat pumps.

A Guru Systems in-home display. A ‘Hub’ is installed in residences connected to a heat network, to capture data from the existing heat meter and wirelessly sent to Guru’s Pinpoint software, where it is analysed. A similar ‘Hub’ can be installed on gas boilers and heat pumps allowing landlords to remotely monitor boiler efficiency and performance as well as detecting damp and mould, it allows. Credit: Guru Systems

Spokesperson Georgina Orso said: “Winning an Ashden Award has been a hugely beneficial experience for Guru Systems. It helped to raise our profile and strengthen our credibility with investors. Since receiving the Award, it’s also been great to be part of a vibrant alumni network which has helped to increase our reach to new markets and audiences.” The business used its prize money to create marketing materials and videos targeting prospective clients and employees.

2021 winner, The Welcoming in Edinburgh, Scotland won its award for its work supporting ‘new Scots’ – refugees, migrants and asylum seekers – with food growing and cooking, home energy savings and waste reduction. Chiara Puppi, Green Futures and Befriending Manager, said that winning the Ashden Award “opened up a new level of networking” for them within and beyond Scotland, which improved their ability to fundraise, build useful partnerships, as well as run specific community food projects, befriending schemes, and provide Home Energy support in languages needed.

How can organisations apply?

Organisations should visit the Ashden website to find application forms, detailed descriptions of each award and the award process, and award criteria. The website also features more about past winners and the benefits of winning an award.

2023 Award categories in the UK

The Ashden Award for Community Nature Adaptation will boost inclusive schemes supporting UK communities to tackle the dangers of flooding, heat stress and water scarcity.
The Ashden Award for Skills in Sustainable Land Management will target colleges and others enabling alternatives to extractive farming, waterways management and land use in the UK.
The Ashden Award for Energy Innovation will seek out UK organisations ready to create major impact in areas including heating, manufacturing and digitalisation.