The winners of the Wales Sustainable Academy Awards were announced today at an Awards Ceremony in the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.  They included a University project that has used by-product from a popular food that can be used as a low salt flavour enhancer, a solar powered bench manufacturer, and a community company that put solar installations on nine Welsh sites.

Organised by Cynnal Cymru and RenewableUK Cymru, with Wales & West Utilities as its headline sponsor, the Sustainable Academy Awards celebrates sustainability excellence, innovation and leadership across Wales; and recognises work being done by individuals, community groups and the public sector, as well as small and large businesses.

The nine category winners were:

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION sponsored by Innogy
Meleri Davies from Gwynedd

 

SUSTAINABLE VENUE OR SPACE sponsored by CECA Wales
Newydd Housing Association / Eggseeds – Wales’ first solar powered bench
The bench is in the grounds of St Catherine’s Church in Pontypridd

 

SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT OR SUPPLY CHAIN sponsored by Arup
Aberystwyth University – BEACON
More taste, less salt, healthier lives

 

OUTSTANDING RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT sponsored by Welsh Government
Egni Co-op – Community owned solar

 

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Oseng-Rees Reflection, Swansea
Sustainable, Artisan, Fused Recycled Glass

 

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY sponsored by EDF Renewables
Under the Bridge – Milford Youth Matters – Milford Haven

 

OUTSTANDING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Greenstream Flooring, Porth

 

SUSTAINABLE EDUCATION OR TRAINING sponsored by Dŵr Cymru
Severn Wye Energy Agency – Our Future’s People – Powys

 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Paul Allen, Machynlleth

 

Mari Arthur, Director of Cynnal Cymru, said:

“The Sustainable Academy Awards ceremony is the highlight of my year, to be surrounded by so many people and organisations working practically to build a sustainable Wales is such an honour. It is important we have this public platform to celebrate their successes, to make sure they get the recognition they deserve, and for the public to see some important advancements in sustainable products and projects around Wales. I congratulate the winners, the finalists and every one working towards building a better world for future generations”.

Rhys Wyn Jones, Head of RenewableUK Cymru, said:

“This is my first experience of the Sustainable Academy Awards and it has been a privilege to be involved with them.  It is so fascinating to see the diverse range of projects that are happening.  Every entry is a fantastic demonstration of the sheer drive, enthusiasm and commitment that is helping to make Wales a world leader in working sustainability across a range of areas.  Special thanks must also go to our sponsors, without whom none of this would have been possible.”

Steven Edwards, Director of Wales & West Utilities, said:

“We are pleased to sponsor the Sustainable Academy Awards again this year. As an organisation working towards being zero carbon ready by 2035 we are keen to support and partner with other organisations working towards challenging sustainability goals. Only by working together can we achieve true sustainability.”