The new awards have been set up by the company after extensive feedback from clients that showed energy efficiency was at the top of the agenda for those in the education sector. As a business deeply rooted in driving the sustainable agenda, Rexel subsequently devised its own Rexel Renewables Awards programme which was opened up to all of its education clients as a way of recognising and rewarding their own advanced energy conscious practices.
The inaugural awards saw several entries from education establishments around the country seeking to showcase their dedication to green innovation; however, it was the University of Central Lancashire and Longfield Academy of Sport in Darlington that were the resounding winners.
The University of Central Lancashire has showcased exemplary innovative thinking through the installation of the Honeywell Evohome system, which is projected to reduce their energy consumption by up to 40 per cent in the Whitedale Halls building alone. Longfield Academy of Sport in Darlington has matched this level of innovation with an application that used Pavegen flooring technology, which converts waste kinetic energy from footsteps into renewable electricity.
After careful consideration from the panel of judges, it was decided that both institutions had taken impressive innovative steps in their dedication to energy efficiency, and provided a great model for other organisations to follow.
In recognition of their efforts, both institutions were awarded £5,000 by Rexel to spend on these projects which are designed to increase their energy efficient credentials even further.
The winners picked up their awards at a prestigious ceremony held on 4th February at the iconic Rexel Innovation Centre at Building Research Establishment (BRE) House, Watford.
Rexel national account manager and organiser of the Rexel Renewables Awards, Marc Roberts, said, ‘Given that this is the first year that we have held the Rexel Renewables Awards for the education sector, we have had an incredible response from our customers looking to showcase their energy saving credentials. It really is a testament to just how committed the education sector is in embracing green technologies – effectively setting an example for best practice for everyone when it comes to energy efficiency.
‘While all of the applications were strong, the judges were all in agreement that the two winners stood out in terms of their clever use of innovation and the ensuing reduced carbon usage and energy cost. We’d like to wish them both a very well deserved congratulations.’
Paul Tomany, managing director of the North Western University Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC), which supported the awards, comments, ‘The Consortium is very pleased to be part of this inaugural award, and commend Rexel for its commitment to providing energy saving solutions. The awards have helped to promote the importance of sustainability in the education sector, which is something we too are committed to, and we look forward to seeing more innovative applications for the awards in years to come.’
Applications for the next Rexel Renewables Award will be open from 1st April 2015.
For more information, please contact: Jamie.Whittam@rexel.co.uk
