Nature guardians and clean energy pioneers: meet the 2024 Ashden Award winners
The winners are driven by epic climate ambition and the search for climate justice. They’re lowering emissions and building a fairer world, with smart, inclusive solutions for the UK and Global South. Leading the way to a future where green businesses thrive, nature flourishes, and communities own and enjoy the benefits of climate action.
Learn more about our winners below.
Charging up our green energy future
Solar-powered microgrids for flats. Residents share the benefit of lower bills, while housing associations and others can lower their carbon impact for less.
Unlocking potential and tackling energy poverty
Award prize: £25,000
Supported by: UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Salpha produces made-in-Africa solar home systems, and helps households and businesses switch on to clean power, by giving customers access to affordable loans and finance.
SunFi makes solar technology more affordable – with apps and services for consumers, solar companies, and the lenders that can fuel Nigeria’s clean energy revolution.
Local manufacturing company GOGO Electric (formerly Bodawerk Ltd) contributes to the skilling and employability of managers, technicians and motorcycle operators in the Ugandan e-mobility sector, fostering a green transition in the transport industry.
Solar Sister has supported more than 10,000 woman entrepreneurs to launch businesses selling solar products – creating opportunities for them, and access to clean power in their communities.
Sparking clean energy for all
A groundbreaking partnership bringing clean power and lower bills to South Yorkshire, with older people among those enjoying the benefits.
A groundbreaking initiative to heat an entire village through a single hot water network. The scheme is a partnership between residents and Cambridgeshire County Council.
SELCE installs clean energy technology in schools, leisure centres and other community buildings, lowering their bills and emissions. Money raised from energy generation support SELCE’s energy advice work, helping residents tackle fuel poverty.
The Tea and PV project is giving dozens of Methodist churches – big and small, urban and rural – guidance and support to install rooftop solar. This inclusive project is also showing church communities the impact and potential of clean energy.
Power Station are turning a North East London street into a hub of community power generation using art, storytelling and public engagement to inspire similar action and innovation.
Supporting grassroots pioneers to tackle the humanitarian energy crisis.
Award prize: £25,000
Supported by: Part funded by The Linbury Trust & JAC Trust, NextEnergy Foundation & Alan and Babette Charitable Fund.
Patapia, an organisation founded by refugees, helps displaced women take out affordable loans to buy clean energy products. Smart tech and strong community links make Patapia’s work a success.
The OffGridBox is an all-in-one solution that brings refugees safe drinking water, internet access, and solar power for their homes and businesses. Local women can earn an income as trained BoxKeepers – taking care of daily operations and maintenance.
Growing natural climate solutions
Defending and empowering Indigenous communities
Award prize: £25,000
Supported by: UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
UCRT has helped 120 Indigenous communities establish and defend their land rights, and earn a sustainable living from their territory. 1.5million hectares have been protected so far.
TFRD fights poverty, and protects ecosystems and endangered species, for the benefit of local communities in rural Cameroon. The organisation supports eco-tourism as the path to a sustainable future.
Celebrating inclusive, community-led transformation in the UK
Award prize: £10,000
Supported by: The Lund Trust
In the heart of the Lake District, this project from the RSPB and United Utilities is breathing new life into trees, waterways and peatlands. Restoring a damaged landscape brings benefits for wildlife, water quality, and local communities.
Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods nurture a precious urban green space, working closely with diverse groups of local people. Their work lowers flood risks and boosts biodiversity, while bringing residents closer to nature.
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