Our Impact
Ashden accelerates climate action
Ashden creates stronger, greener communities and economies in the UK and Global South.
How? We start by bringing grants, publicity and insights to small businesses, social enterprises and community organisations. This powers up climate action with social impact – like cheap and clean energy for everyone, or nature schemes that protect us from floods and heatwaves.
As well as giving our partners tailored support, we help them learn from and collaborate with each other. Then, we showcase their innovation and success to policymakers and funders, driving systemic change.
What unites our fantastic partners? Their work always tackles the climate crisis and creates wider benefits, from new jobs to better health. That’s not all: the solutions we boost are always inclusive, tailored to their place and local needs, and designed to build a fairer world.
Unlocking finance for climate innovators
Since the first Ashden Awards in 2001, our showcasing and technical assistance have helped enterprises secure tens of millions of pounds in investment and funding. In 2025, our support helped two innovators – Gogo Electric and Salpha Energy – secure investment totalling £3.4 million.
“The Ashden Award win has been absolutely instrumental in raising the profile of what we’re doing and getting our message out there, to the people who matter.”
Reg Platt, CEO, Emergent Energy, UK
Solutions on the frontline of the climate crisis
We give flexible, tailored support to local organisations and small businesses in refugee settlements and tropical forests. This groundbreaking approach boosts their impact, and showcases a better model of climate finance. So we can build lasting solutions to poverty, inequality and climate change. In 2025/26, we will give grants and technical support worth £1.45 million to these innovators, and others sparking access to affordable clean energy.
“The support we received from Ashden changed everything… for the first time we were trusted to decide what works best for us.”
Bajirenge Blaise Pascal, clean energy entrepreneur, Kakuma Refugee Settlement (Kenya)
Advocacy for climate related systemic change
In early 2026, Ashden policy recommendations were adopted in three UK government strategies: The Warm Homes Plan, The Local Power Plan and The Education Estates Strategy. We create policy impact with digital campaigns, publications, events, and one-to-one engagements. In Kenya our Power Up campaign sparks access to clean, affordable energy.
“Don’t underestimate the power of the Ashden Awards to inform the broader policy community.”
Rachel Kyte, UK Climate Envoy
Powering local climate action in the UK
We bring knowledge and connections to those powering local and regional climate action in the UK. Our learning networks, events and site visits inform councils, community groups and other key stakeholders. In 2025, more than 500 professionals gained insights through our adaptation network – while more than 1,250 took part in our Energy Learning Network, which drives action and innovation in local energy.
Britain’s biggest school climate campaign
Let’s Go Zero is Ashden’s campaign for all UK schools, colleges and nurseries to be zero carbon by 2030. It’s backed by a quarter of schools and works directly with government, driving change across the education system – from parliament to the playground. We’ve supported climate action at 7,500 schools: helping them lower their energy bills and emissions, improve young people’s access to nature, cut waste, inspire students and promote green careers. And we’ve helped schools access £1.8 million in external funding.
“We’ve made great progress, and this has only been possible because of Let’s Go Zero.”
Jenny Ayres, Operations Manager, Botley School (Oxfordshire)
Partnering for impact
Our impact relies on partnerships with committed, mission-aligned funders and supporters. Partners who believe in inclusive solutions for a fairer world, and who are keen to benefit from insights and connection to exciting climate innovation.
Interested in partnership?
Through our support for Ashden’s awards we have helped to back some of the UK’s most innovative early-stage companies, and our colleagues have benefitted from many opportunities to share expertise with and learn from their peers.”
Ian Simm, Founder and Chief Executive, Impax Asset Management
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