Climate charity Ashden has called for funders, investors and policymakers to step up support for proven climate solutions. Speaking at the 2024 Ashden Awards ceremony, CEO Ashok Sinha said the winning organisations and their peers risked being “left in the wilderness” without more backing to scale up their work.
The line-up of winners revealed in London last night (Thursday 27 June) features businesses, social enterprises and charities, from the UK and Africa. Their achievements include bringing clean power to refugees in Uganda and older people in Northern England, and restoring nature in the UK and Tanzania.
Sinha said their success proves it’s essential that action on social inequality and progress to a zero carbon future go hand-in-hand.
He explained: “People in positions of power and influence should know: this stuff works. These are exactly the kind of innovations that we're going to need to avert the climate catastrophe, but also make sure people are able to lead much more healthy and prosperous lives.”
Sinha said their success proves it’s essential that action on social inequality and progress to a zero carbon future go hand-in-hand.
He explained: “People in positions of power and influence should know: this stuff works. These are exactly the kind of innovations that we're going to need to avert the climate catastrophe, but also make sure people are able to lead much more healthy and prosperous lives.”
The ceremony took place at London’s Institution of Engineering and Technology. It was a flagship event of London Climate Action Week.
Winning organisations are either delivering clean energy solutions or protecting and restoring nature. The Ashden Awards recognise inclusive solutions that deliver a wide range of benefits, from new jobs to community resilience, as well as lowering emissions.
The first Ashden Awards were given in 2000. Winners receive a grant and publicity, as well as connection to investors, policymakers, and other potential partners. They are chosen by panels of expert judges including academics, entrepreneurs, journalists and others.
This year’s winners included Uganda’s Patapia. The organisation offers affordable loans that help women in refugee camps buy solar products such as lights – and also use clean energy to launch their own business.
Co-founder Geoffrey Omoding said: “We've gotten more opportunities out of this than we would ever have thought. First of all, we are going to use the award to go on and finance more women entrepreneurs.
“I know that everyone at home is very proud of what we've been able to achieve. But this award doesn't go to us. It goes to those women.”
Winning organisations are either delivering clean energy solutions or protecting and restoring nature. The Ashden Awards recognise inclusive solutions that deliver a wide range of benefits, from new jobs to community resilience, as well as lowering emissions.
The first Ashden Awards were given in 2000. Winners receive a grant and publicity, as well as connection to investors, policymakers, and other potential partners. They are chosen by panels of expert judges including academics, entrepreneurs, journalists and others.
This year’s winners included Uganda’s Patapia. The organisation offers affordable loans that help women in refugee camps buy solar products such as lights – and also use clean energy to launch their own business.
Co-founder Geoffrey Omoding said: “We've gotten more opportunities out of this than we would ever have thought. First of all, we are going to use the award to go on and finance more women entrepreneurs.
“I know that everyone at home is very proud of what we've been able to achieve. But this award doesn't go to us. It goes to those women.”
The 2024 Ashden Award winners
Ashden Award for People’s Energy
Energise Barnsley
A groundbreaking partnership bringing clean power and lower bills to South Yorkshire, with older people among those enjoying the benefits.
Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (UK), supported by Impax Asset Management
tepeo
tepeo’s Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB®) is a plug-n-play replacement for existing fossil fuel boilers, that works with a hot water tank to deliver low carbon and low-cost home heating.
Ashden Award for Nature Based Solutions, supported by the Lund Trust
Wild Haweswater
In the heart of the Lake District, this project from the RSPB and United Utilities is restoring a damaged landscape which in turn brings benefits for wildlife, water quality, and local communities.
Ashden Award for Powering Futures in Clean Energy, supported by Linkedin
GOGO Electric, Uganda
Uganda’s GOGO Electric (formerly Bodawerk Ltd) contributes to the skilling and employability of managers, technicians and motorcycle operators in the Ugandan e-mobility sector.
Ashden Award for Energising Refugees and Displaced People, supported by the Linbury Trust, NextEnergy Foundation, Alan & Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund and the J.A.C Trust
Patapia, Uganda
Patapia, an organisation founded by refugees, helps displaced women in Uganda take out affordable loans to buy clean energy products. Smart tech and strong community links make Patapia’s work a success.
Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Salpha Energy, Nigeria
Nigeria’s Salpha Energy produces made-in-Africa solar home systems, and helps households and businesses switch on to clean power, by giving customers access to fair loans and finance.
Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Ujamaa Community Resource Team, Tanzania
Ujamaa Community Resource Team has helped 120 of Tanzania’s Indigenous communities establish and defend their land rights, and earn a sustainable living from their territory. 1.5million hectares have been protected so far.
Ashden Award for People’s Energy
Energise Barnsley
A groundbreaking partnership bringing clean power and lower bills to South Yorkshire, with older people among those enjoying the benefits.
Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (UK), supported by Impax Asset Management
tepeo
tepeo’s Zero Emission Boiler (ZEB®) is a plug-n-play replacement for existing fossil fuel boilers, that works with a hot water tank to deliver low carbon and low-cost home heating.
Ashden Award for Nature Based Solutions, supported by the Lund Trust
Wild Haweswater
In the heart of the Lake District, this project from the RSPB and United Utilities is restoring a damaged landscape which in turn brings benefits for wildlife, water quality, and local communities.
Ashden Award for Powering Futures in Clean Energy, supported by Linkedin
GOGO Electric, Uganda
Uganda’s GOGO Electric (formerly Bodawerk Ltd) contributes to the skilling and employability of managers, technicians and motorcycle operators in the Ugandan e-mobility sector.
Ashden Award for Energising Refugees and Displaced People, supported by the Linbury Trust, NextEnergy Foundation, Alan & Babette Sainsbury Charitable Fund and the J.A.C Trust
Patapia, Uganda
Patapia, an organisation founded by refugees, helps displaced women in Uganda take out affordable loans to buy clean energy products. Smart tech and strong community links make Patapia’s work a success.
Ashden Award for Energy Innovation (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Salpha Energy, Nigeria
Nigeria’s Salpha Energy produces made-in-Africa solar home systems, and helps households and businesses switch on to clean power, by giving customers access to fair loans and finance.
Ashden Award for Natural Climate Solutions (Global South), supported by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Ujamaa Community Resource Team, Tanzania
Ujamaa Community Resource Team has helped 120 of Tanzania’s Indigenous communities establish and defend their land rights, and earn a sustainable living from their territory. 1.5million hectares have been protected so far.
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