Prestigous UK Renewable Energy Award for Camphill

At the 7th Annual British Renewable Energy Award Camphill Community Glencraig received 1st prize for best community project of the year 2011 in the UK at a packed gala dinner in London last week. This is the UK’s most prestigious event to recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations in the renewable energy sector.

Camphill Communities in Northern Ireland have been pioneering work in the field of renewable energy since 1998. They are sustainable life-sharing communities providing, care, support and education for children, young people and adults of all abilities including those with a learning disability who live, learn, and work together in an extended family setting.

There are four Camphill Communities in Northern Ireland. Glencraig, outside Holywood at Craigavad, Mourne Grange near Kilkeel, Clanabogan near Omagh and Camphill Holywood with its cafe in the town of Holywood.

Glencraig has recently installed an innovative 1 MW Urbas wood biomass district heating system to supply hot water and heating to 27 different units in the Community this involved the construction of a purpose built boilerhouse and the installation of 3.2 km of metal pre insulated district heating pipes. Heat is transferred to the buildings via 19 heat transfer stations. This was made possible through a successful funding application to the Low Carbon Communities Challenge.

The scheme at Glencraig will help the community to substantially lower its carbon emissions and also help the charity to reduce its fuel costs.

During its first year of operation 270,000 liters of oil were displaced with 800 tons of locally sourced low grade wood biomass.

The Energy Minister, Arlene Foster has endorsed the work of Camphill by laying the foundation stone of the boilerhouse and Green Party leader, Steven Agnew has commended Camphill Community Glencraig for having the vision to prepare for the future and to ensure its own fuel security.

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For further information, photos etc. or to request an interview, please contact:

Glenn Aiken (PR& Marketing Officer) 

Office-028 9076 8741

Mob: 077 8619 5732 

Email: [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

1. The REA Gala awards dinner was held in the Jumeirah Carlton Tower on 21st June 2012. For a full list of short-listed nominees, please visit: http://www.r-e-a.net/events/7th-annual-british-renewable-energy-awards
2. The Renewable Energy Association represents renewable energy producers and promotes the use of all forms of renewable energy in the UK across power, heat, transport and renewable gas. It is the largest renewable trade association in the UK, with over 900 members, ranging from major multinationals to sole traders. For more information, see: www.r-e-a.net
3.  For more information on Camphill Communities (N.I) go to our website: www.camphillni.org