AN OPERATIONS co-ordinator at Castle Drogo was recently named South West Sustainable Energy Champion in the 2010 Green Energy Awards.

Andy Dawson was presented the award — which recognises the achievements of individuals making a real difference to the development of sustainable energy in the south west — at a glittering ceremony at the Bath Assembly Rooms.

The head judge of the category, Rob Emony of Business Link, said: 'Andy Dawson is an every day guy that inspires others — whether they're businesses or individual people — to go forward and install renewable energy. 

'He engages with people on their level and goes above and beyond his day job to promote the benefits of sustainable energy.'

It was particularly noted that Andy has 'led from the front' in promoting sustainable energy in the south west, inspiring the hundreds of thousands of visitors to Castle Drogo in Drewsteignton, to understand the benefits of renewable energy. 

Throughout the planning, installation and running of the Castle Drogo biomass project he has enthusiastically highlighted its benefits, and now continues to look for ways to promote sustainable energy projects at National Trust properties and educate others in how these technologies work.

The South West Green Energy Awards recognise, reward, and pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations operating in the south west sustainable energy industry.

Leading environmentalist Jonathon Porritt, who hosted the awards ceremony, said: 'The people here have demonstrated what the potential is for building the future in a completely different way, for creating wealth in completely different ways, and for bringing forward new technologies in completely different ways.'