CORNWALL Council has been presented with a prestigious UK award for its work in developing Cornwall’s leading position in the low carbon agenda.

Members of the authority’s future economy team were presented with the award for the best renewable energy and energy efficiency team at last week’s annual Association of Public Sector Excellence awards ceremony.  Applications from more than 450 teams across the UK were considered by judges in deciding the awards.

Cornwall’s team, based in the council’s economic development service, has led on a wide range of projects, including major energy efficiency, electric vehicle charge point, energy switching, and community energy schemes that have delivered significant outcomes for Cornwall.

Welcoming the award, Julian German, the council’s cabinet member for economy and culture, said: ‘This is a significant achievement for Cornwall.  Not only does the award represent recognition for the achievements of this team, it also reinforces Cornwall’s position as a leader in green technologies.’

Cornwall Council’s achievement in leading the way in delivering renewable energy projects was further reinforced at the end of last week when the future economy team were presented with the best local authority partner award at the national Community Energy awards.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony judge Ed Davey, the former Secretary of State for Energy, said: ‘It is the excellent initiatives, like those we are celebrating tonight, that encouraged me to prioritise community energy as a socially responsible contribution to the UK’s energy mix.’

The council has led the way with a community energy loan fund and planning support for community energy schemes. These schemes have contributed towards a small but growing locally owned community energy sector in Cornwall.

‘It is hoped that the recognition for this award will inspire other to get more involved.