LONDON (NNA) - The Glencraig Camphill Community in Northern Ireland was the winner in the Community Award section at the 7th Annual British Renewable Energy Awards for its pioneering work in renewable energy.

The award was presented by the Renewable Energy Association (REA) at a gala dinner in London at the end of June. The awards are the UK's most prestigious event to recognise outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations in the renewable energy industry.

The Camphill community, located just outside Holywood at Craigavad, 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 boiler house 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.

There are four Camphill communities in Northern Ireland. They have undertaken pioneering work in the field of renewables since 1998, although they are probably better recognised as a sustainable life-sharing community, caring 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.

REA's chief executive, Gaynor Hartnell, commented: “These awards recognise outstanding achievement in the British renewable energy sector. They are a tribute to innovation and excellence. The exceptional quality of all the shortlisted entries serves to demonstrate the exacting standards, talent and originality within this industry.”

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.

Northern Ireland Green Party leader, Steven Agnew, commended Camphill Community Glencraig for having the vision to prepare for the future and to ensure its own fuel security.

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Item: 120915-01EN Date: 15 September 2011

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