Awards recognise Excellence in Sustainability during Extraordinary Times
Renewable Engine, a €6.1M EU INTERREG VA funded cross-border Research and Innovation programme, led by South West College has been announced as a finalist at this year’s UK and Ireland Green Gown Awards. The College is the only further education college on the island of Ireland to make the shortlist and will compete with institutions including Lancaster University, London College of Fashion and University of Portsmouth for the Research with Impact – Institution prize.
Since the programme’s launch in January 2017, Renewable Engine has facilitated direct knowledge transfer, technology development and innovation in 10 industrial enterprises, ranging from micro-SMEs to large multinationals, creating new jobs in green industries and sustainable initiatives. The programme provides partner enterprises with access to academic expertise and has to date awarded €350,000 in technology development grant funding.
South West College has extensive experience in managing and delivering Research and Innovation Programmes and industry innovation support with specialisms in Engineering. Dr Alistair Quinn, Renewable Engine Programme Manager confirmed that the Renewable Engine team is thrilled with the recognition from the Green Grown judging panel and added;
‘Renewable Engine exists as a unique cross-border platform bringing together research institutes across the areas of Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainable Development. Through direct industry collaborations with organisations ranging from micro-SMEs to large multi-nationals, we have been able to create significant impact within the Renewable Energy sector, affording businesses across the programme area the opportunity to access world-leading academic expertise and research facilities.’
Reflecting on this year’s shortlisted submissions and congratulating finalists, Iain Patton, CEO, EAUC (award organisers) said;
‘It is clear from the number and quality of applications, that sustainability and the now irreversible sustainability movement is not only resilient but profoundly energised, opportunistic and dynamic. UK and Irish universities and colleges have turned COVID 19 challenges into opportunities and ensured that every change is a change for sustainability. A reset of our economic and social foundations is happening and the Green Gown Awards are all the more important to inspire and scale change for sustainability.’
Winners and highly commended entries will be announced at the Green Gown Awards Ceremony to take place later in the year with details yet to be confirmed.
Renewable Engine is supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), with match funding provided by the Department for the Economy (Northern Ireland) and Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Republic of Ireland).