The Champions Awards celebrate achievement and innovation in moving the UK to lower carbon road transport.
H2 Aberdeen – which has developed a strategy for the introduction of cleaner, hydrogen-powered transport to the Scottish city – and Argent Energy – which has developed a drop‐in diesel replacement for cars, buses and trucks – were jointly presented with the highest accolade; the ‘Grand Prix’, or winner of winners, Award.
Sir Peter Hendy was recognised as the 2016 winner of the Outstanding Individual in Promoting Low Carbon Transport at the celebration. Hosted by Formula E TV presenter and science communicator, Nicki Shields, who was Master of Ceremonies, the event took place at the Double Tree by Hilton, MK Dons Stadium.
“All the entries short-listed for the Champions Awards deserve recognition for the contribution they are making to cutting carbon emissions from road transport” said LowCVP Managing Director Andy Eastlake. “There is a lot of work still to be done to achieve the long-term objectives set under the Climate Change Act, but the dynamism and determination shown by so many of those involved today shows how UK industry and operators have the drive and potential to achieve them.”
Richard Bruce, Director Energy, Technology and Innovation at the Department for Transport – one of the Awards judges – added that it’s fantastic to see another array of ground-breaking companies vying for the Low Carbon Champions Awards this year. It’s precisely because of the synergies between environmental improvement and great commercial opportunity – synergies that the ideas and technologies here demonstrate so well – that the UK Government remains so committed to this agenda.
The judges said that Toyota – which won the car manufacturer award - has been a global leader in low emission vehicles, selling over 9 million petrol hybrids. They said that the company has built on this reputation with the introduction of the zero emission hydrogen fuel cell car, Mirai.
The Aberdeen Hydrogen Bus Project – H2 Aberdeen - has introduced Europe’s largest fleet of hydrogen fuel cell buses. The project has delivered the UK’s largest hydrogen production and bus refuelling station. The bus companies report that the vehicles are proving to be extremely efficient compared to their diesel equivalents.
Argent Energy manufactures 60 million litres of biodiesel from waste each year. In 2015 Argent supplied high bio‐blend diesel to two major London bus companies. After a year of supplying these companies, the greenhouse gas emission savings will be equivalent to 150 million miles of carbon-free travel, based on DfT figures.
The Champions Awards judging panel was comprised of 22 senior executives from across a range of UK organisations with a stake in the low carbon road transport agenda.
Image: Joshua Tucker Photography
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