Energy projects shortlisted for National Energy Efficiency Awards 2023

Shropshire Council and installation partner BidConnecter have been shortlisted for several national awards for their efforts in tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.

BidConnecter, who are the lead insulation company for Shropshire Council’s Sustainable Warmth programme, has been shortlisted in four categories at the National Energy Efficiency Awards.

This included two categories, National Local Authority of the Year, and National Insulation and Fabric Project of the Year, delivered in partnership with the council.

National Energy Efficiency Awards 2023

The National Energy Efficiency Awards are open to anyone involved in the energy saving and efficiency sector in the UK. The awards recognise best practice across the energy efficiency industry. Applicants can nominate themselves, their company, someone else or a company that they believe warrants recognition.

Shropshire Council is one of 17 councils shortlisted in the National Local Authority of the Year category. The council secured funding from the Government to deliver a fabric first approach across the private housing sector. To meet the aims and ambition of its Sustainable Affordable Warmth Strategy, the council’s affordable warmth and energy efficiency team delivers several projects under the Sustainable Warmth Shropshire programme. The schemes work to make homes more energy efficient, less carbon intensive and help keep residents energy costs affordable. Residents can still register their interest in the scheme via www.shropshire.gov.uk/sws

The National Insulation and Fabric Project of the Year award recognises the efforts of all those involved in delivering a successful energy saving project, where new insulation, draft exclusion or energy efficient building materials or systems have been installed as an energy efficiency measure.

BidConnecter teamed up with Shropshire Council’s Affordable Warmth and Energy Efficiency service to deliver a scheme that will make vital home improvements, helping to keep homes warm, lower carbon emissions, and save on energy costs. The scheme is helping to tackle fuel poverty across the county,supporting those on low incomes and those in the least energy-efficient homes in the county (Energy Performance Certificate rating of D or below).  Households that include those with illnesses or disabilities affected by the cold are also supported.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and assets, said:-

“We are delighted that our affordable warmth and energy efficiency team and BidConnecter have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards.

“One of our key ambitions is to tackle fuel poverty in the county as well reducing our carbon emissions, and working in partnership with BidConnecter, can help us to achieve this.

“As the lead insulation contractor on our Sustainable Warmth programme, they are fully qualified and accredited to deliver a range of insulation measures and have a wealth of experience in the energy efficiency industry. They have been delivering some significant work for local residents – some of which could be described as ‘life-changing’.

“I wish everyone all the very best in the finals.”

Rachel Cole, Commercial Director at BidConnecter, added:-

“It was our pleasure to nominate Shropshire Council’s affordable warmth and energy efficiency team for the National Fabric and Insulation Project of the Year. The small team has worked exceptionally hard to deliver superb projects in some very hard to treat properties across the county.

“Shropshire residents will know that Shropshire homes don’t come as  ‘one size fits all’ and many homes have complex insulation needs. The affordable warmth and energy efficiency team really understand the people and the properties in the county, and go above and beyond to get the very best outcomes for householders. BidConnecter also recognises the exemplary credentials of the council in the sustainability and carbon reduction space, along with the passionate commitment to alleviate the social impacts of fuel poverty in Shropshire.”

Winners of the awards will be announced on Friday 29 September 2023, at the National Energy Efficiency Awards event at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

You can find out more about the awards here: Homepage–Energy Efficiency Awards 2023

Further information 

BidConnecter has been shortlisted for four awards at the prestigious National Energy Efficiency Awards. The company where shortlisted in the following four categories:-

• National Insulation and Fabric Installer of the Year
• National Funding Provider of the Year
• National Local Authority of the Year (in partnership with Shropshire Council)
• National Insulation and Fabric Project of the Year (in partnership with Shropshire Council, for Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery, and Home Upgrade Grant schemes) 

What are the judges looking for?

The esteemed panel of judges are looking for demonstrable skills, expertise, and quality of service from nominees.

Nominees must have been involved with an energy efficiency project within the 14 months from January 2022 to March 2023.

National The Insulation and Fabric Installer of the Year (BidConnecter)

The Insulation and Fabric Project of the Year Award recognises the efforts of all those involved in delivering a successful energy saving project, where new Insulation, draft exclusion or energy efficient building materials or systems have been installed as an energy efficiency measure.

National Funding Provider of the Year (BidConnecter)

The judges will be considering:

• the size and scope of the energy efficiency works they have undertaken to fund
• the level and type of funding provided by the organisation
• the impact their business has had within the local community
• what their customers and local community have to say about them
• what level of expertise the nominee has within their organisation.

National Local Authority of the Year (BidConnecter in partnership with Shropshire Council)

The judges will be considering:

• the impact their work has had within the local community
• what their customers and local community have to say about the council
• what level of expertise the council has within its own teams
• what priority the council gives tackling fuel poverty within its current plans.

National Insulation and Fabric Project of the Year (in partnership with Shropshire Council, for Green Homes Grant Local Authority Delivery, and Home Upgrade Grant schemes)  

This award recognises the efforts of all those involved in delivering a successful energy saving project, where new insulation, draft exclusion or energy efficient building materials or systems have been installed as an energy efficiency measure.