Dorset energy firm wins International Green Award

Dorset’s Green Energy Centre and Renewable Training Academy have won an International Green Apple Environment Award in recognition of the impact made by their environmental projects and promotion of renewable energy.

The trophy was presented by The Green Organisation at the 18^th annual international awards ceremony at the House of Commons on Monday, November 14, at a ceremony hosted by The Rt Hon Liz Kendall, MP. The judges commented, “This organisation continues to expand. They now have five training centres across the country and courses quickly sell-out. The new Renewable Training Academy has trained hundreds of installers in just a few months.”

Green Energy Centre’s Managing Director, Danny Godfrey, responded: “We are thrilled to now be recognised on the International stage. Our team has worked hard to deliver our company’s vision and it is a delight to win this prestigious award and be named an International Green Hero.”

The Green Apple Awards are presented annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities carrying out projects that enhance the environment and featured more than 500 nominations this year, with Green Energy Centre coming up trumps in the Renewable Energy category. 

Green Energy Centre’s award-winning project will be featured in the next Green Book, the world’s only work of reference on environmental best practice. 

The Green Apple Awards campaign is run by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-profit organisation that recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world. 

Their supporters include the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and various other professional bodies. International organiser Roger Wolens commented:  “To show continued interest in environmental issues during the current financial climate shows great foresight and they deserve the recognition of being Green Apple Award winners. “To then go further and become International Green Heroes is an even bolder statement of environmental intent, and organisations that go the extra mile and become International Green Heroes are demonstrating a serious commitment to the world around them. They invest in a better future for us all and deserve to be recognised for their efforts.”

For more information, visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk 

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.

 

Photo attached shows (L-R), John Hodgon, South West Regional Director, Warmerhome Southern Limited / Green Energy Centre. Chris Hopkins, The founder of Ploughcroft Solar who recently gained recognition on Dragons’ Den in June 2011.

Green Energy Centre becomes major sponsor of Streetwise

Dorset’s famous LV=Streetwise programme has a new sponsor in the form of the multi-award winning Green Energy Centre. The new benefactor has committed sponsorship in the region of £10 000 and will be using the project as an opportunity to showcase the use of renewable energy products in and around the home.

LV=Streetwise is a life sized, indoor, award winning, safety ‘village’ of scenarios which are traditionally built ‘bricks and mortar’ scenes from everyday life. The village includes a full sized two-storey house, a high street, a park, a farmyard, an electricity sub-station, a heath, a beach, a building site and even Police and railway stations. By making the scenarios as realistic as possible, the exciting and memorable interactive Safety Tours enable children to easily apply the learning in their everyday life.

Green Energy Centre is adding a new dynamic to the demonstration house by installing replica  Solar-PV panels as well as designing a bespoke shop frontage promoting sustainable energy sources. The LV=Streetwise village is visited by over 13000 school children each year as well as playing host to high profile guests such as MPs and other dignitaries. Upon leaving the centre, each child will be provided with a GEC-branded goody back complete with a book containing 101 Handy Hints and a leaflet regarding photovoltaics.

Managing Director, Danny Godfrey, elaborated on the sponsorship: “We are delighted to be a patron of Streetwise. Their mission and ours share the common theme of education. Our aim is to help enlighten children and their families about what is possible in the realm of renewable energies, and having a prominent presence at LV=Streetwise, we will be able to deliver this important message whilst supporting a very worthwhile children’s charity.”

Green Energy Centre plans to continue their various educational initiatives, including free energy audits for all schools inPoole, as well as taking their “Green Buses” to more destinations, allowing them to take their Green technology and knowledge on the road.

For more information, visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.

Green Energy Centre finalist in major industry Awards

The great and the good of the environmental sustainability industry will gather on Thursday 3^rd November to congratulate winners at the annual EDIE Awards for Environmental Excellence. Dorset-based Green Energy Centre has been named a finalist in the Renewable Energy category, up against the likes of nationals such as Marks & Spencer.

The venue for the glitzy awards bash is the famous Hurlingham Club. Bordering the Thames in Fulham, it is recognised throughout the world as one of Britain’s greatest private members’ clubs. All finalists will be enjoying a champagne reception and fine dinner at the club, preceding the awards ceremony. The judges – all of whom are leading lights in the green sector, include sustainable construction champion Dr Peter Bonfield chief executive of BRE and Liz Parkes the Environment Agency’s head of climate change (from April 1st) and TV presenter, author and eco-pioneer Joanna Yarrow.

Green Energy Centre is being recognised due to their diverse range of eco-friendly solutions for the home and workplace. Specialists in Solar PV, they also offer various insulation options as well as heat pumps, all in an effort to cut carbon emissions and encourage the usage of renewable energy rather than the conventional variety. To aid their work, GEC have set up a number of educational initiatives to help enlighten the public about what is possible in the realm of sustainable energy.

Managing Director, Danny Godfrey, spoke about their nomination: “We are delighted to have been chosen as a finalist in the EDIE Awards. Their mission, like ours, is to showcase and highlight what is possible when sustainable forms of energy are used. We are committed to helping the environment and reducing carbon emissions, and will continue to do so with the opening of our sixth Green Energy Centre due in January.”

A spokesman for EDIE commented: “The competition has been extremely tough, with some very high calibre entries for both products and projects. The shortlist has been considered by EDIE’s expert judging panel and the winners will be revealed on the awards ceremony on November 3rd at the Hurlingham Club.”

For more information, visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk and awards.edie.net.

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.

Dorset Chamber goes Green

The award winning Green Energy Centre has hosted Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Green Breakfast Club meeting. Attended by business people from across Dorset, the centre played host to a unique networking session and high-tech showcase of green technologies available for use in the home and workplace.

Green Energy Centre has also made a commitment to supply the Chamber offices with enough Powerdown units to use on all the computers at the Chamber Head Office. Lorraine Hubbard of Dorset Chamber said: “We are so grateful to Green Energy Centre for putting on this wonderful event and also for providing our entire Head Office with these energy saving devices. We are going Green!”

After enjoying hot drinks & refreshments, The Green Breakfast also included a tour of the Green Energy Centre which is an interactive and educational showroom which demonstrates how homes can lower their carbon emissions by utilising renewable energy systems. Attendees were given an opportunity for one-to-one advice on grant applications for those seeking green energy to be installed. The attendees also received a free Powerdown Unit and complimentary energy audit of their own business premises.

Managing Director, Danny Godfrey, enjoyed the event: “We were delighted to play host to Dorset Chamber and their members for the popular Green Breakfast. It was another great opportunity to showcase the work that we do and highlight our position on the use of renewable energy. We look forward to hosting another one soon!”

The centre is also home to the UK’s first Renewable Training Academy (RTA) of Excellence at their base in Ferndown. The RTA was established for trades-people wanting to learn about renewable energy and develop their skills in greener technologies. 

The Academy is a fully interactive innovative institution offering high quality training in all aspects of energy efficiency – including training rigs, mock roof installations of photo-voltaics, solar thermal and air source heat pumps etc.

For more information, visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.

Green Energy Centre becomes major sponsor of Streetwise

Dorset’s famous Streetwise programme has a new sponsor in the form of the multi-award winning Green Energy Centre. The new benefactor has committed sponsorship in the region of £10,000 and will be using the project as an opportunity to showcase the use of renewable energy products in and around the home.

Streetwise is a life sized, indoor, award winning, safety ‘village’ of scenarios which are traditionally built ‘bricks and mortar’ scenes from everyday life. The village includes a full sized two-storey house, a high street, a park, a farmyard, a, electricity sub-station, a heath, a beach, a building site and even Police and railway stations. By making the scenarios as realistic as possible, the exciting and memorable interactive Safety Tours enable children to easily apply the learning in their everyday life.

Green Energy Centre is adding a new dynamic to the demonstration house by installing demo Solar-PV panels as well as designing a bespoke shop frontage promoting sustainable energy sources. The Streetwise village is visited by over 13000 school children each year as well as playing host to high profile guests such as MPs and other dignitaries. Upon leaving the centre, each child will be provided with a GEC-branded goody back complete with a book containing 101 Handy Hints and a leaflet regarding photovoltaics.

Managing Director, Danny Godfrey, elaborated on the sponsorship: “We are delighted to be a patron of Streetwise. Their mission and ours share the common theme of education. Our aim is to help enlighten children and their families about what is possible in the realm of renewable energies, and having a prominent presence at Streetwise, we will be able to deliver this important message.”

Green Energy Centre plans to continue their various educational initiatives, including free energy audits for all schools in Poole, as well as taking their “Green Buses” to more destinations, allowing them to take their Green technology and knowledge on the road.

For more information, visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.

Green Energy Centre motivates Dorset to install Renewable Energy products

Dorset’s multi award-winning Green Energy Centre is encouraging the people of Dorset to switch over to renewable energy. This is after a recent league table published by AEA Technology, revealed that Sheffield, Leeds and Bradford were the UK’s leading cities in renewable energy installation.

They even compiled a top 10 list, stating the cities who installed the most renewable energy products each year. Dorset was nowhere to be found!

But companies like the Green Energy Centre have been working hard to raise awareness of renewable energy. With its 5 showrooms situated in Christchurch, Ferndown, Dorchester and Weymouth, the Green Energy Centre have gone that extra mile to ensure customers are knowledgeable of the Renewable energy products available to them.

Their state-of-the-art showrooms give customers the opportunity to understand how the renewable products work and the benefits they have.  On show are ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, timber windows, solar panels, low energy lighting, cavity wall and loft insulation.

Danny Godfrey, Managing Director of Green Energy Centres says: “Renewable Energy products are not being easily accessible to the public in an experimental way, which is why I set up the Green Energy Centres. I am shocked to learn that Dorset wasn’t mentioned as I would have thought we would have been right up there. But it’s time we listened to the survey and jumped on board. Renewable Energy is so important for our environment and for the world we live in and I really hope that people invest in something so worthy, because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and this way forward reaps so many benefits.”

AEA Technology – the world’s leaders in energy and environment consultancy and information management – tested the amount of Microgeneration used in the UK. This means they noted the amount of small scale generations of heat and power by individuals, small businesses and communities.

They tracked the amount of Anaerobic digestion, Hydro, Micro CHP, Photovoltaic and Wind sources in each region and drew up a database. It showed that Dorset’s only form of renewable energy comes from Photovoltaic installations, otherwise known as solar panels.

Danny Godfrey could understand the outcome and said: “Solar panels are most likely to be the only renewable product people have heard of and because of our area it’s unlikely to find many products like wind turbines. We install so many solar panels to roofs on the home or for business purposes on industrial buildings. Each day they’re getting more popular because people are seeing the results for themselves.”

Danny recently launched a ‘Renewable Training Academy’ in late 2010 to fill the skills gap in renewable technology training. The academy teaches installation and maintenance of many renewable technologies but also highlights the associated health and safety implications and regulations. It has been accredited by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) and is proving to be very popular.

Judging by the outcome of the survey, it’s clear that Photovoltaic Energy i.e. solar panels are at the forefront of the Renewable Energy industry. The Green Energy Centre is hoping that Dorset can rise to the challenge and prove we are the leading region who cares for the environment.

If you would like to find out more about the Green Energy Centre and its Renewable Training Academy then log onto the website at www.renewabletrainingacademy.co.uk or visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or the Renewable Training Academy or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.

New Marketing Manager Takes Over at Green Energy Centre

The award-winning Green Energy Centre has welcomed with open arms, their new Marketing Manager, Barbara Diggens. The Centre, which prides itself with 5 other renewable energy showrooms around Dorset including Christchurch, Ferndown and Weymouth, searched high and low to find someone suitable for the role.

Barbara, whose previous job was with Poole Hospital’s NHS foundation trust fundraising team, applied for the position as she is passionate about renewable energy. From the nature of her previous role, Barbara is extremely skilled at developing a company brand as a whole.

The scope of her duties with the Green Energy Centre will include developing a company newsletter and enhancing customer interaction as well as redefining the whole company brand. Barbara says: “I am so thrilled to be working with the Green Energy Centre, I love what they represent and everything they do. The work that I am to be involved in is second nature to me. I will revel in developing the Centre and rebranding certain aspects but the biggest aim for me is to listen to what the customers have to say. Customer interaction and feedback is such a huge part of the Green Energy Centre that I want to make sure we are providing enough information and making things easily accessible.”

Barbara lives in Bearwood and has 2 grown up children, 2 grandchildren and a husband of 40 years, all of which support her in everything she does. In her spare time she likes going to the Theatre in London, reading and looking after her chickens. Barbara has a real flare for cooking and her favourite place in the house is the kitchen.

One of the main aspects of Barbara’s role is to develop new marketing material, all of which she gained experience from by working as a Marketing Secretary at Liverpool Victoria. She will also be organising events which the Green Energy Centre will host.

With many new Green Energy Centres starting to open around the South, thanks to the vision of MD Danny Godfrey, it is Barbara’s role to ensure children are becoming aware of renewable energy. Danny’s vision of a ‘Green Bus’ has been tried and tested but it’s up to Barbara to brand it and get people talking about it. The bus will be visiting schools, allowing children and their parents to step on board and find out how to save our planet with renewable energy.

Danny Godfrey, Managing Director of the Green Energy Centres commented: “It’s great to have Barbara on board with us. I have no doubt in my mind that she will enhance the Centres for the better and her previous skills and employment history are a real benefit. We are lucky to have her.”

Barbara has a clear vision for the Green Energy Centre and is raring to go. She added: “I am excited about starting because there’s a lot to do. I look forward to the challenge as I am so passionate and loyal to the job. The only downfall is I’m fast becoming a green energy bore!”

If you would like to find out more log on to the Green Energy Centres website at www.caringforourworld.co.uk, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Blog and You Tube.

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or would like to interview Barbara Diggens or Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk

Green award on the cards for fast growing industry player

Green award on the cards for fast growing industry player
-      Underlying clear vision garners further successes

The short list for the 2011 Awards for Environmental Excellence has been revealed recently. Unsurprisingly, it features the name of Green Energy Centre from Dorset, who, in the space of less than 3 years, has become one of the success stories in the sustainable energy market.

The industry awards will take place at the Hurlington Club, London on the 3^rd November 2011, where honors will be bestowed upon those organizations who have made significant contributions in the fields of Waste & Resource Management, Sustainable Transport, Water and Wastewater, Renewable Energy, Public Sector Initiative, Green Retail Initiative, Green Corporate Initiative, Carbon Reduction and Sustainable Construction.

The Green Energy Centre have enjoyed staggering success in their short existence, and their naming as a contender in the Renewable Energy Award category will give even further credence to their burgeoning market position. Recently, they have additionally won a string of big money contracts which will ensure the company’s longevity and push them through the current economic climate. Most recently, they have won a prestigious Green Apple Award, solidifying their position as a growing industry leader.

Managing Director, Danny Godfrey, decided three years ago that his company Warmerhomes was destined to go down the Green route. He elaborated: “I’ve looked to the future and seen green! All the success that we have achieved can be attributed to our vision, our great team, our strong, disciplined company culture, and our uniquely focused strategy. On a recent trip to China, I’ve seen what is possible and what can be achieved, which has driven me even more. Our mission remains unchanged: we want to give our customers the opportunity to change their lifestyles and let us become a partner of theirs on the road to becoming carbon neutral.”

He also explained his vision going forward: “To capitalise on our momentum, we plan to reinvest in the company in a number of ways. Firstly, I want to increase our team headcount by taking on additional staff and also start to develop an apprenticeship programme to get young people excited and engaged in our industry. We’re looking to obtain new offices and workshops in Ferndown and we plan to take another leaf out of our own book by changing all of our cars and vans to run on bio fuel.”

Since opening their first Centres in Ferndown and Christchurch, Dorset in 2009, Green Energy Centre have excelled in their mission to enlighten the public about the possibilities and benefits of using sustainable, “greener” energy fixtures in their homes. The Centres, which were set up by Dorset Energy Advice Centre, Warmerhome Southern Ltd and Boyland Joinery in 2009, have stepped up their own efforts and are now being rewarded with large commercial contracts that seem to be flowing in.

Green Energy Centre’s plans for the next year are to continue working with local authorities and continue their various educational initiatives, including the roll out of their “Green Buses”, which allow them to take their technology and knowledge on the road, inspiring confidence and offering those who want to make a difference, an opportunity to change to “Greener pastures”.

For more information, visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.

 

Green award on the cards for fast growing industry player

Green award on the cards for fast growing industry player
-      Underlying clear vision garners further successes

The short list for the 2011 Awards for Environmental Excellence has been revealed recently. Unsurprisingly, it features the name of Green Energy Centre from Dorset, who, in the space of less than 3 years, has become one of the success stories in the sustainable energy market.

The industry awards will take place at the Hurlington Club, London on the 3^rd November 2011, where honors will be bestowed upon those organizations who have made significant contributions in the fields of Waste & Resource Management, Sustainable Transport, Water and Wastewater, Renewable Energy, Public Sector Initiative, Green Retail Initiative, Green Corporate Initiative, Carbon Reduction and Sustainable Construction.

The Green Energy Centre have enjoyed staggering success in their short existence, and their naming as a contender in the Renewable Energy Award category will give even further credence to their burgeoning market position. Recently, they have additionally won a string of big money contracts which will ensure the company’s longevity and push them through the current economic climate. Most recently, they have won a prestigious Green Apple Award, solidifying their position as a growing industry leader.

Managing Director, Danny Godfrey, decided three years ago that his company Warmerhomes was destined to go down the Green route. He elaborated: “I’ve looked to the future and seen green! All the success that we have achieved can be attributed to our vision, our great team, our strong, disciplined company culture, and our uniquely focused strategy. On a recent trip to China, I’ve seen what is possible and what can be achieved, which has driven me even more. Our mission remains unchanged: we want to give our customers the opportunity to change their lifestyles and let us become a partner of theirs on the road to becoming carbon neutral.”

He also explained his vision going forward: “To capitalise on our momentum, we plan to reinvest in the company in a number of ways. Firstly, I want to increase our team headcount by taking on additional staff and also start to develop an apprenticeship programme to get young people excited and engaged in our industry. We’re looking to obtain new offices and workshops in Ferndown and we plan to take another leaf out of our own book by changing all of our cars and vans to run on bio fuel.”

Since opening their first Centres in Ferndown and Christchurch, Dorset in 2009, Green Energy Centre have excelled in their mission to enlighten the public about the possibilities and benefits of using sustainable, “greener” energy fixtures in their homes. The Centres, which were set up by Dorset Energy Advice Centre, Warmerhome Southern Ltd and Boyland Joinery in 2009, have stepped up their own efforts and are now being rewarded with large commercial contracts that seem to be flowing in.

Green Energy Centre’s plans for the next year are to continue working with local authorities and continue their various educational initiatives, including the roll out of their “Green Buses”, which allow them to take their technology and knowledge on the road, inspiring confidence and offering those who want to make a difference, an opportunity to change to “Greener pastures”.

For more information, visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.

Travellers embrace Green Technology

A group of traveller-gypsies in Poole are the latest to benefit from so-called “Green Technologies”. The installation of 16 new hi-tech air source heat pumps is just one of the initiatives that are part of the local council’s Carbon Reduction Strategy focused on reducing the carbon footprint locally.

Recently, the Green Energy Centre, who have 5 centres in Dorset, handed over 16 air source heat pumps at the Gypsy Travellers Site, Yarrow Close, Tower Park in Poole. This is the first time Borough of Poole have had air source heat pumps installed in the borough – a move that highlight’s their commitment to the use of more sustainable energy sources.

The travellers have now changed from using conventional electric heaters to these new air pumps running on renewable technology, which are considerably cheaper to maintain and run. The units are virtually maintenance free and extremely quiet, which will also benefit the neighbouring territories. The units will heat the hot water and under floor heating for all Travellers at the site in Poole. Impressively, all sixteen units only took five weeks to install. The new heat pumps will save a third of the money that the electric ones used to cost – as well as making a significant saving for the environment.

Mike Morris, a Senior Surveyor from Borough of Poole, said of the initiative: “We are delighted with the installation of these new air powered heat pumps. By using these instead of older, conventional heating units, we are achieving our aims relating to carbon reductions. Logistically, the whole initiative has been a great success and we are sure that they travelling community will enjoy the benefits of these new units.” Paul Cooling, who is the council’s Carbon Reduction Manager, echoed Mr Morris’s sentiments: “This initiative is part of our encompassing carbon reduction plans. We are optimistic that simple changes like these will result in massive ecological benefits.”

Managing Director of Green Energy Centre, Danny Godfrey, is proud to have been involved: “We were of course delighted to have been selected by the council to carry out this work. We admire and revere any such initiatives that help reduce carbon emissions, and we recognize and the council’s commitment to that end.”

Green Energy Centre provides advice and solutions for making significant carbon emission reductions by using technologies including solar power, insulations and heat pumps. To find out more about the work done by Green Energy Centre, visit www.caringforourworld.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more about The Green Energy Centre, or would like to interview Danny Godfrey, please contact Darren Northeast of Darren Northeast PR (working on behalf of The Green Energy Centre) on 01202 676762 or pr@darrennortheast.co.uk.