Fluid Branding were proud to sponsor the award for innovation at this year's Cornwall Sustainability Awards. Fluid's Digital Marketing Manager Tom Mercer went along to present the award, and gives his account here…
Now in their sixteenth year, the Cornwall Sustainability Awards encourage, reward and recognise the excellent work that organisations are doing to improve their own sustainability whilst also positively growing the natural environment in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The event was held of Friday 30th November 2018 at Newquay's famous Headland Hotel.
This year, the theme of the evening was about as relevant as they come - with the focus being on the challenge of tackling plastic waste. This is a subject we at Fluid Branding are pretty passionate about (see our blog post about how you and your brand can get involved here), and we were super proud to sponsor the Innovation Award - 'Tomorrow's Contribution to Sustainability'.
I have to say, it must have been a tough one to judge - a range of fantastic organisations were shortlisted that all aimed to make a positive change for the future through their innovative ideas and practices. Huge congratulations to Build Solar who won the award, and also to Odyssey Innovation Ltd who were highly commended in that category.
Build Solar aims to build integrated solar technologies as part of a building's architecture. Supported by cutting-edge research carried out at the University of Exeter, it brings together the latest solar technology and embeds it within conventional construction materials. Odyssey Innovation was born out of a passion to rid the seas of plastic pollution. They specialise in recycling marine plastics into kayaks and other products, and work closely with volunteer organisations involved in cleaning up the marine ecosystem.
Build Solar Receiving their award. Photo © Toby Weller.
The evening included keynote speeches from Sara Parkin and Kurt Jackson. Sara Parkin has published many books on the issues surrounding sustainability, is Principle Associate of The Sustainable Literacy Project and is the Founder, Director and Trustee of Forum for the Future. Kurt Jackson is a celebrated Cornish artist that makes it his aim to challenge concepts and invite change regarding environmental issues. He also designed the striking awards that were up for grabs on the evening.
The unique awards designed by Kurt Jackson specially for this year's awards. Photo © Toby Weller.
It was truly inspiring to see so many like-minded people - ranging from individuals to large organisations - all working towards a set of common goals. These people quite literally make it their business to make a difference. We should all take a cue from them, and try to make positive changes in our lives going forwards. Some food for thought for 2019 and beyond...
For a full list of all those that won awards or were shortlisted, and details of the excellent work that they do, head on over to the CSA website.
