Energy-saving pupils rewarded at third annual SSE Airtricity and Eco-Schools Global Wind Awards

The 2015 SSE Airtricity and Eco-Schools Global Wind Awards took place at the Everglades Hotel in Co. Derry~Londonderry on Wednesday 3^rd June.

The awards ceremony, which was fittingly hosted by UTV weatherman Frank Mitchell, celebrated the environmental and energy-saving achievements of Eco-Schools throughout Northern Ireland.

Over 60 Eco-Schools pupils got the chance to ditch their desks for a day to attend the event. The pupils watched and carried out a variety of presentations and exhibitions, before enjoying a guided tour of SSE Airtricity’s nearby Slieve Kirk Wind Park.

At the ceremony, Fairview Primary School, Ballyclare, and Holy Trinity College, Cookstown, were each awarded the title of Eco-Committee of the Year at primary and post-primary level respectively. Fairview Primary School also recieved the award for Operation Energy Project of the Year at primary level, while St. Colm’s High School, Draperstown, took the same award in the post-primary category.

Meanwhile, Cairnshill Primary School from Belfast won the first ever Family Energy Champions Poster Competition, with their creative poster displaying their top energy-saving tips for households.

Before presenting the students with their awards, Minister for the Environment, Mark H Durkan, said: “These awards are an important and fitting recognition of the efforts of our young people, their teachers and their families, in saving energy and looking after our environment. Whenever I visit Eco-Schools, I see the passion, pride and potential of the people who will be the next generation of leaders and workers in all walks of life. I take great pride in being here today to recognise these achievements. Seeing the energy and enthusiasm displayed by all of you, and the other Eco-Schools, gives me tremendous hope for the future of our environment.”

Josh Bradley, Communications Manager at SSE Airtricity, commented: “This year’s awards, as in the past two years, have been a great indication of just how enthusiastic and dedicated Northern Ireland’s Eco-Schools are when it comes to studying energy and the environment. It’s great that we’re able to recognise the impressive achievements of parents and teachers alike in this way.”

Eco-Schools Manager, Carmel Fyfe, said: “Congratulations to the winning schools and indeed to all the finalists. Through their Eco-Schools work, our young people are making a positive difference to their wider communities. It’s wonderful to see the schools excelling in such a prestigious international programme, and we’re delighted to work with SSE Airtricity in rewarding their achievements through the Global Wind Awards.”

Full list of winners: