254: green designs rewarded

Every year since 2001, a number of Ashden Awards have been given to sustainable energy projects that demonstrate cutting edge design and offer benefits to people in developing countries in particular. This year, as reported in today's linked article from Voice of America, the top award went to TIDE - a small company from India. TIDE won the award for their energy efficient stove, which was designed for small businesses. It uses 30% less wood than regular stoves and has already proved popular with textile and brick-making firms. TIDE estimates that, through the use of these stoves, around 120,000 tons of firewood have been saved so far. As the VOA article reports, other stoves also won awards, including an ethanol stove that is being used by women in refugee camps, so they don't have to take risks going out to collect firewood. These kinds of technologies make a massive difference to people's lives - and to the environment. Worthy winners indeed. (Picture of TIDE stove from Ashden Awards/VOA.)