Scientists named as top climate change entrepreneurs
University of Greenwich at Medway scientists, Dr Paula Carey and Dr Colin Hills, were named as top climate change entrepreneurs this week. Their university spin-out company, Carbon8 Systems Ltd, was the National Winner of the annual Shell Springboard Awards, announced on Tuesday night. The prizes reward the best small business ideas for combating climate change.
Dr Carey and Dr Colin Hills won the prize for Carbon8 Systems 'Accelerated Carbonation' process, which captures the damaging gases emitted from landfill sites and uses them to turn waste into useful limestone or carbonates. The idea has huge potential for local councils. Just one municipal waste incinerator processes 60,000 tonnes of hazardous waste per year, offering a potential annual saving of £6 million.
Dr Paula Carey, from the University of Greenwich's School of Science, is Commercial Director of Carbon8 Systems Ltd. She said: “Winning this award has already opened doors for us. We are hoping to create a pilot project on a local landfill site, which will be a really positive move for the business and a forward-thinking step when it comes to tackling climate change."
Professor Tom Barnes, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, congratulated the pair, saying: "I am delighted with the success of Carbon8 in these awards. The university has a policy of investing in technology transfer and for one of its first spin-out companies to be honoured in this way, is a clear illustration of the success of its support for applied research."
James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK, said: "Carbon8 Systems Ltd embodies the creative thinking that so many of this year's contenders have shown - combining business acumen and environmental awareness to best effect. Shell Springboard aims to support firms whose ideas are both environmentally and commercially sound - and once again the finalists have proved there are great innovators out there who can make a valuable difference. They're an inspiration to other UK businesses."
Carbon8 was one of five contenders for the national prize; each presented its business case to a panel of expert judges led by Lord Oxburgh, former Chair of the House of Lords Science & Technology Select Committee.
As part of their prize, Carbon8 Systems Ltd will receive a consultancy session to help it develop its projects as well as a weekend trip to the Ferrari factory in Italy, where they'll find out how the brand is working to maintain its exclusivity and characteristics while addressing the challenges of global warming.
Photo caption: Dr Paula Carey with Robert Williams, chief executive of Carbon8.
ENDS
Editors' notes:
1. The judges of the national award were:
* Lord Oxburgh KBE, former Chair of the House of Lords Science & Technology Select Committee
* Professor Julia King CBE FREng, Vice-Chancellor of Aston University
* Tom Delay, Chief Executive, The Carbon Trust
* Professor Chris Rapley CBE, Director of the London Science Museum
2. Shell Springboard is a programme that provides a financial boost to innovative, low carbon business ideas from across the UK. Since 2005 Shell Springboard has supported twenty six businesses with awards of between £20,000 and £40,000. Through Springboard Shell supports SMEs who are trying to seize the commercial opportunities presented by climate change.
For images or more information please contact:
Nick Davison, Press Officer
University of Greenwich
Tel: 020 8331 8092
For details about the Shell Springboard Awards:
Oliver Tilley
Tel: 020 7260 2700