D.Light Wins Ashden Award

Friday, July 9, 2010

D light Design, an Indian social enterprise that brings innovative solar lanterns to many people across India and other developing countries, has won the top Gold Award at the Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy 2010. The prize, worth 40,000 pounds, was announced on Thursday night by noted environmentalist and broadcaster, Sir David Attenborough.

D light Design was chosen for designing, manufacturing and marketing high quality, durable and affordable solar lanterns.

In the words of the judges, the enterprise was chosen for the Gold Award for “its passion and dedication to the cause of ridding the developing world of the health and pollution problems associated with the use of kerosene lighting through the design, manufacture and promotion of durable and affordable solar lanterns in India and across the developing world.”

The judges were particularly impressed with their highly effective marketing strategy which has put solar lighting within reach of over a million people in 32 countries with significant potential for further expansion.

Five other international winners were also chosen for their pioneering work in benefiting communities across the globe and saving thousands of tonnes of CO2 through the innovative use of sustainable energy technologies.

Source: Hindustan Times (link opens in a new window)