Otago organisations were applauded for energy efficient and renewable projects at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority annual awards last week.
Three of the 27 finalists were from Otago and all were acknowledged for their contribution towards New Zealand's sustainable future.
The Otago Regional Council won the residential category for its Otago Warm Homes, Clean Heat, Clean Air programme; Silver Fern Farms' meat processing plant in Balclutha won the innovation category for its work in turning waste-water sludge into energy; and Professor Gerry Carrington won a high achievement award in the outstanding contribution to sustainable energy section for his work in the University of Otago physics department.
The ORC's programme was launched in 2007 with the aim of delivering warm, dry, healthy homes to the Otago region and improving air quality.
It mainly focused on low-income households and those with health issues.
Financial assistance was provided for retrofits to be carried out on insulation or inefficient heating.
ORC chairman Stephen Cairns said the initiative had gone "very very well" and the win was "very pleasing".
