Global green energy firm Zelestra scooped this award for its EmPowerS initiative, which enables fair access to renewable energy for key community centres.

Working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the programme has already extended clean energy to 14 local community centres across Europe, Asia and Latin America.

These have included elderly residences in Peru, rural schools in India, and public schools and municipal libraries in Spain. Benefits to the centres include being able to provide extended hours and expanded services, as well as cost savings, which have helped to make them better equipped and more resilient as they serve their communities.

Importantly, Zelestra – which is backed by private equity firm EQT – engages with the wider community to ensure a lasting legacy of local capabilities from these projects. For example, renewable energy technology is sourced from local providers, and Zelestra staff provide technical training for communities to better manage and maintain the systems, as well as grow wider community awareness around energy efficiency.