Cornwall’s Renewable Energy Co-operative, a worker owned renewable energy company, has beaten nearly 6000 other Co-operative businesses throughout the UK to become one of just three selected finalists for the coveted “Co-operative of the Year UK” award.

R-ECO is up for the award for ‘demonstrated excellence in the areas of business and commercial performance, installing 0.12% of the UK installed solar PV capacity, £35,000 investment planned in staff training, as well as a sustained commitment to benefit the environment by increasing awareness and education of the benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency.’

Now based at Mount Wellington Mine Renewable Energy Park near Bissoe, R-ECO was born in Cornwall out of a small group of people’s desire to offer a wholesome renewable energy service not only to its customers but also as a company structure committed to growing a business with strong local roots. Subsequently R-ECO has opened two more locally owned offices in Bristol and Oxford, still keeping the main hub in Cornwall. The companies unique structure attracts talent from nearby CUC Tremough campus that operates one of the countries foremost renewable energy degrees.

R-ECO has completed a range of projects in Cornwall, from residential systems to large scale commercial and community based projects, such as Heartlands; a World Heritage Site, and Cornwall College campuses. R-ECO works closely with and supports local community energy groups throughout the county such as the Falmouth Energy Partnership, WREN and newly formed Truro based TREE.

Shane Bond, company director, said ““I’t’s so great to see a Cornish based company recognised nationally for its structure and success as a co-operative”. As the British economy struggles to regain momentum, Co-operatives are seen as an increasingly more sustainable and ethical structure in which to do business. ”