Richard Davies, Director of Marches Energy Agency, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours.
Richard was awarded the MBE for services to sustainable energy. He has been Director of MEA for 12 years
Under his leadership, MEA has become established as one of the leading ‘honest broker' sustainable energy organisations in the UK.
Commenting on his MBE, Richard said ‘It was such a lovely surprise to find out that I had been recommended for an MBE. It's not something that you ever think about. It's fantastic and of course a real honour.'
He paid tribute to his colleagues, saying ‘This isn't just about me; it's about the Trustees, staff and volunteers who tirelessly support MEA with their time, energy and commitment. Most importantly it's recognition of the hundreds of communities and thousands of people who have worked with us, and for what they have achieved over the last decade. Collectively those communities and individuals have proved that it is possible and desirable to live really well with less energy, and cleaner energy from local renewable sources.'
Marches Energy Agency was founded in 1998 with the mission of protecting the environment; encouraging energy efficiency; promoting appropriate renewables energy projects and helping people spend less of their hard earned money on energy.
Projects such as Keep Shropshire Warm have helped thousands of families in the county keep warmer by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. RE:think Energy supported hundreds of Shropshire businesses with advice and grants towards renewable energy projects, and Low Carbon Communities has helped dozens of communities to first understand and then reduce their carbon emissions.
In 2010 Richard was voted one of fifty Green Leaders in the West Midlands, and in 2009 accepted the prestigious Ashden Award from Prince Charles in recognition of MEA's pioneering work in Shropshire.
Richard said ‘Energy prices are only going in one direction and in tough economic times it is crucial that we continue to help families, organisations and communities use less energy and use local sustainable sources of energy.'