Almondvale Shopping Centre Awards West Lothian Schools for Eco Ideas

Date: 8 Jun 2008

Four West Lothian Schools collected their share of £2,000 on Thursday (5th June) following their success in the first ever Eco-School Energy Awareness Challenge which was co-ordinated by Almondvale Shopping Centre in Livingston.

The shopping centre, which joined forces with West Lothian Council's education department to launch the challenge, invited all schools in the area to enter the competition and were challenged to find the most innovative eco-idea which would benefit their school and support the work they are undertaking for their Eco-School award.

A host of nursery, primary and secondary schools submitted entries for the challenge which were exhibited in the centre – as part of a dedicated eco event - to allow shoppers to view the submissions and vote for their favourite idea.

Polbeth Nursery, Peel Primary, Harrysmuir Primary and St. Margaret’s Academy all walked away with an eco award and a cash prize of £500 following an exciting awards ceremony at the Livingston mall.

The judges – Jennifer Bruce, marketing manager at Almondvale Shopping Centre, Nicola Thompson and John Scott from West Lothian Council’s Energy Awareness Group had a hard decision to make but with the help of hundreds of votes from shoppers - a final decision was made.

The winning entries will also be transformed into an authority advert and used throughout the community.

Jennifer Bruce, marketing manager, Almondvale Shopping Centre said: "The first ever Eco-School Energy Awareness Challenge 2008 was a massive success and we were overwhelmed with the imagination and creativity of all the entries.

“We were delighted to work with West Lothian Council to inspire children from Livingston schools to become more energy conscious. I hope some of the schools will be able to put some of their ideas into practice.

“Within the centre we take aspects such as recycling very seriously and are thrilled to be extending this ethos into the wider community.”

Fellow judge, Nicola Thompson from West Lothian Council added: "We welcome Almondvale Shopping Centre’s dedication and support with this Eco-School Energy Awareness Challenge which should assist schools in the area to gain Eco-School recognition whether at bronze, silver or green levels.

“This is such an important topic for children who are more than ever aware of how to be environmentally friendly. We have already received some brilliant ideas showing both flair and imagination.”

The Eco-Schools Energy Challenge was complimented with the ‘Get Green at Livingston’ event (from 5th -8th June) which involved a number of local environmental organisations coming together to offer visitors to the centre some hints and tips on how to be more eco-friendly.

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