On Thursday 28th November, the Bluefield team were honoured to win the ‘Impact on Climate’ award at the Pensions Management Institute’s annual Pinnacle Awards ceremony.
The ‘Impact’ category endeavours to showcase those are making a significant, lasting impact on the industry. As such, this award is in recognition of Bluefield’s ‘ESG strategy and biodiversity work at West Raynham Solar Park’, the site which was also the recipient of the inaugural Wild Power® Gold certificate earlier this year.
The ceremony took place at The Peninsula London, Belgravia, and was hosted by Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers.
Speaking on what the award meant to the team, Group Head of ESG Emma Silcocks said, “This award is a great achievement for two reasons. 1. It is evidence of the brilliant potential utility-scale solar projects have to support biodiversity and nature enhancement. 2. It is a demonstration of how players across the value chain can deliver impact and support asset value. For example, Zara is an ecologist within Bluefield’s O&M business, and without her insight into West Raynham’s ecological characteristics and land management practices, we would not have identified this opportunity to obtain the first Wild Power accreditation. Everyone has a role to play in driving sustainable value, and this award reflects that.”
This sentiment was echoed by Sam Allen, Group Environmental Impact Manager, who added, “This award showcases the positive impact that large-scale solar projects, like West Raynham, can have on nature. The success of this project underscores the importance of conducting periodic ecological surveys to monitor habitat conditions over time. This data is essential for developing effective land management strategies that foster long-term environmental benefits. Ultimately, the award is a testament to the technical expertise and dedication of our biodiversity team, as well as the company’s broader commitment to investing in nature-focused initiatives.”
Reflecting on the existing works at West Raynham, Bluefield Ecologist Zara Rourke noted, “To have our biodiversity and ESG work at West Raynham be recognised across the industry is a great achievement and reflection of the work that has gone into the site. The award for the enhancements and ongoing data monitoring has demonstrated the value of incorporating nature positive features into site designs, and enacting management changes based on data collection. We have seen increasing wildflower diversity, a wide range of breeding birds of conservation concern, and an increase in ecosystem services being offered. We need integrated nature-based climate solutions to tackle biodiversity loss and climate change, and this work is evidence that these can go hand in hand.”
Learn more about the PMI here.
