Waste-to-energy plant wins award

An at times controversial waste to energy plant has won a sustainability award.

The St Austell’s incinerator in Cornwall, UK, has been announced sustainable property of the year at the 2017 Michelmores property awards, which celebrates outstanding property and construction projects in Cornwall, Devon, Bristol, Somerset and Dorset, according to <a href="http://www.cornwalllive.com/st-dennis-incinerator-cornwall-energy-recovery-centre-wins-sustainable-property-project-award/story-30406105-detail/story.html">Cornwall Live</a>.

Finally given the go-ahead in 2012, the £117 million, 240,000 tonne Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC) had been the subject of an intense legal challenge from local environmental campaigners who wanted to see the project cancelled, the Cornwall Live article explains.

Managed by Cornwall Energy Recovery Limited, CERC started its operational phase in March 2017. It recovers energy from waste that it processes every year, and uses it to power 21,000 homes.

Councillor Sue James, portfolio holder for environment and public protection at Cornwall Council, told Cornwall Live: "As the new cabinet member responsible for the facility I'm delighted to hear that the CERC has won sustainable project of the year.

"Now that the facility is fully operational, it plays a very important role in offering Cornwall a more sustainable method for managing the waste that's left over after recycling."

James Pike, regional director south west at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: "The Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre is a key part of Cornwall's integrated approach to waste management

"The facility's visitor centre has enabled visits from local schools and community groups, and we look forward to welcoming many more Cornwall residents interested in learning about how their waste is reused, recycled and put to good use as a fuel to produce energy."