The ‘Energy Efficient Partnership of the Year’ award recognises collaborative efforts in energy reduction. This was demonstrated through Nissan’s partnership with Mackie’s where renewable energy was used to remove carbon dependence at every stage of the ice cream journey. The concept van combines a zero-emission drivetrain, second-life battery storage and renewable solar energy generation; whilst Mackie’s ice cream is produced at its family-owned dairy farm by renewable wind and solar energy.
The ‘Innovation of the Year’ award category shines a spotlight on new innovative ideas across the energy sector. The ‘Sky to Scoop’ campaign demonstrated how Nissan’s Electric Ecosystem could be used as a potential ‘last mile’ solution for ice cream vendors looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The on-board ice cream equipment is powered by Nissan Energy ROAM, a portable power pack that uses lithium-ion cells recovered from early first-generation Nissan electric vehicles. This provides a sustainable second-life for Nissan EV batteries.
Frank Oldfield, Energy Services Manager at Nissan Motor GB said: “We are extremely proud that our ‘Sky to Scoop’, and its innovative use of energy to solve a real-life problem, has been recognised at these prestigious awards. This unique project was a working demonstration of how Nissan Intelligent Mobility can help us create cleaner environments and move toward a better world for everyone.”
Karin Hayhow, Marketing Director at Mackie’s of Scotland, said: “It’s our aim to be the greenest company in the UK. Our business is already 80% powered by renewable energy and we’re always looking for new ways to expand this into every corner of the business.
“The strength of our partnership with Nissan comes from the fact that their green ice cream van concept fits perfectly with our “sky to scoop” ethos – which describes how we make ice cream with energy from the wind and sun, and grow crops to feed our dairy cows who produce the fresh ingredients to make climate positive real dairy ice cream.
“We’re delighted to see how it can now be enjoyed from the Nissan electric ice cream van – which is both fun and environmentally innovative.”
The Energy Awards help the industry set a standard for excellence in future energy consumption. Eighteen categories are judged by fourteen judges with a wide range of experience in the energy sector.