Team Green Britain

EcoIsland is about a community taking its destiny back into its own hands. For eons it seems we have delegated responsibility for our collective futures to one authority or another and now in times when the very nature of our lives seems threatened by forces greater than ourselves it seems only right that we should do what we can to secure our own future.

Ecoisland came from the community, a group of motivated people meeting in a local pub until enough momentum was gained and I founded the Ecoisland Partnership Community Interest Company in February 2011 - the vehicle to make our vision of an Ecoisland a reality.

It was a great honour and a privilege to be able to represent the EDF Energy Team Green Britain Heroes at the Olympic Park on 15^th June, where we recorded a short film about the vision of a truly sustainable Games. We were the last group to be allowed to film at the Park and I was amazed at the sustainability measures that have been incorporated into the buildings.

The thing that has inspired me the most is to see how we are really leading the world in sustainable design. The Olympic Park sends out a great message about leaving a lighter footprint on the land and living in a more sustainable way. It will no doubt provide a remarkable legacy for generations to come.

I am delighted that we recently won the Climate Week award for Best Community Initiative. The judging panel was formed of highly respected individuals so we were very pleased to hear that EcoIsland was the unanimous decision. More importantly it is recognition for the Isle of Wight community and everything that they have achieved.

Recently I have been trialling BMW's prototype MINI E - a fully electric low carbon vehicle on loan from EDF Energy. I can only describe it as the most fun I have ever had in a car! Everyone is so surprised at how quiet and quick it is, and I have definitely convinced a few electric car sceptics!

This year has already been busy at EcoIsland, we have moved into the EcoHub in the building that we are working on becoming a sustainable business park. We also have three new long awaited members of staff increasing our small team to seven people!

The Ecoisland Global Launch at the House of Commons was an overwhelming success. It was a fantastic opportunity to take our big idea to Westminter and show the government our Big Society in action.

EcoIsland is about a community taking its destiny back into its own hands. For eons it seems we have delegated responsibility for our collective futures to one authority or another and now in times when the very nature of our lives seems threatened by forces greater than ourselves it seems only right that we should do what we can to secure our own future.

Ecoisland came from the community, a group of motivated people meeting in a local pub until enough momentum was gained and I founded the Ecoisland Partnership Community Interest Company in February 2011 - the vehicle to make our vision of an Ecoisland a reality.

Having spent most of my life as a yachtsman, I have always been inspired by the concept of sustainability. Spending weeks in the middle of the ocean means you have to be completely self sufficient, your boat has to provide you with clean water, food storage, heat and light, and you have to learn to live in harmony with the environment around you. As my sailing days have diminished I have taken this concept into my home, turning my house into a demonstrator for renewable energies and sustainable living. Founding the Ecoisland Partnership and leading a community into a more sustainable future is a challenge I couldn't refuse.