Bio-power bio-diesel producer EORC has been awarded the Conservation Award for Sustainable Development at the fourth edition of the Malta Cleaner Technology Centre's Environment Awards for Industry held at the Aula Magna, Old University Building, Valletta.

The Environment Awards are designed to recognise and promote organisations that have made a significant contribution to environmental protection in 2007. The awards aim to highlight policies, practices and processes from all sectors of industry which are helping to achieve economic and social development while minimising their operations' environmental impact.

Commercial manager Pippo Psaila received the award on behalf of EORC. This award now entitles EORC to apply for the European Business Awards for the Environ­ment (EBAE) which awards Europe's best companies in sustainable development. This award recognises and promotes today's pioneers in green innovation to make a difference in the fight against climate change and help to solve today's environmental challenges, from the decline in biodiversity to the unsustainable use of natural resources.

"EORC's objectives include environmental responsibility and sustainability, and such an award acknowledges this," Mr Psaila said, adding that the award also recognises the environment awareness efforts being undertaken across Malta. Mr Psaila also spoke about the increase in bio-diesel use locally over the past couple of years, claiming that EORC statistics showed that bio-diesel use had seen an average growth of 10 per cent annually.

He said that for bio-fuel consumption to increase and take on the challenge of global warming, two major steps were necessary: user friendly practice adopted at filling stations to allow the retail of ready prepared blends rather than the current cumbersome procedure.

Mandatory targets detailed over short periods of time were needed to align Malta with most EU states. Only with the adoption of these measures would Malta have an appropriate incentive for an increased use of bio-fuels.

This is the second major honour awarded to the EORC bio-diesel project following the 2005 BBC/Newsweek world challenge international award that propelled EORC's Bio Power internationally.

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