Project teams from nine developing countries were awarded for their innovative approaches to sustainable energy last night (21 June).

The Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy, held in London, United Kingdom, awarded ventures from Bangladesh, China, India, Laos and Tanzania first prizes of US$60,000 each to further their schemes. Projects from Ghana, India, Nepal, Peru and the Philippines were awarded second place prizes of US$20,000.

As the largest supplier of fresh dairy products in the world, €13 billion in sales last year, and offices in more than 120 countries, there is no doubt about the expanse of Groupe Danone’s reach. Yet, their 2005 Social and Environmental Responsibility Report has a section called: “Serving the Local Community All Around the World” – a seemingly contradictory statement for what hardly seems like a local operation.