Fifteen projects from across Scotland have been chosen as finalists for the 2024 Excellence Awards, which are COSLA’s annual celebration of Scottish Local Government success.
All 32 Scottish local authorities and partner organisations were invited over the summer to submit entries to a judging panel comprising a number of experts across local and national government as well as the private sector.
After much deliberation, the COSLA judging teams determined just 15 finalists from dozens of high-quality applications – this year, entries surpassed 200 for the second year in a row.
The judges’ shortlist features a series of projects and programmes which highlighted areas of best practice and innovative service delivery over five categories; Service Innovation and Improvement, Achieving Better Outcomes for the Most Vulnerable in Partnership, Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health and Wellbeing, Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy and Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy.
The AMIDS District Heating Network in Renfrewshire has been selected as one of three finalists in Category 5: Just transition to a net zero economy.
Renfrewshire Council, alongside the other finalists, will now be invited to present their projects in person to a panel of judges in August led by COSLA President Shona Morrison, who will decide on a winner in each of the 5 main categories as well as the winners of an additional 4 special awards.
Commenting, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don, said:
“I am delighted that the AMIDS District Heating Network has been selected as a finalist in these prestigious awards, highlighting the many positive and innovative projects coming from across Scottish local government.
“The low carbon Heating Network in Renfrewshire supplies heat and hot water 90% greener than a gas boiler to facilities at Scotland's home for manufacturing innovation.
“The £1.7 million project, funded by Renfrewshire Council and by the Scottish Government Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, was also the first of its kind in Scotland and the first in the UK supplying a mixed-use development.
“Its great to see this ambitious local project celebrated and gaining recognition nationally, and I wish Renfrewshire Council the best of luck for the Awards Ceremony in September”.