A ground source heat pump installation has helped Andy Buchan of A.J. Buchan Ltd. land the overall winner title for 2006 at the recently held Environment 2010 Gala Awards hosted by Worcester, part of the Bosch group. Now in its seventh year, the event is designed to reward those in the industry who are committed to conserving the environment.

Last year, Andy had to settle for a runners-up spot for a project that saw him installing solar panels in an 18th century farmhouse. This year he managed to go one better with a heat pump installation combined with underfloor heating for an office conversion. The judges felt that the installation demonstrated commitment to embracing new technology and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The installation was judged the best against 11 other monthly winners and the prize of a £1000 leisure voucher was presented by Nick Eyre, the Energy Saving Trust's Director of Strategy and Development.

After the ceremony, Andy said "I'm extremely proud to even win the monthly competition, but to receive the top award is overwhelming. It has been a fantastic day."

Andy says that he first got into the renewables market after Worcester asked if he would like to attend their solar heating course.

"I was a bit sceptical at first, but thought it couldn't do any harm," he says. "Now I'm involved with ground source heat pumps too and the whole renewables market has snowballed."