Awards
Green Apple
UK ORGANISATION BECOMES ENVIRONMENTAL HERO
Kira Supplies, based in Lea, Derbyshire, have won the Silver Green Apple Award in recognition of their environmental project – The Ultimate Green PC.
The trophy was presented by The Green Organisation at the annual international awards ceremony at the House of Commons in November 2008.
The Green Apple Awards are presented annually in recognition of companies, councils and communities carrying out projects that enhance environment and there were 500 nominations this year. The judges commented: “At the rate of progress today, computers can be regarded as consumables. They also have many issues regarding end of life treatment. It is clear then that the fewer PC’s a company has, the fewer problems they will have with cost and waste. Kira’s solution enables companies to operate a single computer where six were needed before, with no loss of efficiency. Very simple, very effective.”
The award-winning project will be featured in the next Green Book, the world’s only work of reference on environmental best practice, and they will be receiving a Green Hero Wall Shield during a special prize giving ceremony on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, in February 2009.
The Green Apple Awards campaign is run by The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political, non-profit organisation that recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world. Their supporters include the Environment Agency, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and various other professional bodies.
Campaign Manager Mark Wolens commented: “To show continued interest in environmental issues during the current financial climate shows great foresight and they deserve the recognition of being Green Apple Award winners. “To then go further and become Green Heroes is an even bolder statement of environmental intent, and organisations that go the extra mile and become Green Heroes are demonstrating a serious commitment to the world around them. They invest in a better future for us all and deserve to be recognised for their efforts.”
Rolls Royce
Award Winning end to the year for Green IT Supplier
Kira Supplies Ltd, IT VAR and Green IT pioneer based in Lea, Derbyshire, have capped off a great year end by winning the Rolls Royce Award for Innovation through Technology at the Derbyshire Business Awards 2009 for their SoftXpand powered Multiseat computer solution.
The people behind Kira are husband and wife team Roger and Sue Anscombe. Speaking about their Business Awards Derbyshire win, said:
“This is the culmination of two years of persistent hard work and outstanding achievement by a small team of passionate professionals 100% committed to reducing the environmental side effects inherent in the IT sector. Multi-seat computing is the one technological advancement that has a genuine chance of saving the planet, helping to reduce the number of PCs that need to be built, shipped, purchased, supported, powered, and disposed of by over 80% instantly, all at half the cost of conventional systems. More people would go green if it cost them less. Now it does, and we are very proud to accept this award in recognition of our achievements.”
Dell
Kira Supplies have just added another award to their impressive list. The ‘Innovation Through Technology’ Award, sponsored by Dell, was recently presented by the Chamber of Commerce President. Kira Supplies, the East Midlands distributor for MiniFrame UK’s SoftXpand ecoware system, has already been awarded the East Midlands’ Award for Innovation Through Technology and now goes through to compete for the national crown at this year’s British Chambers of Commerce Awards in London.
Established in 1996, the fast-growing IT solutions firm develops and supplies computer solutions for a wide customer-base, from banks and hospitals to council offices and large corporate outfits.
Judges commended SoftXpand for providing eco-friendly yet affordable solutions and ‘demonstrating true innovation in combating increasing operating costs’.
John Dunsmure, Managing Director of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Despite the difficult economic climate, businesses across the country are continuing to succeed, overcoming obstacles by adopting innovative ideas and motivating their people. This company is a great example of the very best of UK business and I wish the team at Kira Supplies success in the national finals.”
Toyota Environment Award 2010
Saving the planet one PC at a time.
We believe that Kira Supplies, like Toyota, demonstrate “three pillars of a sustainable plant approach”
- We demonstrate leading environmental performance in the IT industry, with the greenest desktop PC on the planet reducing carbon emissions within every Ecoware installation by 83%.
- We minimise the use of natural resources in our manufacturing processes, and reduce landfill by one sixth.
- Working with our customers we preserve and protect the local environment and eco-systems.
PC Plus
SoftXpand allows a PC running Windows XP Professional to support up to six users, each of whom need only a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
This is achieved by using a dual-head graphics cards (PCI Express recommended) in the host PC and a mini USB hub per user for the keyboards and mice. If you’re starting from scratch, the UK distributor can also provide the central PC, which has three PCI Express slots for six users.
Typically, a SoftXpand solution – including the software, host PC, monitors, keyboards and mice – will cost £1,476 to £2,008 for four to six users, compared to about £1,720 to £2,580 for multiple mid-range PCs.
The solution becomes very attractive for just two users if you already have a powerful PC that you can build on. Thinking green, MiniFrame UK suggests a reduction in electricity consumption from 510W to 120W per hour for six users.
For standard office apps, the reduction in response due to competition for resources is barely noticeable.
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ERA
Educational Resource Awards Finalists 2009
