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Sola Rola

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Two years ago the Eco-Zone was introduced as an important feature of the show.
Its aim is to encourage people to live a greener lifestyle by focusing on wind, solar,
biomass, biofuel, construction and green consumables. It provides an excellent
platform for people to learn how to save energy, money and the environment by
offering practical advice and information.

A key part of the Eco-Zone this year was the Sustainable Transport Competition
- featuring vehicles which derive their power from renewable energy. This years
entries included a wide variety of vehicles such as a solar powered wheelchair, a
solar auto rickshaw, a fuel cell boat, and a solar powered boat. The Competition
was not only supported but judged by Former Formula One World Champion driver
Jody Scheckter. Since retiring from racing, Jody has become an organic farmer
and has swopped his horsepower for eco-power by converting his farm tractor to
run on rape seed oil.

The competition has also gained support from innovative creators across the
country, such as members of the Battery Vehicle Society and the Electric Boat
Association.

Although still in its infancy the Eco-Zone is has also gained support from EDF
Energy and The Renewable Energy Foundation.

EDF Energy who were the shows main sponsors created two identical ‘homes’ to
actively demonstrate the differences between an environmentally friendly home
and a currently average home.

The Renewable Energy Foundation set up an advice centre which had experts
offering advice on going green. They encourage the development of renewable
energy and energy conservation, whilst safeguarding the landscapes of the UK
from unsustainable industrialisation.

Lord Cameron of Dillington; Show President said “Sustainability is something that is moving up very high on the public agenda in no uncertain terms. This is the second
year we have featured it at our show and we are ahead of many organisations.
The renewable energy and the shrinking of the Carbon Footprint are becoming
important ways of life for more and more people daily”.

The Sustainable Transport Competition was the precursor to the launch of the SolaRola projects in 2008.

This is a unique opportunity to bring the development of the SolarRola Wheelchair
to fruition and will be the centre point of the years activities of the countys High
Sherrif in 2008; Mrs Annie Maw, herself a paraplegic, to help raise monies for
various charities along the way.

The adventure from London to the Show and the development of the concept of

  • SolarRola
  • The games
  • Activities
  • Trials

at the Show will we hope benefit in the South West of England, as well as various
other groups with the development of the chair.


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