Regio Energie Solothurn awards two prizes in 2023
This year, Regio Energie Solothurn is awarding its prize for energy efficiency, climate protection and sustainability to two organisations: the Restessbar Solothurn association and the Discherheim Solothurn, which provides housing and jobs for people with disabilities.
Regio Energie Solothurn did not just award a prize for energy efficiency, climate protection and sustainability at its annual energy forum, as is usually the case. This year, according to a statement, two organisations were awarded instead: the Restessbar Sol othurn association and the Discherheim Solothurn foundation.
The Restessbar association saves food. Since 2017, its members have been collecting fruit, vegetables, pastries and drinks from partner companies on a voluntary basis, which would otherwise end up in the waste. They are then sorted and distributed to around 300 people on twelve tours per week. In this way, around 26 tonnes of food that can still be consumed are saved from disposal every year. In addition, the association conducts educational work against food waste and supports pupils in the preparation of a cookbook.
At the Discherheim, “care is taken to ensure that everything you do has as long an effect as possible”, says Regio Energie Solothurn. At the three locations of the foundation, which offers housing and jobs to people with disabilities, this also applies to energy efficiency and resource conservation, both in the conversion of the heating source and the fleet of six vehicles to electric drives. The electricity for this comes from the building’s own photovoltaic system. In addition, the biotope, hedges, natural meadow, insect hotels and birdhouses contribute to biodiversity.