Brecon-based Ty-Mawr Lime has been shortlisted for a prestigious 2016 Ashden Award for its use of environmentally friendly building materials.

The company, which was established by husband and wife team Nigel and Joyce Gervis, offers breathable lime-based insulation systems for walls, floors and roofs which can be retrofitted in old and listed buildings and also installed into new buildings. Insulation can make a huge environmental difference by reducing energy consumption and hence reducing CO2 emissions as uninsulated old buildings can lose up to 45% of their heat through their walls.

The Ashden judges were impressed by Ty-Mawr Lime’s traditional skills and their innovative use of recycled and natural building products such as recycled glass, hemp and locally sourced wool. The company was even invited to design and supply the components for the floor to hold Richard III’s tomb in Leicester Cathedral.

The Ashden Awards are a globally recognised measure for excellence in the field of sustainable energy. Winners receive tailored support to help scale up their work and a prize of between £10,000 and £15,000. This year 10 organisations have been shortlisted for UK awards, all vying to join an elite group of Ashden alumni which includes last year’s winner TGV Hydro who are based in Crickhowell.

Ty-Mawr Lime’s founders originally wanted to restore their own listed property in Llangasty sympathetically and in line with its architectural heritage. Unable to source appropriate lime-based building materials, they began making their own. Some 21 years on, not only have they expanded the range of materials that they manufacture, backed up by informative training courses, but their range of Local Authority Building Control registered systems for floor, wall and roof insulation are now distributed throughout the UK and beyond.

Joyce Gervis, Managing Director of Ty-Mawr Lime Ltd said: “We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for a UK Award by Ashden who recognise some of the most important achievements in the field of sustainability. It fuels our passion to continue to develop, improve and implement our range of sustainable insulation systems, all of which use natural, recycled or renewable materials. It’s encouraging to know that small businesses like ours really can make a difference and play a significant part in helping the UK move towards a low carbon economy.”

Sarah Butler-Sloss, Ashden’s Founder Director, said: “This year’s shortlist is one of our most exciting ever and the enterprises and programmes that have made it this far are amazing leaders at the very forefront of a low carbon future."

The 2016 Ashden Awards will be presented at a prestigious ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Thursday, June 9.