The much anticipated launch of the South African Women in Energy Network held in August 2014 offered the prominent women in attendance another exciting surprise, with the announcement of the first annual SA Women in Energy Award. According to Marlene van Rooyen, founder of SAWIEN, this award celebrates extraordinary women and validates them for their hard work in advancing the energy landscape. It identifies an individual who is an outstanding exemplar in the local energy industry. It not only recognises achievers, but also encourages and inspires other women.

“The awarding of this prize is a matter of enormous prestige and status, and will be promoted and published nationally in various media, giving the recipient further exposure and recognition for herself, as well as her organization,” explains Marlene. The SA Women in Energy Awards will be annually awarded to women working in the broader energy and energy efficient fields, as nominated by their peers or themselves and judged by a competent judging panel from the industry. “This year, as the conveners of SAWIEN, we have decided, along with two other external judges, to grant the award to an individual who has done extraordinary work in terms of energy and energy efficiency,” enthuses Marlene. “She stands head-and-shoulders above men and women in her industry, bringing about real positive change. She has also been instrumental in strategy, direction and constructing of the energy efficiency standards in South Africa. She is determined, resolute, tenacious and fair. The industry, and South Africa as a whole, is a better place for her extensive contributions.”

Marlene announced with great pride that the first SA Women in Energy Award goes to Lisa Reynolds, Sustainability Director at Saint-Gobain and Chair of the SABS Technical Committee. Lisa conveyed her appreciation for receiving this award, as it not only recognises her significant contributions to the energy sector, but also helps to set an extremely high industry standard for those aspiring to achieve such an honourable award. “Few people leave such an indelible mark in an industry such as she has,” concludes Marlene. “She leaves a tangible and impactful legacy. It is always an honour and a privilege to work with her.”