Comparison site in running for green prize

EAST Devon's YouGen is in the running for a Green Web Award.

The website, set up to help people looking to install renewable energy systems at home, is up against My Zero Waste and the Guardian's Ethical Living site in the Green Living Advice sites category. The winner will be decided by public vote.

YouGen founder Cathy Debenham said: "It's very exciting to be shortlisted.

"Our site has only been going a year, and here we are competing alongside the Guardian. I'm delighted that all our hard work has been recognised."

The inspiration for the site came when Cathy and her husband renovated their house in Sidbury a few years ago.

"I did a lot of research into biomass boilers," said Cathy. "But when it came to deciding whether or not to go ahead I was faced with quotes that differed by £5,000, and no way of telling how the products or installers compared. We played safe and stuck with a condensing gas boiler, but the idea for YouGen was sparked."

The website helps people choose a good installer by inviting customers who have already used them to rate their service on the website.

Voting for the awards is open until New Year's Eve at www.nigelsecos tore.com/green-web-awa rds/vote.