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UCL graduate named youngest ever Sustainable Business Leader of the Year

30 April 2015

UCL graduate Arthur Kay (BSc Architecture), co-founder and CEO of bio-bean, has been named Sustainable Business Leader of the Year in the Guardian Sustainable Business Awards 2015.

Arthur kay Aged 24, Arthur is the youngest-ever recipient of the award to date.

The award, which is voted for by the public, recognises a business leader who has shown dedication and bravery in progressing the sustainable business agenda, both within their own organisation and in the sector as a whole.

bio-bean, a multi award-winning green energy company, uses a patented technique to turn waste coffee grounds into carbon-neutral biofuels to power buildings and transport systems. The company works with pre-existing supply chains throughout central London, saving hundreds of tonnes in CO2 emissions for partnering companies.

"I couldn't be more delighted with this recognition," Arthur Kay said. "bio-bean is an extraordinary company that fits into a much bigger picture - if we can redesign and retrofit cities, we can turn the challenges of urbanisation into huge opportunities. This award, above all else, recognises the hard work of the whole bio-bean team."

The latest accolade follows a series of competition wins for Arthur and bio-bean, which last year included awards and funding from the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge, Founder.org, Shell and Santander.

The team has previously received backing from a UCL Bright Ideas Award in 2013, which provided seed funding for the company along with business advice and support through UCL's entrepreneurship programmes.

Professor Stephen Caddick, Vice-Provost (Enterprise & London), said: "I am delighted for Arthur. This is a much deserved award for an inspiring young entrepreneur who is not only trying to establish a successful business but one that helps address a major global challenge. I am delighted for him, and pleased that UCL was able to provide help and advice through our entrepreneurship programmes."

Timothy Barnes, Director of UCL Advances and Director of UCL Enterprise Operations: "bio-Bean are an exciting company that have taken the leap from start up to building a full plant and processing facility in the UK. Arthur's award is well-deserved and has a vision to transform the way we live in cities that sees the company's current products as only as first step. The rest of the race will be fun to watch!"

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  • Arthur Kay, co-founder and CEO of bio-bean