Jakariya is the poster boy for saving energy throughout city

The 250 pupils from six local schools who entered the competition were tasked with designing an energy-saving poster, to be in with a chance of having their poster displayed on a large billboard in Newhaven Road, and winning a £50 voucher. Each school that entered received £100 and the winning school – Leith Primary School – received £500. All participating schools also received a £500 sports kit, courtesy of Utilita Energy. All artwork is being showcased in the new Leith Energy Hub.

Budding designer – and arguably one of the UK’s youngest environmental influencers – Jakariya Ali, aged 10, heard he had won the competition at the official Energy Hub opening on Saturday, where he met Hibernian FC legend Pat Stanton, and was presented with his prize by Utilita CEO Bill Bullen.

Jakariya said: “I remember drawing the poster and wishing that mine was chosen, and now here I am standing in front of it. It’s exciting, and my family is really proud. The competition has made me think twice about leaving the lights on, that’s for sure.”

Leith Primary’s proud headteacher, Fiona Craig, was delighted to learn Jakariya had won the competition.

She said: “As a school we concentrate a lot on the environment, and the importance of saving energy, so it was great to see the messages coming through so strongly in each of the designs. I drove past the billboard yesterday, and felt very proud and excited for Jakariya – he’s educating thousands of people who walk and drive past the billboard everyday – it’s such an achievement.”

Mr Bullen added: “We were bowled over by the level of engagement from local schools, and judging the energy-saving posters has been really rewarding – it’s great to see young people so tuned-in to what’s happening to the planet, and why we all need to do our bit in reducing wastage.”

Utilita Energy has opened a new Edinburgh-based Energy Hub as part of the company’s drive to have more face-to-face conversations with people about how to make their energy go further, while paying less.

The Energy Hub is the first of its kind in Scotland and is home to a team of local energy advisers who can offer help and support, as well as educate people on how to make their energy go further. It features fun, interactive apps and money-saving demonstrations that aim to make being energy efficient fun.

Any local community groups interested in using the dedicated community space free-of-charge can book a session by emailing [email protected].