Designing the NECCUS Young Professional Award
James Anderson
Creative Director & Deputy CEO
Rarely at TMD do we embark on design projects as personal and intricate, imbued with such significance, as an awards trophy. Of course, we’re well-versed in crafting business cards, signage, clothing – you name it – but until last year, we had never designed a physical award.
This was exactly the challenge posed to us by NECCUS, a longstanding client and Scotland’s leading alliance for the decarbonisation of Scottish industry. NECCUS approached us with an exciting proposition: to design the inaugural NECCUS Young Professional Award.
This award was to be presented at the organisation’s annual DeCarbScotland Conference & Dinner, to recognise the outstanding achievements of young people in communicating Scotland’s net zero challenge. It was a task that demanded not only creativity, but a deep understanding of NECCUS's values and ethos. So, no pressure.
To Work:
I started with research, scouring the internet for award manufacturers. Off-the-shelf options were distinctly lacking. I wanted this award to be aspirational, to go above and beyond, just like our award’s recipients.
Enter Gaudio, a bespoke awards trophy manufacturer based in Gloucestershire. A brief chat with one very helpful account manager later – and I’d found the perfect partner for this project. Gaudio’s flexibility allowed for endless design possibilities.
Initial Design Phase:
Sustainability was a paramount consideration in the design of this award, leading me to explore materials with a low carbon footprint. That meant no heavy metals, plastic or glass.
After careful consideration, I landed on slate. But how sustainable is slate? As it happens, very.
Although it’s a non-renewable natural resource, the amount of slate available is immeasurable and its production has a relatively low environmental impact – requiring no additional chemical or heat treatment.
Furthermore, slate is a hardy, long-lasting material. And is distinctly reminiscent of the capstone which ‘plugs’ CO2 injection sites – NECCUS being the representative body for carbon capture and storage in Scotland.
It made for the ideal choice.
Designs Take Shape:
Now that we had our material in place, I began to think about what the award would actually… look like. I took inspiration from the NECCUS logo – notice the small yellow triangle within the 'N'?
Triangles are great. This triangle symbolises collaboration and synergy, i.e., NECCUS's approach of uniting government, business, and academia towards a common goal. It was the obvious choice to have a triangular shape be the foundation of the award. So, I came up with this:
An equilateral triangular prism, with an angled cut-through to create a downwards-pointing ‘arrow’ – thus representing the ultimate goal of NECCUS: the reduction of carbon emissions.
Engraved with the award's name, recipient, NECCUS logo, and award sponsor ESS Recruit’s logo, every facet of the design was meticulously crafted to ensure clarity and elegance.
Final Thoughts:
I’m really happy with how the award turned out. To see it come to life at DeCarbScotland 2024 – at Murrayfield Stadium and presented by Neil Gray MSP, then-Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy – was immensely gratifying.
Congratulations to Doğa Şatır, the deserving recipient of the inaugural NECCUS Young Professional Award, and to all the talented individuals recognised for their contributions.
This journey not only produced this very special award, but sparked my enthusiasm for future design endeavours. Here's to many more milestones ahead. Oscars, we’re ready when you are.
Nominations for 2025
As we went to publication with this blog piece, NECCUS announced that the deadline for nominations for the 2025 Award has been extended to 29 November 2024 at 5pm.
Doğa had this to say:
"Winning the Young Professional Award 2024 was amazing. It's been wonderful to receive recognition as a young person working in the industry. Along with this recognition has come great connections with so many great and inspiring people - and it has propelled me onto starting a new LinkedIn newsletter which has helped my visibility inside and outside of SSE.
If you're in the industry, I highly recommend nominating yourself! Or if you work with young people who deserve recognition for their contribution, put them forward today!"
The winner will be announced at DeCarbScotland 2025, being held on 13 March in Edinburgh.
