The
outstanding accolade was presented to members of NI Water’s Engineering Procurement
division at a ceremony recently in the House of Commons, London as part of the
2011 Green Apple Environment Awards – a national campaign to find Britain’s
greenest companies, councils and communities.
NI Water’s
Rural Wastewater Investment Programme was among almost 600 nominations in this
year’s Green Apple competition.
Commenting on the NI Water scheme, judges for the
competition said: “This project aimed to upgrade the waste treatment
infrastructure for residents of 65 small communities across Northern Ireland.
Although a widespread and diverse number of natural obstacles had to be
overcome, the scheme came in 8.5% cheaper than predicted and has improved the
environment with safer handling of waste.”
The team
picked up the exclusive ‘Glass Green Apple’ trophy – an accolade
specially reserved for Champions in each sector for
projects that have impressed the judges the most. As a result of this
success, NI Water has been invited to have its winning paper published in ‘The
Green Book’ – the leading international work of reference for environmental
best practice.
National
organiser Roger Wolens commented: “To show continued interest in
environmental issues during the current financial climate shows great foresight
and NI Water deserve the recognition of being a Green Apple Award winner.
“To then go
further and become a Green Hero is an even bolder statement of environmental
intent, and organisations that go the extra mile and become Green Heroes are
demonstrating a serious commitment to the world around them. They invest in a
better future for us all and deserve to be recognised for their efforts.”
Commenting on
the award, Trevor Haslett, NI Water’s Interim Chief Executive said: “This is
a fantastic achievement for NI Water and our Contracting supply chain, and is fitting recognition for the excellent work
that’s been undertaken over the last three years through the Rural Wastewater
Investment Programme. This dedicated rural scheme is both complex and
logistically challenging but the rewards are far-reaching in terms of
environmental improvements. Each project represents a significant investment by
NI Water to implement the latest technology available to raise the standard of
wastewater treatment so that rural communities can benefit from improved air
and river water quality.”
This year NI
Water, working with local companies, BSG Civil Engineering, Williams Industrial
Services and McAdam Design, will refurbish a further 26 sites, bringing the
total number of wastewater treatment works upgraded through the Rural
Wastewater Investment Programme to 91.
