FDBusiness.com

NI Water has been hailed a ‘National Green Champion’ by the Green Organisation for its work on the Rural Wastewater Investment Programme – a project designed specifically by NI Water to upgrade small wastewater facilities in villages and hamlets across Northern Ireland where the population is less than 250 people.

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.