NI Water Picks Up Top Environment Award

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 small villages and hamlets across Northern Ireland. The accolade was presented to members of NI Water’s Engineering Procurement division at a ceremony 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. 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.” 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. 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.”