The CIWEM World of Difference Award 2009 sponsored by Black & Veatch

The 2009 Award is now closed. 

The World of Difference Award was established in 2004 as a means of rewarding the leading proponents of the practical application of science and engineering for environmental improvement. The Award focuses on innovation in the environment sector; this can be a product, project, or service that has made a difference.  It is sponsored by Black & Veatch, a global engineering, construction and consulting company.

Entry Criteria

The Award is international and open to all, with the exception of Black & Veatch projects.  The size of the project is immaterial: small projects that make a big difference are encouraged to apply.  Submissions in connection with projects/initiatives that have not previously received recognition are encouraged.

To be eligible for the Award, entries must:

• Demonstrate sustainability and a degree of innovation / offer a sustainable solution to a problem
• Make an impact socially and/or technologically
• Be at least at the implementation stage and specific
• Champion the aims and objectives of CIWEM

The Prize

The Award consists of a specially-commissioned trophy, publicity for the winning project, a framed certificate and a cheque for £3000. The winning project will be outlined in the CIWEM magazine.

The winner will be announced and the Award presented at the CIWEM Annual Dinner. 

Previous Winners/Projects

The 2007 Award was presented to Duncan Mara representing the Esholt Research Group for 'High-performance Low-cost Natural Wastewater Treatment Systems for Small Villages in the United Kingdom & Europe'.  Click here for more information.
James Ebdon was commended for his entry 'A Rapid, Low-Cost Tool for Identifying Human Sources of Faecal Pollution in Aquatic Environments'. 

The 2006 Award was presented to Aqua Enviro for their entry ‘Glass Media Reed Beds for Tertiary Treatment of Industrial Effluents’.  Click here for more information.  The 2005 Award was presented to was Northumbrian Water for Wear Valley Water Treatment Works whilst the winner in 2004 was Water Works UK Ltd for their GROW (Green Roof Water Recycling System) project.  For images and information about the projects click here .

How to Enter

Entries should be in the form of a summary report, up to ten A4 pages in length including illustrations.  Sections should be clearly marked and photographs and diagrams used to illustrate the entry.  The report should clearly outline how the entry meets each of the award criteria.
If the file size is under 4MB please email your submission to awards@ciwem.org . If the file size exceeds 4MB please send four individual copies on CDs or as hard copies to Joanna Cooper, Policy Department, CIWEM, 15 John Street, London, WC1N 2EB.

Images and project material may be used by CIWEM in award promotion and publications. Permission will be sought from entrants before material is used.

Further Information

Judges appointed by CIWEM will choose the winners. The judges' decision on all matters relating to the competition is final.

Entrants are also encouraged to consider submitting a paper about their project for publication in the CIWEM Journal.  Information about the Journal, including Guidance Notes for Authors, can be found on the CIWEM web site at: http://www.ciwem.com/publications/journal/ .