NORTHERN Ireland Water has won the coveted Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development 2020.
The awards recognise companies across the UK that display best practice in Sustainable Development and address sustainability issues using innovative approaches.
NI Water’s Chief Executive, Sara Venning, commented on the award: “We are absolutely thrilled to achieve this prestigious award, which recognises our wide-ranging sustainable development programme, which includes attracting, recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, as well as our clear senior commitment and leadership approach to sustainability.
“I am incredibly proud of the variety of innovative, creative projects that are ongoing throughout the organisation.
“Some of the highlights that really demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development include our very own Wonderwall – the Mourne Wall Restoration Project, Dunore Solar Farm and Clandeboye Rainwater Garden, which are bringing tremendous benefits to local communities.
“Every aspect of life in Northern Ireland depends on the provision of clean drinking water and management of wastewater to safeguard health, underpin economic growth and protect our environment.
“NI Water is a multi-award winning company having won numerous global, national and local business awards.
“We have also consistently ranked in the top 4 of NI’s top companies in the last three years.
“It is an exciting time to be part of NI Water, helping to implement its vision of delivering a world-class service to its customers, its people and for the environment.
“The latest Queen’s Award is an affirmation that we are on the right path and becoming industry leaders both locally and on the global stage.”
NI Water’s work was commended for involving employees and customers in its supply chain and using partnership working to deliver a wide range of large scale investment projects in an inclusive way.
Highlights include investment projects to protect catchments and improve raw water quality, enhance biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions and flood risk, increase renewable energy generation and improve wastewater treatment across Northern Ireland.
The award marks a holistic approach to sustainable development – in accordance with the EU Sustainable Development strategy, UN Sustainable Development Goals, NI Water’s Long term Water Strategy, as well as the company’s Corporate aims and Objectives, which include positively impacting on the company, employees, customers, stakeholders, supply chain and local communities.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon added: “I am delighted to add my congratulations to NI Water on achieving this award for outstanding achievements and to see Northern Ireland Water’s exceptional staff and sustainable development practices recognised in this way.
“I am particularly pleased to see their good work on health, well-being and promoting mental health recognised by the Awards as ‘outstanding’.
“This work is having a positive impact on our whole society.
“It enhances bio-diversity, improves the quality of fresh water in rivers and lakes and also educates members of the public and school children on climate change and sustainable campaigns that protect our most precious resource.
“During the current health emergency we see more than ever just how critical the essential supply of clean drinking water and the effective treatment of waste water is.
“This goes to the very heart of our society. Right from the moment when we get up in the morning and turn on our water tap, NI Water staff are on the front line making sure this vital service continues.
“I want to thank them for their commitment and commend them on this Award which shows how they go above and beyond by delivering an essential service in a way that enhances our environment, enriches our health and helps protect our planet.”
