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 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.

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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.

(CD)