Environmental Stewardship Award
Recognising utilities leading the way in protecting the environment through new forms of green infrastructure such as nature-based solutions and wetlands, supporting biodiversity, and partnering with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders.
Environmental Stewardship Award
Recognising utilities leading the way in protecting the environment through new forms of green infrastructure such as nature-based solutions and wetlands, supporting biodiversity, and partnering with farmers, landowners and other stakeholders.
Affinity Water, Environment Agency, Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, the River Beane Restoration Association and FWAG
The Restoration of the River Beane Catchment
Partners in the River Beane Catchment are transforming one of England's rare chalk streams through a collaborative, catchment-scale approach to environmental stewardship. By combining sustainable abstraction reductions, river restoration, regenerative land management, species recovery, invasive species control and community action, partners are tackling the root causes of environmental decline across the catchment. The River Beane was also nominated a CaBA Chalk Stream Flagship Catchment in 2021, with recovery now coordinated through the Beane Flagship Project. Bringing together Affinity Water, the EA, HMWT, the RBRA, farmers, landowners and local communities, the partnership is delivering a blueprint for long-term chalk stream recovery.
Heartland Pipelines, Severn Trent Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy
Lake Vyrnwy Wet Woodland Restoration Project
Heartland Pipelines Ltd partnered with the RSPB and supported by Severn Trent Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy (HD), to restore native wet woodland at Lake Vyrnwy, creating vital habitat for the endangered Willow Tit while enhancing biodiversity and landscape resilience. Over two volunteer days, 14 employees used specialist equipment to restore approximately 480 metres of historic drainage ditches, donating and planting more than 700 native trees. Delivered beyond contractual requirements, the project demonstrates how a utilities contractor can combine technical expertise, environmental leadership and collaborative working to leave a lasting ecological legacy for one of Wales' most important conservation landscapes.
National Grid Electricity Transmission
An integrated approach for Carbon and Nature investment
National Grid believes the transition to net zero should leave nature in a better state than we found it. Our Carbon and Nature Framework turns this ambition into action by embedding climate, biodiversity and natural capital considerations into infrastructure delivery. The framework supports investment in Biodiversity Net Gain, nature-based solutions, habitat restoration and carbon reduction, delivering measurable benefits for nature, communities and society alongside critical network upgrades. It strengthens the evidence base for regulatory decisions, aligns investment with local environmental priorities and demonstrates how infrastructure investment can accelerate net zero while contributing to nature recovery and long-term environmental resilience.
Northumbrian Water
Bluespaces
Bluespaces is Northumbrian Water Group’s pioneering partnership programme transforming rivers, wetlands, lakes, coastlines and other accessible water environments for both people and nature. Developed in response to customer feedback, the initiative goes beyond regulatory requirements by funding and enabling nature-based solutions that improve biodiversity, water quality, climate resilience and public access. Since launching in 2020, Bluespaces has delivered improvements across 256.9km of water environment through partnerships with environmental charities, rivers trusts, local authorities, landowners, farmers and community groups. It demonstrates how utilities can deliver lasting environmental stewardship while creating tangible benefits for customers and communities.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, Gutteridge Haskins & Davey, Guidehouse Europe, Frontier Economics, Great Yellow & James Hutton
Nature 4 Networks
Nature4Networks is redefining environmental stewardship by bringing nature into the heart of electricity network resilience. Developed by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Distribution, the project advances four innovative nature-based solutions: linear woodlands that shelter overhead lines, sustainable drainage systems that reduce substation flood risk, transformer bioswales that provide natural oil containment, and thorny planting that protects network assets from agricultural impacts. By replacing or complementing traditional engineering with habitat-rich, climate-resilient interventions, Nature4Networks delivers environmental enhancement, biodiversity gains, carbon sequestration, and improved infrastructure performance. The project demonstrates how nature can safeguard assets while creating benefits for communities, wildlife, and the environment.
Severn Trent
Nijuis Ammonia Recovery
Severn Trent is pioneering a new approach to remove ammonia from the environment by transforming a wastewater treatment challenge into a valuable resource. Through a proof-of-concept trial with Nijhuis, the team successfully recovered ammonia from high-strength liquors and converted it into ammonium sulphate for reuse as fertiliser, creating a circular and low-carbon alternative to traditional treatment methods. The approach has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy demand and support UK nutrient resilience by reducing reliance on imported fertilisers. The project demonstrates how innovation can deliver environmental, operational and economic value while helping shape a lower-carbon future.
Stantec, Yorkshire Water and Mott MacDonald Bentley
Dearne Reach Integrated Constructed Wetland
Dearne Reach Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) is the UK’s largest nature-based solution for treating intermittent storm overflows. Serving 26,000 people, the 4.3-hectare wetland replaces carbon-intensive infrastructure with 13 interconnected ponds and over 330,000 plants using natural processes to treat around 200 million litres of stormwater annually. This innovative approach will improve water quality in the River Dearne and boost biodiversity, while creating a new leisure destination for the community. By combining engineering excellence with ecological stewardship, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable stormwater management and demonstrates the power of nature-based solutions to deliver long-term environmental and societal benefits.
United Utilities
River Rangers - Stewardship beyond our asset base
United Utilities' River Rangers extend environmental stewardship beyond traditional asset boundaries through a collaborative, catchment based approach. A visible link between operational teams, communities and partner organisations, River Rangers support river care activities including litter and debris removal, water quality and river health monitoring, and community-led environmental improvement projects. Our River Ranger teams translate local intelligence into practical action, delivering against a work plan that enhances local ecological understanding, resilience and environmental outcomes. By supporting local groups and fostering practical stewardship, River Rangers are delivering tangible improvements today while creating a legacy of stewardship for rivers across the North West.
United Utilities, Oldham Council & Arup
Rainwater Management Masterplan – Oldham
The UK water industry faces a fundamental challenge - rainwater. Climate change is increasing rainfall intensity, urban areas continue to expand, and public expectations regarding river health have never been higher. In Oldham, the equivalent conventional storage required to meet regulatory targets is almost 200,000m3, or 1.6 Beetham Tower skyscrapers! The project is the UK's first catchment-scale rainwater management masterplan, that delivers for places, people and nature. Evidenced through delivery, Oldham is providing a template for the UK water industry to collaboratively plan, creating appropriate governance and sustainable delivery models that can be replicated for nature-based solutions programmes nationwide.