The International Water Association and Xylem are pleased to share the results of the third edition of the IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme.

The 2024 Recognition Programme raises awareness of the steps being taken by water and sanitation utilities operating in challenging conditions to respond to climate change. This initiative recognises ambitious and innovative utilities under two different categories (Achiever and Entrant) that are leading the way towards a low carbon water and sanitation sector, embracing the shift needed to adapt to and mitigate climate change. The 2024 edition is sponsored by Xylem.

A total of 92 applications were received from all over the globe in the application window up to May 2024. The applications represent a diverse array of utilities with their own unique challenges and solutions. The Entrant category is for utilities just starting their Climate Smart journey. The Achiever category is for utilities further on in their Climate Smart journey. A total of 36 of the applications were shortlisted.

Each shortlisted application was reviewed by three different expert, independent jury members. Following a robust review, 28 of the applications are being recognised as Climate Smart. This is based on a framework defined by IWA in which the application submitted is regarded by majority of the jury as being sound and worth sharing with the IWA community. Out of the 28 applications, 16 were considered for the Entrant category and 12 were considered for the Achiever category. Also, a total of 15 of the applications are being acknowledged as ‘Most Inspiring’ by the jury as they are particularly inspiring and ambitious considering their local context.

The results of the 2024 Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme, Entrant category are:

1. Water & Sanitation Company SANEPAR Brazil, (Most Inspiring)
2. Taipei Water Department Chinese Taipei, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
3. City of Calgary, Canada, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
4. Odisha Water Supply & Sewerage Board, India Recognised (Most Inspiring)
5. Phnom Penh Water, Cambodia, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
6. Vita Municipal Council, India, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
7. City of Kitchener, Canada, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
8. Moulton Niguel Water District, USA, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
9. Jurmalas Udens, Lativa, Recognised
10. Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, Bangladesh, Recognised
11. Ichalkaranji Municipal Corporation, India, Recognised
12. Arrow Utility, Canada, Recognised
13. Ghana Water Limited, Ghana, Recognised
14. Holding Company of Water and Wastewater, Egypt, Recognised
15. Eau de Paris, France, Recognised
16. Shenzhen Shenshui Longgang Water Group, China, Recognised

The results of the 2024 Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme, Achiever category are:

1. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, USA, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
2. Ruhrverband, Germany, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
3. Iguá Saneamento, Brazil, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
4. Aguas Andinas, Chile, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
5. OSSE, Argentina, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
6. Aguas e Energia do Porto, Brazil, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
7. NWSDB, Sri Lanka, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
8. Scottish Water, Scotland, Recognised (Most Inspiring)
9. Maynilad Water Services, , Malaysia, Recognised
10. Aquapolo, Brazil, Recognised
11. Baguio Water District, Philippines, Recognised
12. Water Authority of Fiji, Fiji, Recognised

Austin Alexander, Vice President, Sustainability & Social Impact, Xylem, commented: “Water utilities are the first line of defense for many communities facing the impacts of climate change. We are excited to share the stories of these utility companies around the world, which are leading through the implementation of innovative climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. The IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme is a powerful platform to shine a light on those efforts and the scale of progress being made.”

A unique recognition opportunity

The third edition of the initiative improved its offering and recognition opportunities for utilities who are already making substantive progress in their climate journey as well as those who have prioritised their climate agenda and are at the early stages of their Climate Smart journey as an incentive to broaden participation and raise awareness of the mitigation, adaptation, and leadership potential for utilities.

Selected utilities were recognised in a formal event during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition on 15 August 2024 in Toronto, Canada. The top three most inspiring applications from the Achiever and Entrant category were invited to attend the Congress, with IWA generously sponsoring the participation for a utility representative from each selected utility to join the event and connect with the international utility community that also gathered at the Utility Leaders Forum. The Forum also offered opportunities to deliver technical presentations, share solutions, and navigate the complex challenges faced by utilities today.

The recognition programme will be back soon! Stay tuned for more unmissable opportunities for utilities. We invite you to engage with our Climate Smart Utilities initiative – visit https://iwa-network.org/projects/climate-smart-utilities/