Sustainability Award
Awards ceremony on 9 October 2026 at Westphalian University of Applied Sciences!
And the winner is........!
This year, the town of Bocholt is awarding a sustainability prize for the second time. The award is intended to honour Bocholt's residents, businesses, organisations and initiatives that have demonstrated exemplary commitment to sustainable structures in the areas of climate, social issues or the economy. This award is intended both as a mark of recognition and as an inspiration for others to follow suit.
Sustainable ideas are being recognised
Sustainability requires courage, ideas and, above all, people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. That is why the town of Bocholt is once again recognising projects by residents, clubs, businesses and initiatives, and is presenting the 2nd Bocholt Sustainability Award.
Every two years, projects in Bocholt are recognised that are not only innovative but also pioneering in promoting greater sustainability. Whether in the fields of ecology, economics or social issues - the award recognises projects that combine at least two of these areas.
Purpose of the Sustainability Award
""Strengthening our city's regional sustainability can only be achieved by working together,"" emphasises Mayor Christian Mangen. With the Sustainability Award, the city of Bocholt is deliberately sending a message of appreciation for all the fantastic local initiatives. The award-winning projects are intended to motivate many more people to get involved!
The Sustainability Award highlights the commitment of citizens, businesses and local organisations. In this way, we can work together to shape a liveable and sustainable future for Bocholt.
Selection process
A jury comprising representatives from politics, the civil service, academia, the media and the main sponsor has selected this year's winners. The first prize is worth 5,000 euros - sponsored by Bocholter Energie- und Wasserversorgung GmbH.
Sustainability Policy
© Stadt Bocholt
In 2022, the City Council adopted a "guideline on the awarding of the City of Bocholt Sustainability Prize". The prize is awarded every two years.
"The City of Bocholt Sustainability Prize is awarded for innovative ideas, concepts and projects that combine social, economic and ecological factors in an exemplary and successful manner to create sustainable solutions", emphasises the City Council. Entries are assessed on the basis of various criteria, such as their local connection to the town or their benefit to the general public.
At least two of the three pillars of sustainability should be addressed. The award seeks long-term measures - not one-off initiatives - that contribute to the conservation of resources, demonstrate economic benefits or promote social and cultural engagement in the town.
We look forward to hearing new ideas for Bocholt's sustainable development that might inspire others to follow suit. After all, each and every one of them helps to strengthen our town's so-called "grandchild-friendliness"!
Sascha Terörde, Climate Protection Unit
The jury
A jury will consider the applications submitted and select a winning project.
The jury consists of:
- the mayor,
- the chairpersons of the political committees
"Economy, Trade and Tourism",
"Climate, Environment and Energy" and
"Labour, Health, Social Affairs, Inclusion and Equality", - a representative from Westphalian University of Applied Sciences,
- a regional media representative, and
- a representative of the main sponsor, Bocholt Energy and Water Supply (BEW).
The first prize is worth 5,000 euros. - In addition, as a symbol of sustainability, a tree will be planted in the city for the winning project.
Guideline available for download
2024 Winners' Tree planted at Aasee
© Stadt Bocholt
Amur cork tree for Büngern-Technik
As part of the Bocholt Sustainability Award, an Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) was planted at Aasee in early April. The tree is dedicated to Büngern-Technik, which took first place in the City of Bocholt's Sustainability Award with its sustainable product "Cera Lights%$. Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff thanked all entrants for their commitment to the city's sustainable development.
In accordance with the competition rules, the winner of the Bocholt Sustainability Award, Büngern Technik, received a tree as a special part of the honour.
A total of 24 entries were received for the 2024 Sustainability Award. The jury quickly agreed on Büngern Technik's winning project; their idea of offering sustainable grave lights called "Cera Lights" via special vending machines proved particularly compelling. These grave light vending machines will be installed at the Bocholt cemetery in the coming weeks.
At the tree-planting event, Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff emphasised: "The creative and sustainable ideas from Büngern Technik and the other participants impressively demonstrate the strength of commitment in Bocholt to a more environmentally friendly future. I would like to thank everyone involved for their valuable contribution to the sustainable development of our town.""
Any questions?
