Sustainability Award
The city of Bocholt is awarding a prize for sustainability for the second time this year. The prize is intended to honour Bocholt citizens, companies, associations and initiatives that are committed to sustainable structures in an exemplary manner in the areas of climate, social affairs or the economy. This award is intended to honour and at the same time encourage others to follow suit.
Sustainable ideas wanted
Sustainability needs courage, ideas and, above all, people who take action. That is why the city of Bocholt is calling on all citizens, associations, companies and initiatives to apply for the Bocholt Sustainability Award 2026.
Every two years, Bocholt honours projects that are not only innovative, but also pioneering for more sustainability. Whether in the fields of ecology, economy or social affairs - projects are sought that combine at least two of these fields. Applications can still be sent informally by email to nachhaltigkeitspreis(at)bocholt(dot)de until 28 February 2026.
Purpose of the sustainability award
"Strengthening the regional sustainability of our city can only succeed together", emphasises Mayor Christian Mangen. With the Sustainability Award, the city of Bocholt is consciously recognising all the great local initiatives. The award-winning projects should motivate many more people to get involved!
The Sustainability Award makes the commitment of citizens, companies and associations visible. In this way, a sustainable future worth living in Bocholt can be created together.
Selection procedure
A jury from politics, administration, science, media and the main sponsor selects the winners. And it's worth it: the first prize is endowed with 5,000 euros - sponsored by Bocholter Energie- und Wasserversorgung GmbH.
Application for the 2026 Sustainability Award
To apply, simply submit a description of the project, including a contact person and, if possible, a few pictures by e-mail.
Sustainability guideline
In 2022, the city council adopted a " guideline for awarding the Sustainability Prize of the City of Bocholt". The prize is awarded every two years.
"The City of Bocholt Sustainability Award is presented for innovative ideas, concepts and projects that successfully combine social, economic and ecological factors in an exemplary 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 city or their benefit to the general public.
At least two of the three pillars of sustainability should be addressed. We are looking for longer-term measures, not one-off actions, that contribute to the conservation of resources, have an economic benefit or promote social and cultural engagement in the city.
We look forward to new ideas for the sustainable development of Bocholt that can inspire others to follow suit. After all, each of them strengthens the so-called "encapability" of our city!
Sascha Terörde, Climate Protection Unit
The jury
A jury will deliberate on the submitted applications and determine a winning project.
The jury consists of
- the mayor,
- the chairmen of the political committees
"Economy, Trade and Tourism",
"Climate, Environment and Energy" and
"Labour, Health, Social Affairs, Inclusion and Equality", - one representative of the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences,
- one regional media representative and
- a representative of the main sponsor, Bocholter Energie- und Wasserversorgung (BEW).
The first prize is endowed with 5,000 euros. - In addition, as a sign of sustainability, a tree will be planted in the city centre for the winning project.
Winning tree 2024 planted at Lake Aasee
© Stadt Bocholt
Amur cork tree for Büngern technology
As part of the Bocholt Sustainability Award, an Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) was planted at the Aasee lake at the beginning of April. The tree is dedicated to Büngern-Technik, whose sustainable product "Cera Lights" won first place in the City of Bocholt's Sustainability Award. Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff thanked all applicants for their commitment to the sustainable development of the city.
In accordance with the terms of the competition, the first-place winner of the Bocholt Sustainability Award, Büngern Technik, received a tree as a special part of the award.
A total of 24 applications were received for the Sustainability Award 2024. The jury quickly agreed on the winning project of Büngern Technik, whose idea of offering sustainable grave lights called "Cera Lights" via special vending machines was convincing. These grave light vending machines will be installed in Bocholt's cemetery in the coming weeks.
Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff emphasised on the occasion of the planting campaign: "The creative and sustainable ideas of Büngern Technik and the other participants show impressively how strong the commitment in Bocholt is for a more environmentally friendly future. I would like to thank everyone involved for their valuable contribution to the sustainable development of our city."
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