13 projects in the running for the Bocholt Sustainability Award

Thirteen projects are in the running for this year's Bocholt Sustainability Award. On Friday 9 October, the town of Bocholt will, for the second time, recognise outstanding commitment to sustainable development. Science journalist and TV presenter Thomas Ranft will give a keynote speech at the awards ceremony at Westphalian University of Applied Sciences.

Through the Sustainability Award, the City of Bocholt recognises individuals, associations, institutions and companies that promote sustainable development through concrete ideas and projects. The award is presented every two years and recognises projects that combine environmental, economic and social aspects. Following its launch in 2024, the prize is being awarded for the second time this year. The range of entries submitted spans from individuals and groups, through associations and institutions, to companies of various sizes.

""With the Sustainability Award, we aim to highlight the diverse range of commitment in our town and recognise those who, through their ideas and projects, are contributing to sustainable development,"" explains Dave Welling, Head of Urban Planning, ""at the same time, we want to encourage others to take action themselves.""

Exhibition and keynote speech to kick off the event

The event begins at 6 pm with an exhibition of various projects submitted by applicants in the foyer of the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences. Visitors can find out about sustainable ideas from Bocholt and engage in conversation with those involved. The programme begins at 6.30 pm in Lecture Theatre 1 with a welcome address by Mayor Christian Mangen. This will be followed by a talk by science journalist and TV presenter Thomas Ranft on the topic of "Sustainability and Society". Ranft is known, amongst other things, from the ARD programmes "Quarks", "Wetter vor Acht", "Tagesthemen" and "Tagesschau", and his journalistic work focuses extensively on the topics of weather, climate, sustainability, energy and mobility.

In his talk, he explores the significance of sustainability for society and everyday life. In doing so, he focuses in particular on the gap between knowledge and action: why is it sometimes difficult to act sustainably despite a strong awareness of the issues - and what approaches can help to bring about change in everyday life?

Winner receives 5,000 euros

Following this, the 13 submitted projects will be presented and the three winning entries announced. The first prize is worth 5,000 euros, the second 2,500 euros and the third 1,000 euros. The main sponsor of the prize money is stadtwerker. Following the event, a tree will be planted with the first-prize winner as a lasting symbol.

The winners will be selected by a jury comprising representatives from politics, the civil service, academia, the media and the main sponsor. The Sustainability Award is based on a guideline adopted by the City Council in December 2022. The aim of the award is to highlight sustainable initiatives in Bocholt, raise awareness of good practices and encourage further activities.

Registration is requested

The award ceremony is open to the public. The City of Bocholt invites interested residents to learn about the projects, listen to the talk by Thomas Ranft and exchange views with those involved. Attendance is free of charge and no registration is required.