One Team Approach to Enhancing the Environment Scoops Another Top Industry Prize

Scottish Water’s innovative model to deliver its £500m Improving Urban Waters programme has won another major industry prize.

Bringing together key partners, the IUW Team won in the ‘Sustainability’ category of the Institute of Collaborative Working (ICW) Awards 2025 at a ceremony held at the House of Lords in London.

In July 2025 the IUW team was named ‘Partnership of the Year’ at the Water Industry Awards for its innovative and integrated approach.

The Improving Urban Waters programme is an additional investment across Scotland to improve water quality through increased monitoring and targeted infrastructure projects to significantly reduce sewer-related spills.

Scottish Water Alliance Manager Lynsey Lennon said: “By working collaboratively with our alliance partner, modellers, designers and survey partners we are delivering projects in around half the time.

“This approach brings great value for our customers, and they are also benefiting from our use of standardised designs and off-site manufacturing of key components.

“Scottish Water celebrates innovation and recognises it is key to delivering projects that will make a real difference to communities and protect the environment for many years to come.

“We are extremely fortunate to have such dedicated and enthusiastic partners, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to make a positive difference to Scotland and our customers.”

The ICW Awards, celebrate high performing collaborative teams addressing and overcoming key business challenges.

The Sustainability Award is reserved for the team best able to demonstrate a contribution to long-term sustainable development, including environmental, education, health and safety, and improved welfare.

The IUW partnership is made up of Scottish Water, M2— a joint venture between Stantec and Mott MacDonald—Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA), ARC (Atkins Realis and RPS JV) and Clancy.

Scott Jackson, regional business lead for Water, Stantec UK & Ireland said: “The urgency and complexity of the programmes associated with improving water quality on a national scale cannot be overstated, and neither can the importance of strategic collaboration.

“Scottish Water’s award-winning ‘one team’ approach and shared vision continue to deliver meaningful environmental improvements and advance sustainability goals in Scotland. 

“Our teams love seeing their creative, problem-solving skills positively impact the communities around them, and to be recognised for this by the Institute of Collaborative Working is an incredible honour.”