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2024 Brownfield Award Categories & Criteria

Conditions of Entry

 

To be eligible for entry, there must be evidenced activity on the submitted project during 2023 or 2024.

General Criteria

Judges will assess all entries and score them against the following criteria, so each submission should clearly outline how each criterion has been considered and demonstrated. 

The Award will go to the entry that in the view of the judges best demonstrates:

  • Obvious fit to category (including specific category criteria), clearly written and with good use of supporting annotated figures/tables/photographs.

  • Notable innovation or exemplary best practice.

  • A robust, cost effective and defensible solution.

  • Compliance with legislation, codes and guidance and adherence to diversity practice.

  • Effective public / stakeholder engagement.

  • Real environmental and social benefits, clearly linked to Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrating Social Value.

  • Evidence of robust project closure / verification where applicable

Some categories also have specific requirements, which are detailed in the category overviews below.

Award Categories

Best Project Preparatory Work

Planning and conduct of site investigations, including use of the National Quality Mark Scheme (where applicable), conceptual modelling, and/or development of a remediation strategy which both demonstrates best practice and provides a sound basis for remediation, verification and subsequent use or development of a brownfield site.

 

Best Research or Application in the Advancement of Science, Technology or Digital Innovation in the Brownfield Sector

​Evidenced by a published academic or industry-led research project, or guidance document, or the practical application of a scientific, technological, or digital-based innovation leading to enhanced procedures and / or processes in the brownfield sector. Demonstration of the broad potential impact and value of its application was shown.

 

Best Public Engagement and Participation of a Brownfield Activity

Demonstrating the positive impact and contribution made by a brownfield regeneration project delivered in collaboration with all stakeholders and encouraging the participation and involvement of local communities.

 

  • Effectively raising the profile of brownfield development amongst the community and other stakeholders

  • Demonstrates proactive community engagement before and during the project

  • Project takes positive steps towards improving diversity, equity and social well-being

 

Best Application of Remediation Technologies

Effective use of appropriate ex-situ or in-situ remediation technologies, whether alone or in combination, on a brownfield site. Demonstration of robust project closure and verification, with sign off by the appropriate regulator if applicable.

 

Best Sustainable Re-Use of Materials

 

Sustainable and beneficial re-use of material in a brownfield development or brownfield-led infrastructure project. Must quantify materials re-used and demonstrate compliance with legislation, guidance, codes of practice, and agreement by the appropriate regulator. Ideally should demonstrate an innovative approach to working towards net zero goals

 

Best Sustainable Brownfield/Urban Regeneration/Infrastructure Scheme

 

Excellence in the delivery of any aspect of the sustainable regeneration of a brownfield or development, or brownfield-led infrastructure project, led by a multidisciplinary team. Entries should clearly show real positive economic, environmental, and social impacts, clearly linked to Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrating Social Value.
 

Best Public Sector / Not for Profit Brownfield Project

Excellence in any aspect of brownfield development or a brownfield-led infrastructure project, where the project is led by a public sector or not for profit organisation. The Award could be entered by consultants and contractors on behalf of their client, but, if so, the winner would be the public sector / not for profit organisation.

Best Biodiversity Enhancement on a Brownfield Project

Demonstration of positive impact on, or enhancement of, the natural environment and local ecosystems in a brownfield development or brownfield-led infrastructure project. Long-term planning of a regenerative approach to enhance biodiversity and amenity value should be demonstrated.

 

  • Evidence of biodiversity improvement / net gain against the latest DEFRA Biodiversity Metric

  • Demonstration of long-term planning of a regenerative approach to enhance biodiversity and amenity value

 

Best Overseas Project

This Award is open to any organisation who has leveraged experience via the export market or is based outside of the UK to deliver excellence in any aspect of a brownfield development or brownfield-led infrastructure project overseas.

 

Best Early Career Brownfield Professional

Entries can be submitted by the individual, the employer or jointly. The entrant should have no more than 7 years relevant brownfield experience up to 2023. This may comprise accumulated ‘full time equivalent’ experience of 7 years whilst working part-time or around an extended period of absence. The judges welcome submissions from both young professionals and those who have made a career move into the Brownfield sector.

Specific entry criteria:

Entrants will be judged on all-round ability, not only on academic and work-related achievements, but also their enthusiasm for work within the brownfield industry.

 

Entries will be marked with reference to:

  1. Quality of submission - high standard of presentation, clearly written, with good use of supporting figures and photos where appropriate.

  2. Demonstrated technical ability within a brownfield area.

  3. Demonstration of innovation, astute business acumen, exceptional leadership, and/or significant contribution to a project.

  4. Demonstrated enthusiasm to advance the wider understanding of, and to progress within, the brownfield sector. This could include service on committees/boards, writing and presenting of papers, presenting at conferences, involvement in public consultations/awareness events, and/or wider society communication, or similar activities.

 

Technical Lead of the Year Award

 

Entries can be submitted by the individual, or employer / peer nomination and will be awarded to an individual who can demonstrate excellence in leading the delivery of any aspect of a brownfield development or brownfield-led infrastructure project, including evidence of:

  • Clear vision and strategy development

  • Inspiring and leading the project team

  • Keeping the project on-time and in-budget 

  • Consideration of sustainable practices 

  • Engagement with the wider technical community

Judges’ Choice Award

This Award is not open to applications, but is awarded at the Judges’ discretion after considering all winning entries this year.

Special 20th Anniversary Award: Most Significant UK Remediation or Regeneration Project

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Brownfield Awards, an Award will be given to recognise the Remediation or Regeneration Project that has had the most impact and delivered significant positive outcomes since the Brownfield Awards began in 2004.

This Award will be voted for by the brownfield and development community and the Judges. Voting for this Award will open shortly.

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