Águas do Douro e Paiva has developed an integrated management system based on the principles of product quality, the prevention of environmental impacts and compensation of CO2 emissions. This business model can be replicated by other utility companies around the world. Highlights include:

• The company is a regional water supplier which is involved in the design, construction and management of water catchment, treatment and distribution;
• The company has paid particular attention to customer satisfaction as well as the motivation and involvement of employees by implementing an ambitious communication and community building strategy;
• It has made major improvements to its infrastructure.

The Jury selected this company for its initiative in implementing a new procurement procedure which integrates sustainability into its purchasing systems. Highlights include:

• The programme takes cost and quality into account as well as the CSR criteria, and incorporates these considerations into technical specifications and calls for tenders.
• The company's purchasing staff has evolved from simple buyers to business partners who have a broader understanding of the company's requirements and their external suppliers.
• The whole procurement organisation and processes are aligned around this new vision.

An excellent example of a smart cleantech application, this is a proven solution for decentralised electric power supply by micro-cogeneration plants with a high replication potential. This product can play an important role in balancing grid capacity and local heat demand. The Jury highlighted:

• It is a combination of ICT features with innovative product functions;
• The company has shown strong persistence in developing the concept and organising partnerships.

The Jury selected this project as the company's use of salt as a high temperature storage medium, rather than for instance oil, is innovative and increases storage time. Highlights include:

• The company is addressing the need for energy storage in combination with renewable electricity generation;
• The process uses concentrated solar power to melt a salt mixture at high temperatures. The stored energy can be used to generate steam/ electricity at once, or can be kept for electricity generation at a later stage;
• A large-scale installation is already operational in Spain and can be replicated.

This is a proven partnership between the Finnish company GreenStream and the Chinese Juno Capital Group concerning the Chinese renewable energy sector. It provides access to the green business market in China, thus stimulating more sustainable energy generation in the country. The Jury highlighted:

• The creation of sixty projects in China, which could collectively reduce CO2 emissions by 50 million tons per year;
• This project has the potential to be replicated within emerging economies, especially in countries with growing energy demands.

This project, which incorporates commendable methods for sustainable river basin management, encourages the development of green waterways. The Jury highlighted:

• The implementation of sound ecosystem practices;
• The development and promotion of green waterway infrastructure to support biodiversity;
• The exclusion and reduction of invasive alien species.