Applications Now Open: IWA Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme – WWCE Glasgow 2026

The International Water Association (IWA) is excited to launch the fifth edition of the Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme, with utilities to be recognised during the World Water Congress & Exhibition (WWCE) in Glasgow, 4–8 October 2026.

Building on the success of previous editions, IWA’s Climate Smart Recognition Programme offers a unique platform for utilities to reflect on their climate-smart journeys, showcase resilience and innovation on a global stage, and inspire sector-wide transformation toward a climate-smart water sector.

The 2026 edition is proudly supported by the Global Water Operators Partnership - GWOPA, as a Strategic Partner.

This year’s edition will evaluate utilities under two categories:

Entrant category: Designed for utilities that are at the early stages of their Climate Smart journey. These utilities are typically beginning to define their climate vision, build internal awareness, and implement foundational actions. Submissions are expected to demonstrate initial commitments, emerging plans, and early implementation efforts across adaptation, mitigation, and leadership dimensions.  

Achiever category: Intended for utilities that have made substantial progress in their Climate Smart journey and are actively implementing and scaling solutions. These utilities demonstrate established strategies, measurable results, and evidence of sustained action across adaptation, mitigation, and leadership. Submissions are expected to show maturity, impact, and clear pathways toward long-term climate resilience and sustainability.  

Applications are now open until 18 July 2026.  

You can apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSURP2026   

2026 Timeline

The following timeline for the Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme is anticipated:

Launch call for applications: 18 June 2026 
End of application period: 18 July 2026 
Jury reviews applications:  22 July – 12 August 2026 
Successful applications are selected and notified: Mid-August 2026  
Recognition event:  4-8 October 2026 

Why Apply?

Following a rigorous evaluation process by a jury, successful applications will be formally recognised during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Glasgow, in front of a large audience of water sector professionals from around the world.  

The top three recognised utilities in each category (Achiever and Entrant) will be featured in a dedicated workshop at the IWA 2026 World Water Congress & Exhibition (WWCE).  

One representative from each of these utilities will receive complimentary Congress registration. For selected utilities based in low-, lower-middle-, and upper-middle-income countries, travel and accommodation support will also be provided for one representative.

Who can apply?

Water and sanitation utilities from both high and low- and middle-income countries are invited to apply.  

In instances where different parts of the water system are managed by various utilities or municipal agencies in a metropolitan area, these can either:  

• Apply as a group, with a lead utility collecting contributions from other relevant utilities and agencies as co-applicants; or  
• Apply as individual utilities, ignoring the sections not relevant to them. Other urban stakeholders (managing other parts of the water cycle, urban planning, energy, or waste) may be associated with the application as co-applicants.  

PLEASE NOTE: IWA members and non-IWA members can apply. However, only recognised utilities that are IWA members will be allowed to take part in the activities of the CSU Communities of Practice.  Also, Utilities already recognised in previous years cannot apply again.  

What you will need to provide in your application

All applicants must submit a three-page narrative summarising the utility’s Climate Smart vision and the key actions undertaken towards becoming a Climate Smart Utility. The narrative should highlight any exceptional initiatives related to the three pillars of the IWA Climate Smart framework:  

Adaptation – planning and implementing adaptive infrastructure approaches that combine centralised and decentralised solutions.  

Mitigation – transitioning towards resource recovery and circular economy practices (e.g., biogas production, nutrient and by-product recovery) while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  

Leadership – engaging citizens, industries, and stakeholders in source control and water stewardship initiatives (e.g., reducing micropollutants in wastewater and protecting water sources), while building resilience through approaches such as water reuse in response to water scarcity.  

Under each pillar, the criteria are described below. The applicant may select a few or all criteria to propose a self-evaluation regarding: 1) actions taken and their results, 2) actions in planning, and 3) gaps they are planning to address.  Where relevant, include (i) resilience-building and preparedness actions that support continuity of service during extreme events, and (ii) how mitigation criteria are integrated into design/build/operate decisions (retrofit and greenfield).

It is mandatory for applicants applying under the Achiever category, complete the Indicators Form.

To learn more and apply, please visit: https://www.iwa-network.org/our-work/climate-smart-utilities-recognition or refer to the IWA Climate Smart Utilities Initiative Recognition Programme Framework.

If you have any questions, please contact Samuela Guida at samuela.guida@iwahq.org