http://waterfortheworld.net/index.php?id=23 en Sun, 19 May 2013 05:21:03 +0200 30 http://www.waterfortheworld.net/fileadmin/templates/img/w4w_title.gif http://waterfortheworld.net/index.php?id=23 H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester presenting the award to Mubashir Niaz, Chairman of HEED in London. Mubashir Niaz, HEED Chairman, who was awarded British Expertise International Award 'Individual of the Year' in 2007, expressed his immense pleasure and joy:  “It is an honour to win such a high profile award in competition with such a high number of prestigious professional services firms. This award is a testament to the dedication, hard work and determination by our staff and volunteers around the world who have focused their love and commitment into building HEED's reputation by providing innovative projects with a distinctive sustainable approach.  A special thanks to Borouge and Mott MacDonald for funding the project and providing technical support at all stages.” The project concerned the delivery of eight water supply schemes in remote areas of Neelum Valley, Pakistan, after the devastating floods of 2010. Despite the challenging location and severe weather, the HEED team's dedication and commitment made this sustainable project a resounding success. One of many highlights was the development of an innovative method of insulating water pipes against the cold for bridging an 800ft wide valley, which was exhibited at Singapore Water Week in 2012. Read the stories - Additional villages in Northern Pakistan provided with new water supply systems  - Replacing flood damage water supply at mountain villages in Pakistan]]> Water for the World cooperates to provide access to water Since its launch, Water for the World is partner of Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP),  a partnership organisation uniting the private sector, civil society and academia bringing together skills and expertise from all three sectors. Members next to Borealis & Borouge are WaterAid, Unilever, Halcrow, CARE, WWF, Thames Water, IWA and Cranfield University. Currently, WSUP works in seven countries – Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia and Mali and since their existence they have managed to reach 1 million people through their valuable work. In Asia, Water for the World founding member Borouge has supported several projects in India, Vietnam, Nepal, China and Pakistan, bringing together local NGOs and pipe customers. In Pakistan for example, Borouge supported Pakistan non- governmental organisation (NGO) HEED to install new water supply systems to four villages in the Neelum valley region. In the summer of 2011, the partners agreed to provide new water systems to four additional villages bringing the total number of people served to 5,200. Recently, HEED has been declared winner of the British Expertise International Award 'Outstanding International Development Project in a Fragile State' for this project Rehabilitating Flood Damaged Water Supply Systems in Northern Pakistan. Water for the World cooperates to preserve water resources Running a total of 2,870 km from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube River water is shared by different needs and users: It is a crucial transportation route and source of drinking water, hydraulic power, industrial cooling water employment and recreation for the 81 million people living in the 19 countries that make up the Danube River basin. To ensure sustainable management of the River Basin, in 1994 the Danube River Protection Convention (DRPC) was signed by 14 countries. In May 2009, Borealis has joined the Business Friends of the Danube partnership, an initiative to raise awareness and to help preserving the uniqueness of the River and its resources. Water for the World cooperates to advance best practices Borealis is also member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) where Borealis Chief Executive Mark Garrett co-chairs the WBCSD Water Group. The WBCSD is a global organisation of 200 forward-thinking companies across 37 countries and 22 sectors that work together with scientific bodies and governmental organisations to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment. Since 2012, Borealis is leading the WBCSD work group on "Business Action for Access to Water and Sanitation". Borealis has also worked closely together with the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, the Water Footprint Network and pipe customer Uponor to advance the methodology of assessing the water footprint of plastics. Since 2012, Borealis is partner of the Water Benefit Partners, an initiative that works to establish a methodology to quantify water benefits of projects to then issue certificates that can be sold, thereby installing a financing mechanism for water efficiency improvement projects that otherwise would lack financial support. Great achievements – but much more to do We are proud of our Water for the World achievements during the past 5 years. However, there is still much to do. The United Nations has designated 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation, an excellent occasion to further build our partnership approach with Water for the World. Watch out for more news about Water for the World Cooperations around the World Water Week 2013.]]> More about the World Water Day Water cooperation builds peace and creates economic benefits There is only a limited amount of water available on our planet. However, with increasing population, economic development and changing lifestyles, undue pressure has been put on our water resources leading to increased competition and creating situations of conflict. Designating water cooperation as theme for the World Water Day 2013 is recognition that cross-sector and transnational cooperation is essential to equitably and sustainably balance between the different user needs. Water systems are extremely complex and their management requires the cooperation of multiple stakeholders, from users to practitioners and business managers, experts from various disciplines and policymakers. Collaboration can take many forms including cooperation across national boundaries, e.g. to manage shared river basins or technical cooperation across communities, governments, research institutions and businesses. Water for the World™ – Platform for partnerships As the water challenge is so complex, it can only be addressed by collaboration - a fundamental element of Water for the World™. None of our projects could have been realised without the engagement and cooperation of our partners. Since its launch in 2007, Water for the World has actively supported water projects around the world, reaching 300,000 people directly and around one million people indirectly, whilst building a strong platform for partnerships with stakeholders from the plastics industry, renowned organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and agencies. To learn more about how Water for the World cooperates, click here.]]> Read more Borealis and Borouge are partner of WSUP since they launched the Water for the World programme. WSUP  is a partnership between the private sector, civil society and academia which brings together skills and expertise from three sectors. The private sector, e.g. companies like Borealis and Borouge, contribute with technical expertise such as

• contract design
• non-revenue water reduction
• financial modelling and business planning
• effective branding and marketing used in the promotion of sanitation and hygiene

In addition, as a partner of WSUP, Borealis and Borouge are also member of the WSUP Board. The Board meets quarterly and provides strategic direction, defining WSUP’s mission, ensuring effective strategic planning and maintaining WSUP’s legal, ethical and financial integrity and accountability.]]> Technical Implementation The massive cistern will be built in the courtyard of the school. The tank, with a volume of about 150 cubic meters, will be continually filled through a system of gutters on the roof of the school designed to collect and funnel rain water. This domestic water supply is then routed into the premises of the school where it can be used for drinking, cooking and washing. The water quality is made potable in five steps. Initially, the water is forced through a fine vortex filter before entering into the tank to be cleaned. Once in the tank, a microbiological sediment layer at the bottom of the cistern creates a self-cleaning function. Then a coarse suction filter filters the water as it is removed from the tank. Any remaining viruses and bacteria are removed with chlorine tablets, and lastly a carbon filter cleans the water chemically. At this point the water is of drinking quality. Partners Borealis took an interest in supporting this particular project after the company had first sent blanket aid to the area through the Red Cross in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. EWB Karlsruhe is made up of more than 100 students of various technical backgrounds. The organisation offers students a chance to gain valuable real-world engineering experience while helping to solve some of the most pressing issues to those in developing countries. Visit http://www.ewb-karlsruhe.de/ to learn more about Engineers Without Borders - Karlsruhe]]> http://www.worldwaterweek.org/]]> Watch WSUP’s video series about emerging solutions for improving water and sanitation services in low-income urban communities. Read about the impact WSUP programmes are having on the lives of the urban poor. ]]> Download project PDF]]> About Water for the World™ Borealis and Borouge are supporting this innovative project in the development and implementation phase. This support, now in its 2nd year, consists of substantial financial funding as well as material expertise, and is part of the companies’ Water for the World™ engagement. Established in 2007, Water for the World is a partnership programme to advance solutions, expertise and know-how to address the global water challenge. This Corporate Social Responsibility programme spans a full range of activities at global and regional levels, in science, industry and for local communities. The x-runner project is currently looking for more investors.
For more information see http://www.xrunner-venture.com/ About Borealis and Borouge Borealis is a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions that create value for society. With sales of EUR 7.1 billion in 2011, customers in over 120 countries, and around 5,300 employees worldwide, Borealis is owned 64% by the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of Abu Dhabi and 36% by OMV, the leading energy group in the European growth belt. Borealis is headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and has production locations, innovation centres and customer service centres across Europe and the Americas. Through Borouge, a joint venture between Borealis and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), one of the world’s major oil and gas companies, the company’s footprint reaches out to the Middle East, Asia Pacific, the Indian sub-continent and Africa. Established in 1998, Borouge employs approximately 1,700 people, has customers in more than 50 countries and is headquarters are in Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Singapore. Borouge and Borealis are committed to the principles of Responsible Care® and proactively contribute to addressing the world’s water and sanitation challenges through their Water for the World™ initiative. For more information visit:
www.borealisgroup.com
www.borouge.com]]> Food and water are inseparably linked Today, there are over 7 billion of people to feed on the planet and this number is expected to increase to 9 billion by 2050. To secure food for the growing population, it is estimated that a 70% increase in food production would be necessary. But production of food requires water: Around 70% of the world’s freshwater resources are used for food production. Over the coming decades the challenge will be to increase food production using less water - particularly in countries with limited water resources, to share and promote best agricultural practices and to eliminate crop and food loss and waste. Waste of food means waste of water Because large quantities of water are used to produce food, wasted food also means wasted water. The water footprint of food puts that in perspective: Measured as the total of direct and indirect water inputs into production, the water footprint of, for example, 1kg of wheat is approximately 1,500 litres and for 1kg of beef around 15,000 litres*. Borealis and Borouge promote water conserving practices Through Water for the World™, Borealis’ and Borouge’s flagship CSR programme to address the global water challenge, the companies have initiated a range of projects that contribute to the improvement of agricultural practices. Sustainable irrigation 40% of the world-wide harvest comes from irrigated cultivation but it is estimated that around 60% of the water is wasted due to unsustainable irrigation practices. Borealis initiated and co-sponsored a study in Italy with the aim of underpinning the need for more sustainable irrigation practices.  The study assessed the effects of innovative water management policies in agriculture from an economic, environmental and social point of view and shows that besides substantial water savings, an overhaul of irrigation systems could save up to EUR17 billion in Italy alone over the next 30 years. Read more … Precision farming The optimisation of crop quality and yield level through the precisely measured use of fertilizers, while eliminating excess nutrient rinse-off to avoid water pollution, plays a key role in sustainable farming.  Borealis is working closely with farmers in Austria, Hungary and Romania to enhance the use of sustainable ‘precision farming’ methods and providing them with training and support in their application.  The result is improved crop quality and quantity and the preservation of ground and river water quality through the prevention of nutrient rinse-off to the environment. Read more … Plastic packaging contributes to the preservation of food Every year around 1.3 billion tonnes of food produced is lost or wasted representing approximately 30% of worldwide production.  In developing countries a large share of that loss occurs between ‘farm and fork’ due to a combination of poor storage and poor transportation conditions whereas in developed countries, food is wasted by consumers who are often not aware of the resources needed for its production. For example, in the United Kingdom it is estimated that 22% of the food produced is waste. In addition to its inherent water wastage this represents a value loss calculated to be around £12 billion per year. Advanced plastics packaging solutions make a key contribution to keeping food fresh and safe and to eliminating food loss.  For example, to cultivate a cucumber requires around 48 litres of water.  To produce the 1.5 grams of plastics film to package it uses approximately 2cl of water.  For this very small additional water input, retailers’ statistics show that plastic film extends the shelf life of a cucumber from 3 to 14 days thereby increasing its fresh-food availability, and at the same time maximising the value of the water invested in its cultivation. Borealis offers a comprehensive range of plastic materials for food transportation such as reusable containers and packaging that contribute to the preservation of food. Read more … Stockholm Water Week 2012 emphasises importance of water and food security An annual event since 1991 and this year to be held August 26-31, World Water Week, which is hosted and organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute, will provide a discussion and partnership-building forum for around 2,000 experts in water related fields from across the world.  This years' key theme will also be focused on the challenge of ‘Water and Food Security’, further emphasising the global importance of this issue. A central feature of the week is the presentation of the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for 2012.  The award is given each year to the individual, institution or organisation that has made an outstanding improvement-adding contribution to the conservation and protection of the water environment. On March 22, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), with headquarters in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has been named the 2012 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate for their pioneering research that has served to improve agriculture water management, enhance food security, protect environmental health and alleviate poverty in developing countries. As part of their Water for the World engagement Borealis and Borouge are co-founders of this prestigious prize, and are active participants each year in the Stockholm Water Week programme. For more information about the plastics solutions  Borealis offers: http://www.worldwaterweek.org/ About Water for the World™ Borealis together with Borouge established the Water for the World partnership programme, which brings together know-how and expertise to advance solutions that address the global water challenge.  The programme spans a full range of activities on global and regional levels, in education, science, industry and in local communities. For more details please visit: www.waterfortheworld.net About World Water Day An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating March 22, 1993 as the first World Water Day, thenceforward to be held on the same date every year.  Co-ordinated by The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN, each year World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater, the challenges it poses and the solutions needed to overcome them. Further information is available at: www.unwater.org/worldwaterday
www.fao.org/nr/water/ Source of all quoted facts & figures: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) ]]> Watch the movie


The water challenge

Fresh water and proper sanitation are vital. Climate change, rising population and unsustainable practices are putting water resources and lives at risk. For billions of people around the world, water and sanitation are the most vital challenges. Today, more than one billion people do not have access to clean water, and over 2 billion lack proper sanitation. Climate change, urbanisation and rapid population growth are now contributing to a global water crisis. The challenge is not about finding more water; it is about better managing and preserving the resources we have. ]]> http://www.wastefreeoceans.eu/]]>
Mubashir Niaz, President of HEED, reported in December 2011 that all the projects are progressing well and provided the good weather holds they should be completed by the end of the year. In Batagran and Nattan Pattian villages the water transmission pipeline from the source, high up in the hills, to the storage tank has been completed and they are now digging the trenches for the distribution system to the individual houses in the villages. At the Rayan Seri and Jandar Seri villages about 80% of the water transmission pipeline has been completed and a novel “cable pipe bridge” with a 750 ft long span is under construction to complete the work.

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Borouge provided the PE100 compound for the project and with the help of their local agent Han Huy Trading ensured that high quality PE pipes were available when required by the Lien Aid team. Quality pipe manufacturer Tifoplas based in Ho Chi Minh City produced all the PE100 pipes and delivered them to the hospital site in the summer of 2010.

These pipes have been used to deliver water from the nearby river to the newly constructed water treatment plant in the hospital compound and also to drain the wastewater from the hospital building to the new wastewater treatment facility. All the construction work has now been completed and the Lien Aid team are preparing to train the hospital maintenance staff in the operation of the various elements and officially hand over the project to the hospital management. As planned the hospital’s toilet facilities have also been improved and hand-washing awareness raising campaigns carried out for both staff and patients.

All these tremendous improvements in the hospital facilities and the knowledge of the staff will undoubtedly improve the quality of the medical treatment for the patients in the hospital and the wellbeing of the community working and living close by.   

]]> After much deliberation by the judging panel, IT Specialist Siew Aik Wee’s photograph was awarded first place. The photograph highlighted the importance of water to all creatures large or small – and as he reminded us in his caption to the picture:  “every drop counts”. James Ong and Cecilia Ow Yong won the second and third place awards respectively for their photographs.

]]> During the session they were told about the “Water Footprint”, i.e. the amount of water needed to make some familiar products, such as the 2,400 litres of water taken to produce a single hamburger and the “Water for the World” initiative of Borouge and Borealis and some of the projects undertaken to bring water to people in need in different parts of the world.
The children were then helped to carry out tests on water samples that they had gathered earlier in the day and the event concluded with the presentation of certificates and a number of small gifts to remind them of the event. The school Science Coordinator Dana Dababneh commented afterwards: “The children really appreciated the session and gained a new understanding of the importance of water to all living creatures on Earth including ourselves. I would to personally like to thank all the contributors for making the event so interesting and entertaining.”

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In many of our large cities, the water and sewage networks were built in the late 19th Century, after a clear linkage had been established between disease and the contamination of drinking water with sewage.

In 2009 Borealis commissioned a study to demonstrate the necessity of investments into renovation of the aging urban water infrastructure and advising on best practices for sustainable infrastructure solutions. ]]> As initiator of Water for the World Borealis participates since 2005 every year actively and attends several sessions of the extensive programme. Additionally, this year Borealis will join Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor on their booth EH04:30 in the lobby of the Stockholm International Water Institute.]]>
Precision farming is based on providing crops with exactly the right amount of fertiliser needed at each stage of their growing cycle, thereby preventing the rinse-off of excess nutrients, thus preserving the quality of both the soil and water resources. And, that fertiliser need is determined by measurements taken directly from the crop itself.]]> "Borouge press release". ]]> Borealis press release. ]]>
This concern prompted a group of companies including Acquedotto Pugliese, ANBI, Borealis, Federutility, Irritec & Siplast, Nestlè, Ritmo and SAB to sponsor a project by the Althesys Strategic Consultants house in Milan to evaluate the effects of a water saving strategy in Italian agriculture through a cost benefit analysis.]]> Danube Day on June 29 when, the organizers hope, some 81 million people in 14 countries will be coming together in celebration all along Europe’s second-longest waterway. Danube Day is a celebration of a cleaner, safer river following with huge festivals on the banks of the rivers, alongside public meetings and educational events paying tribute to the Danube, its peoples and the progress that has been made. It was launched seven years ago by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) to commemorate the Danube River Protection Convention signed in 1994 by 14 countries to ensure that the surface waters and groundwater within the Danube River basin are managed and used in a sustainable and equitable way.The Danube Day is celebrated each year to give homage to the vital role the Danube and its tributaries play in people’s lives: providing water, food, power, recreation and livelihoods. Nearly 500 organisations worked together on Danube Day 2010, and this year’s celebration should be the most significant yet. Three years ago, the ICDPR launched the Business Friends of the Danube, a partnership including numerous high-profile organisations such as Coca-Cola, the Austrian Ministry of Life and the ORF (Austrian Broadcasting Corporation), aiming at ensuring high standards of operation by businesses in the region, and in developing and supporting joint activities that promote knowledge and involvement in providing efficient and sustainable sanitation and water conservation solutions. Since 2009, Borealis is part of this initiative to further its Water for the World programme. Running a total of 2.870 km from the Black Forest to the Black Sea, the Danube is a crucial transportation route and source of drinking water, hydraulic power, employment and recreation.  “With our operations in Burghausen, Linz and Schwechat and our market leadership in Central Eastern European countries, Borealis has a strong presence in the Danube River basin. Being a Business Friends of the Danube is an important step in enhancing our contribution in preserving this region," says Sylvain Lhote, programme manager for Water for the World. ]]>
To support this aim the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy provides grants for research contributing to the better understanding and management of the country’s vital water assets.

In two important groundwater sustainability projects, Borealis has partnered the Emirates Foundation and contributed over US$130,000 to support this work. These projects are part of Borealis Corporate Social Responsibility endeavour and Water for the World™ initiative which is operated jointly with Borouge.]]>
Of key importance is the protection of ground water which is often the principal source of drinking water. With this in focus, the municipality of Haarbach, in Germany’s Lower Bavaria province, has taken measures to further preserve ground water quality in its jurisdiction. 

Thanks to Borealis solutions, a new waste water pipeline replaced the outdated drainaway and collection system  serving Haarbach’s outlying Anleng rural community.]]>
Read our press release (pdf) or check for more information SIWI web site]]>
The research ^rpjects are part of Borealis and Borouge Water for the World portfolio of activities to foster local knowledge and best practices for sustainable water use and management.

For More information: Borealis release ]]>
Read our case study]]> press release and our case studies.]]> press release]]>
Borouge worked with DEWACO, a local utility and private operator of a new waste water treatment plant at Ho Phong, in the extreme South Vietnam, to provide PE 100 solutions for drinking water supply in the city and the nearby town of Gai Rai.]]>
Borouge, together with one of its customers, Dura-Line, supported the Vishwadeep Gurukul organisation to expand their campus at the "Swami Maheshwaranande Ashram" Centre for Education and Research. Harvested rainwater will be distrivbuted to the new facilities through a durable PE100 pipe system.. ]]>
Together with local partners, Borouge supported the Sushma Koirala Memorial Trust to provide a continous connection to piped fresh water to a school and 200O residents in a district of the historic town of Bakhtapur.

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Under the umbrella of its Water for the World programme, Borealis together with Italian pipe producer System Group-Centraltubi took the initiative and provided on a pro bono basis the infrastructure to supply drinking water for 1,800 people.

A short video on the project is available on Borealis web site or read the case study ]]>
Water for the World actively seeks to raise awareness of the variety of water challenge in local communities. In Finland, Borealis partnered with WANDER Nordic Water and Materials Institute and the Finnish Water and Waste Water Works Association, to develop and launch a ‘virtual’ Water School - the vesikoulu – a web-based learning environment directed to schoolchildren. ]]>
Read the press release (pdf) and visit the prize annoucement on the Stockholm International Water institute (SIWI) web site]]>
One example was the National Hospital of Paediatrics (NHP) in Hanoi, Vietnam, where the water and sanitation conditions were far from ideal with poor water quality and very few drinking and hand washing facilities. Now, thanks to the work of the NGO Lien Aid, supported by Borouge, the situation is much improved, which will bring health and hope to many children as they embark on their journey to recovery.

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Borouge joined Lien Aid, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), and the Singapore Water Association, to alleviate the water problem for the 10,000 population of Shengli, a village and resettlement camp near Beichuan County, by launching the “Drop of Hope” project. Borouge supplied the polyethylene material to Szechuan Chinaust, who produced and delivered the pipes to the village, 300km away. The 2km pipeline was completed in just a couple of days, thanks to the flexibility and ease of handling of the pipe.

See also our news page. ]]>
Under the patronage of the Austrian Embassy, Borealis has taken the initiative and united its forces together with System Group-Centraltubi, a leading Italian pipe producer, and Prof. Alessandro Marangoni from Bocconi University.  The team agreed with the Italian Government body National Civil Protection (NCP) to support pro bono basis the re-construction of “Coppito 3” consisting of 13 housing blocks for the resettlement of approx. 1.200 people.  The Abruzzi earthquake on April 6, 2009 made 58,000 people homeless and destroyed around 15,000 buildings in the region of L’Aquila. Watch the video on the project (Borealis web site) and check out our project fact sheet and case study.  Read also Borouge's Water for the World Sichuan "Drop of Hope" case story ]]>
One new source being exploited is the use of water from the gas extracted from the underground coal seams in the state. This water which in the past was seen as a waste product, could now provide a valuable source of additional water. Pipelines are now being installed to deliver the water to the local communities and provide cooling water for the local power stations.]]>
Read Borealis' press release and our Water for the World case story.]]>
For the first time, Borealis and the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) have investigated the water footprint of plastics materials.]]> Borealis group web site or for more information on TRIGOS and nominees of the 2009 Award visit www.trigos.at.]]>
Under this partnership, Borealis and the ICPDR will develop  activities focusing on: -Awareness-rasing among Borealis employees and the ICPDR community around the annual Danube Day (June 29)
-Common action in the Danube region for improved sanitation and water supply with a particular emphasis on South Eastern Europe.
-The support to ecologically sustainable agriculture in the region and efforts to ensure minimization of the negative impacts of fertilizer use on water – such as the precision farming practices spearheaded by Borealis-AMI in Austria

Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, Borealis has major production sites on the Danube basin in Linz and Schwechat (Austria) and Burghausen (Germany). The ICPDR gathers the 14 countries of the river basin and the European Union to protect the Danube river.

Read the press release (MS Word) or find out more about the ICPDR  ]]>
The Stockholm Water Prize is the world’s most prestigious prize for outstanding achievement in water-related activities.

As the founder of the Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, Dr. Pathak is known around the world for his wide ranging work in the sanitation field to improve public health, advance social progress, and improve human rights in India.  For instance, Dr. Pathak has led the development of cost-effective and culturally acceptable public toilets and waste water treatment systems that are now used daily by 10 million poor people in India.  He is also spearheading hygiene and health education models for urban slums and poor communities. In welcoming the announcement, Borealis Chief Executive Mark Garrett says: “More than 2.5 billion people don’t have access to basic sanitation with massive consequences on people’s health and development. This prize demonstrates that innovation and smart solutions can truly make a difference to people lives. This is what Borealis and Borouge set out to do by co-founding this award.”

Read SIWI's  press release (also available in Hindi, Chinese and Arabic on www.siwi.org)

Watch the highlights of  the 2008 award ceremony (You Tube) ]]>
More information coming soon. Check out also endallah vzw web site. ]]>
Much needed infsraturcture investments recently came to a halt during the political turnoil but development efforts are now resuming.

Borouge is working with local NGOs and plastics industry to contribute addressing some of teh most pressure issues.]]>
Read the press release.  Read also channelnewsasia.com report and video on http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/view/412770/1/.html]]>
- CEO Water Mandate discussions on 16 March where a new WWF report on shared water risk will be presented. The report features Borealis plant nutrient precision farming activities amongst best-practices case storie

- WBCSD pavillion (foyer 4) and launch of the water energy and climate report on 19 March. Co-signed by Mark Garrett, Borealis CEO, the report stresses the importance of a combined approach to water and energy efficiency. 

- Round-table debates on 17 March dealing with climate change adapatation and mitigation where Water for the World case stories will show the potential for advancing water, energy and carbon management in urban water supply

- WSUP leading round table discussion on linking investments to professional associations’ backstopping on 21 March. Find out more on the World Water Forum web site and on WBCSD's water pages]]>
Borouge material tehcnology contributed to addressing the challenge of reducing water losses at a reasonable cost,without bringing the city to a standstill.

]]>
See press release.]]>
With this initiative Borealis and Borouge and Uponor will be leading in the plastics industry the development of a major sustainability concept. See SIWI, Borealis and Uponor joint release  ]]> case story and Borouge press release]]>
Borouge, together with a local pipe supplier and installer, is working to meet this challenge by providing high-quality material for a new, sustainable water supply network. By the summer of 2008 they expect to have installed a new leak-free water supply system serving all 3,000 homes in the village of Malkapur, around the clock, 7 days a week.]]>
Fully resistant to the damaging effects of seawater, polyethylene pipe technology is now being applied on the coast of southern China to link the dry Taiwan-administered islands of Quemoy to the city water supply of Xiamen on mainland China.]]>
In the city of Wanganui, New-Zealand, the city engineers have combined modern plastic pipeline materials and the latest installation technology to help them develop their new network.]]>
To aid change, Borouge is working with the Vietnamese Water Supply Association and universities to improve training and education in water and sanitation.]]>
But, with water and sanitation systems often left behind in the call on resources, high leakage and pollution are building up costs for today and serious health problems for the future. Active in India with a range of projects, Water for the World reviews the challenges that the water and sanitation systems face in the country.  ]]>
Asia is particularly exposed to the water crisis with a third of the population lacking fresh water access and half with no access to proper sanitation. Water for the World is active in the region through a range of local projects that will be further outlined in Singapore.

To learn more about our programme and meet with our partners, join us at the Water for the World stand in the Singapore pavillon of the SIWW exhibition. See also press release and SIWW ]]>
Pr. Allan notably pionnered the concept of "virtual water", which measures the water embedded in goods and products we use in our daily life, such as your cup of coffee that requires 140 litres of water to grow, produce, pack and ship the beans.

As part of Water for the World, Borealis and Borouge have launched a review of the water footprint of their operations and products and will further communicate about it. The nomination of Pr. Allan is a further encouragement for industry and consumers to understand and improve their water footprint.

The prize will be awarded at the World Water Week in Stockholm on 21 August 2008, where Borealis and Borouge will actively participate. Since 2007, Borealis and Borouge have been co-founding the Stockholm Water Prize to promote and reward water best-practices and scientific progress. 

See also SIWI's press release and consult our Stockholm Water Prize case story [pdf]. 

Watch Pr. Allan award ceremony (You Tube)]]> Borouge's press release.]]>
See WSUP and our page partners and friends.]]>
The city of Malmö, Sweden, conducted a 6 year test programme to assess the resistance of sewerage pipes materials to tree root penetration.

The research marked a step change for the sustainability of these pipe systems by using welded PP-HM materials. It shows how closely economic, social and ecological benefits are linked together.]]>
The solution was PE relining. Requiring only 30 small pits and a mere three months time, the Shanghai Pudong Water Company replaced 2.6 km of water pipes with a durable system, ensuring minimal disruption for residents and preservation of the surrounding greenery.]]>
Serpentine streets and monsoon climatic conditions are tough local challenges that required the use of PE100 pipe systems to provide inhabitants of Mangalore and Puttur with access to fresh water and improved sanitation.]]>
To encourage progress and reward achievements, Borealis and Borouge are co-founding the Stockholm Water Prize, the leading global award for outstanding water-related activities.]]> Borealis developed the first model for the Whole Life Costing of a large water pipe system.

To allow real comparison between options, the WLC model calculates all costs associated with a project throughout its life cycle, from material costs to installation and maintenance.

This pioneering research gives network designers and operators a base to inform decisions and make more sustainable investments.]]>
The replacement of 1,600 kilometres of mains by 2010 required innovative material and high quality standards. The PE pipe solution chosen provides a sustainable solution and reduces both the financial and environmental costs by offering a number of “no dig” options.]]>
Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) pulls together the expertise of its members to provide cutting edge, hands-on and sustainable solutions. Borealis and Borouge are joining WSUP to make a difference. ]]>
The Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust has worked with Borouge to select a material solution for the building of a reliable water supply system that serves half a million people in Andhra Pradesh, India.]]>
Initiated by Borouge, the Gulf Plastics Pipe Academy (GPPA) is a pioneering organisation with the mission of raising standards as well as providing knowledge and expertise along the entire water value chain.]]> More (PDF)]]>