Sustainability Award
The city of Bocholt has awarded a prize for sustainability for the first time in 2024. The prize is intended to honour Bocholt citizens, companies, associations and initiatives that are committed to sustainable structures in an exemplary manner in the areas of climate, social affairs or the economy. This award is intended to honour and at the same time encourage others to follow suit.
Winning tree planted at the Aasee
Amur cork tree for Büngern technology
As part of the Bocholt Sustainability Award, an Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) was planted at the Aasee lake at the beginning of April. The tree is dedicated to Büngern-Technik, whose sustainable product "Cera Lights" won first place in the City of Bocholt's Sustainability Award. Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff thanked all applicants for their commitment to the sustainable development of the city.
In accordance with the terms of the competition, the first-place winner of the Bocholt Sustainability Award, Büngern Technik, received a tree as a special part of the award.
A total of 24 applications were received for the Sustainability Award 2024. The jury quickly agreed on the winning project of Büngern Technik, whose idea of offering sustainable grave lights called "Cera Lights" via special vending machines was convincing. These grave light vending machines will be installed in Bocholt's cemetery in the coming weeks.
Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff emphasised on the occasion of the planting campaign: "The creative and sustainable ideas of Büngern Technik and the other participants show impressively how strong the commitment in Bocholt is for a more environmentally friendly future. I would like to thank everyone involved for their valuable contribution to the sustainable development of our city."
The next award ceremony will take place in 2026 for projects implemented or initiated in 2025.
What contribution does the idea make to Bocholt's sustainable development? In what way does it serve as a model for others? The answers to these questions should be emphasised.
Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff
Sustainability guideline

© Stadt Bocholt
The city of Bocholt will be awarding a prize for sustainability for the first time next year.
At the end of 2022, the city council adopted a " guideline for awarding the Sustainability Prize of the City of Bocholt". The prize is awarded every two years.
"The City of Bocholt Sustainability Award is presented for innovative ideas, concepts and projects that successfully combine social, economic and ecological factors in an exemplary manner to create sustainable solutions", emphasises the city council. Entries are assessed on the basis of various criteria, such as their local connection to the city or their benefit to the general public.
At least two of the three pillars of sustainability should be addressed. We are looking for longer-term measures, not one-off actions, that contribute to the conservation of resources, have an economic benefit or promote social and cultural engagement in the city.
The jury
A jury deliberated on the applications submitted and selected a winning project.
The jury consists of the chairmen of the political committees "Economy and Tourism", "Environment and Green" and "Labour, Health, Equality & Social Affairs", a representative of the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences, a media representative and a representative of the main sponsor, Bocholter Energie- und Wasserversorgung (BEW).
The first prize is endowed with 5,000 euros. In addition, as a sign of sustainability, a tree will be planted in the city centre for the winning project.
Application for the 2026 Sustainability Award

To apply, simply submit a description of the project and a contact person by e-mail.