Nominees

Applicant: Green Empowerment
Project title:Solar-operated water pumps for rural population
Country of implementation: Nicaragua

Between 2004 and 2007, Green Empowerment and Asofenix (another Nicaraguan NGO) established three solar-operated water pumps in rural areas of Nicaragua and thereby helped ca. 1000 persons to gain clean drinking water. The quality of life rose sustainably because the long distances for fetching water are no longer necessary and the hygienic situation generally improved. Further, this project motivated the village communities to establish gardens and sanitary facilities in their villages and to ensure their energy supply via a sustainable biogas production.
To assure the problem-free operation of these facilities, a technician was trained for each facility to do maintenance work (for which they collect a small fee). In 2008 Green Empowerment installed another solar-operated water pump and plans additional projects in rural Nicaragua for 2009.

Applicant: Oikos East Africa
Project title: Water supply for Ngarenanyuki and Oldonyosambu, Tanzania
Country of implementation: Tanzania

This project in the north of Tanzania was implemented between 1999 and 2008. Its goal was to ensure lasting local availability of clean, bacteria-free drinking water for the population. A development plan was created for the region and tuned with local authorities. Existing water distribution systems were renovated and improved, and additional systems were installed. Simultaneously, rainwater harvesting systems, dams and solar-operated pumps were integrated with the existing infrastructure. In addition, gravity-fed flow of water to the individual distribution points was utilized as far as possible. To guarantee the required water quality, filter systems were installed and regular measurements are conducted; the population was informed about potential dangers.

Applicant: ARGE R.U.S.Z GmbH
Project title: Tuning old washing machines
Country of implementation: Austria

Old washing machines are often water and energy guzzlers. ARGE R.U.S.Z GmbH sought a technical solution to reduce the energy and water consumption of old washing machines while simultaneously prolonging the lifetime of these appliances. The resulting showcase project brings ecological and social advantages. Washing machine tuning is the answer: Thrown-away machines are fetched from the recycling center and then serviced to bring them as close as possible to the level of new appliances of the same type. Even appliances with 10 years of service can be returned to useful operation. The results are impressive: the appliances operate economically and the low-cost second-hand machines are affordable even for the socially disadvantaged. A further effect is waste avoidance, where the potential in Vienna alone is 30,000 tons annually. Further, the production of new appliances would consume large amounts of water, which the tuning project saves.
The project also has enhancement potential. In addition to washing machines, now dishwashers are also tuned. Social umbrella organizations such as RepaNet (Austria) and RREUSE (EU) support the project