Award Categories
The award categories have been defined by the Chairman Dr. Robin Wiltshire and have been approved by the evaluation panel.
For the purposes of these Awards, the term District Energy (DE) shall be understood to encompass both district heating and cooling systems and solutions. Accordingly, submissions relating to either or both applications fall within the scope of the Awards.
The Panel reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to confer two awards where it determines that submissions of exceptional merit have been received in distinct areas of District Energy. This provision may be applied where outstanding entries representing heating-based and cooling-based approaches each warrant separate recognition.
Applicants can submit their entries to any of the following categories:
New Scheme
Description
The establishment of a successful new District Energy system is an accomplishment that will have involved an exciting vision and a committed team to bring it to fruition. It will have afforded the opportunity to deploy state-of-the-art techniques and equipment that lead to a high efficiency network.
Eligibility
This category is available to systems which are in operation for a maximum of three (3) years and which are demonstrably operational and have the potential to demonstrate a positive energy performance over at least the next 10 years.
Transition
Description
This category rewards the District Energy system that most successfully transitions to more effective and efficient operation. This may include major improvements to systemic efficiency; to distribution system operations or parameters; or shifts towards greater utilisation of local, renewable and/or waste energy sources. It could involve modifications to the system like steam to hot water conversions, conversion to low temperature operation, or use of natural refrigerants, etc.). Transitions may encompass technical, managerial, or operational aspects, or a combination of these. They will often be enshrined as part of an overall modernisation and/or expansion programme.
Eligibility
Available to systems which have been in operation for at least three (3) years. The transition measures must be in operation for at least six (6) months.
Sector Coupling
Description
Sector coupling involving District Energy is a cornerstone of achieving a future integrated low carbon energy system, extending the potential use of low temperature heat sources and fulfilling a balancing role for electricity grids. Projects that have specifically integrated a District Energy system with another energy and/or enabling technology may be recognized under the “Sector Coupling” category. There should be measurable and significant synergies to the energy vectors involved.
Eligibility
The system being preferably in operation or at least under construction with a set commercial operation date.
Emerging District Energy Market
Description
It can be especially challenging to implement a district energy system in a country which does not yet have a mature market for this technology. Emerging district energy markets can be found in countries with advanced or fully developed economies, with otherwise well-established energy infrastructure. They can also be found in countries with developing economies, typically characterised by lower income levels, less industrialisation, and limited infrastructure.
Eligibility
The system must be demonstrably operational and based in an emerging District Energy market. An emerging District Energy market refers to a country or region that is experiencing district heating and/or cooling growth and development, transitioning from low shares to higher shares of district energy in the energy mix.
Application Procedure
Eligible applicants include owners, operators, communities and organisations served by a District Energy system. Finalists will be selected from those who best articulate their ambition and aspirations for District Energy performance improvements.
Applicants can submit their application to one (1) of the categories presented above.
Candidates shall submit their application via the online tool Judgify.
The evaluation panel reserves the right to change the entry category if in their view there is a more appropriate one.
To view the Word file indicating the exact questions asked in the application process click here.
If you don’t have an account on the Judgify platform, you will be asked to register first. Your contact information will only be used for the purposes of the Global District Energy Climate Awards.
By submitting the application, the candidate authorises the organising team to use all information and materials provided for promotional purposes, without restriction and full copyright.
The next edition will be hosted by the Asia Pacific Urban Energy Association (APUEA) on 8-9 July 2027 in Bangkok, Thailand. Applications will open in September 2026.
Evaluation Procedure
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
The WHY. The winning district energy system should be a best-in-class example in its category. Applicants should focus on highlighting elements of originality that will drive change towards the clean energy transition.
Weight 15% of the evaluation.
The HOW. Applicants should elaborate on how the concept is translated into action. All actions and technical details of the system should be clearly described and show the feasibility of implementation. Applications should specify the needed investment. In addition to technical strategies to facilitate implementation, the jury will also assess innovative financing or contract agreements that might encourage implementation and accelerated deployment.
Weight 20% of the evaluation.
WHAT was achieved. The winning system should have a significant and measurable decarbonisation impact. The relevant impacts will be assessed in relation to the size of your project/system and to the evidence you provide.
Weight 20% of the evaluation.
What makes your system outstanding and innovative. Either technical, operational or business practice.
Weight 20% of the evaluation.
How easy would it be to adapt the project in another region.
Weight 15% of the evaluation.
The overall structure of the application and completeness of the information provided, etc.
Weight 10% of the evaluation.