Sustainable Boating Awards

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) are awarding the IWA – Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Awards again in 2026.

Nominations are invited from individuals, companies and non-profit organisations for the following two awards, sponsored jointly by IWA and Towpath Talk magazine.

  1. For an individual (or group of individuals representing a charitable or community organisation) who, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating on the inland waterways of the UK in the previous year.
  2. For a commercial organisation which, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating on the inland waterways of the UK in the previous year.

Written nominations, no more than 1000 words long, should be submitted by email to IWATTsustainable.awards@waterways.org.uk before 30 August 2026. Up to 6 photographs may be included. Entries will be judged by a combined IWA and Towpath Talk panel and results will be announced by 12 September 2026. The winners will be awarded at IWA’s AGM, due to be held in the Midlands on Saturday 19 September 2026.

Further information can be found on the IWA Sustainable Boating webpage: Sustainable boating - The Inland Waterways Association

The Environment Agency are pleased to promote these awards in support of our EA2030 strategy - change for a better environment. We have legislative duties to protect or enhance the environment and support sustainable development, with the following long-term goals:

  • healthy air, land and water supporting nature’s recovery
  • sustainable growth
  • a nation resilient to climate change

Protecting the environment, driving innovation and growing the economy can, and must, work in harmony. Helping the government achieve sustainable economic growth, whilst safeguarding healthy ecosystems that benefit everyone, is at the core of what we do. We are pleased to promote an awards initiative that aligns with our goals and encourages sustainable development of the inland waterways sector.