Creating Better Futures Awards

InfraRed launched the Creating Better Futures in 2022 to recognise and celebrate initiatives that align with and positively contribute to its sustainability priorities. The awards have grown year on year, driving innovation, partnership and meaningful contributions across our portfolio; with more than 51 Gold Standard initiatives implemented in seven countries.

Gold Standard initiatives

The awards run annually and are open1 to all our portfolio businesses and supply chain partners to participate. Entries are evaluated against the following criteria: innovation, addressing a community need, collaboration and efficiency in delivery. Each nomination undergoes a structured screening and is assessed by a judging panel of InfraRed employees and external partners. The most impactful initiatives are awarded a ‘Gold Standard’ status, recognising excellence and setting a benchmark for best practice.

For more information about the Creating Better Futures Awards 2027 – please contact: info@ircp.com

2026 awards

In May 2026, we hosted the fourth edition of the Creating Better Futures Awards, bringing together individuals from different portfolio businesses to celebrate thoughtful sustainability initiatives being implemented across our portfolio. Take a look at our event highlights video on the right.

Out of the 63 submissions we received, 12 initiatives were recognised by the InfraRed-led jury as Gold Standard for scoring highly against the assessment criteria.

Below are videos of a selection of initiatives that were recognised in 2026.

  • Affinity Water

    Affinity Water introduced an innovative tariff designed to encourage water efficiency while helping customers lower their bills.

  • Medway LIFT

    Medway LIFT created a community programme focused on tackling isolation and strengthening local connections.

  • TT2

    TT2 partnered with St John Ambulance to deliver positive social and environmental outcomes across the communities it serves.

Remaining 2026 Gold Standard Initiatives

  • Allenby & Connaught

    Decarbonising Army catering at Lille Barracks

    Allenby & Connaught implemented measures to reduce the carbon footprint associated with catering operations at Lille Barracks.

  • Cadiz Solar

    Empowering local entrepreneurs in San José del Valle

    Cadiz Solar launched a programme to support local entrepreneurship and economic development within nearby communities.

  • CentraleSupélec

    Optimising energy performance with AI

    CentraleSupélec combined artificial intelligence and behavioural insights to improve energy performance across its facilities.

  • Deutsche GigaNetz

    Climate-focused PoP modernisation

    Deutsche GigaNetz continued the modernisation of its fibre network through the installation of more energy-efficient technologies.

  • Fife Schools 2

    Driving social impact through education & humanitarian action

    Fife Schools delivered a programme supporting educational and humanitarian initiatives that create benefits both inside and outside the classroom.

  • Northwood MoD

    Creating meaningful employment through Mission EmployAble

    Northwood MoD partnered with Mission EmployAble to create employment opportunities for people facing barriers to entering the workforce.

  • Peterborough Hospitals

    Lighting the Way through legend on a bench

    Peterborough Hospitals introduced a community initiative focused on recognition, reflection and engagement.

  • RMG Roads

    Bolstering road-safety through SkillZone

    RMG Roads partnered with SkillZone to help educate young people about road safety through interactive learning experiences.

  • West Middlesex Hospital

    Fundraising through the Walking West BBQ

    West Middlesex Hospital organised a fundraising initiative that brought together staff, partners and the wider community in support of charitable causes.

Selection of Gold Standard Initiatives from previous years

  • Queen Alexandra Hospital

    Queen Alexandra Hospital introduced VR headsets for children, helping reduce anxiety and reliance on sedatives during hospital visits, including A&E.

  • Fife Schools

    Calaiswood School, part of Fife Schools, installed a wheelchair-accessible roundabout in their playground, enabling children who have disabilities to have fun with their friends.

  • Altitude Infra

    Altitude Infrastructure, a fibre optic company, launched an initiative to reduce its carbon footprint by installing small solar panels at local sites. Through local power generation the company cuts energy consumption and boosts resilience against outages.

  • Queen Alexandra Hospital

    The Purple Book at Queen Alexandra Hospital Portsmouth serves as a comprehensive user guide to inform staff, patients and visitors on support services available.

  • London St Pancras Highspeed

    London St Pancras Highspeed has developed a Mobile Segregation Unit, combining manual processes with advanced technology to transform waste efficiency at St Pancras International station.

  • Deutsche GigaNetz

    DGN has upgraded its fibre network distribution points (PoPs), installing smart meters and solar panels to monitor and boost energy efficiency, as well as generate green energy, aimed at reducing the company’s energy consumption.

For more information about the Creating Better Futures Awards 2027 – please contact: info@ircp.com

 

 

1 Participation is voluntary, free of charge and open for all portfolio companies in funds managed by InfraRed.

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