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NETWORK / 14 / OCTOBER 2018 other stakeholders - now or in the future. Heat Network Project of the Year A large percentage of the UK's carbon emis- sions come from heat – but the challenge of decarbonising how we heat our homes and businesses has lagged behind the arguably more glamorous decarbonisation of power gen- eration. Heat networks, however, have led the way in providing an alternative approach, and are fast gaining popularity across the country, as new providers pile into the sector. This award recognises an outstanding heat network project with a demonstrable commitment to sustain- ability, and to the communities it serves. The judges will be looking for: l Evidence of innovation – how is this heat network project offering something new to the market, and providing an alternative to traditional heating solutions? l Evidence of commitment to the communi- ties the heat network project serves, and of stakeholder engagement that goes above and beyond business as usual l Evidence of a robust and sustainable busi- ness model. The 'Gamechanger' Award (for new products/technologies) As energy networks prepare for a radically different future, they are seeking new products and technologies that will help them meet changing customer needs effi ciently and ef- fectively. This award will recognise the new technology or product that is most likely to change the game for networks, with potential to create lasting benefi ts for the business, its customers and other stakeholders. The judges will be looking for: l Evidence of innovation - does this product or technology help utilities do something genuinely new or different, that goes beyond business as usual? l Quantifi able evidence of the benefi t the prod- uct creates, for the business, its customers and other stakeholders l Evidence of applicability across the industry: could this product or technology help more to achieve connection deadlines l Evidence of meeting design requirements l Evidence of innovation and a commitment to customers l Quantifi able evidence of cost effi ciency, in- cluding the benefi ts this has created for the business, customers and other stakeholders. Network of the Year Network companies not only have a primary duty to serve their customers well today, but are also asked to prepare for the energy sys- tem of tomorrow through innovative practices, the smart use of technology and dynamic change to their business models. This award will recognise the network company which can best demonstrate a combi- nation of customer service, agenda-setting in- novation, operational resilience and workforce best practice through its work in 2018. The judges will be looking for: l An outstanding record of delivery, with a strong operational performance, refl ected in high customer satisfaction scores l An excellent record of stakeholder engage- ment, and the ability to demonstrate how this has shaped the business's strategy l Evidence of a commitment to innovation, and a record of embedding innovation back in to business as usual l Evidence of strong approach to sustainability l A strong regulatory, and robust fi nancial performance, that refl ects best practice with regard to corporate governance and fi nancial transparency. than one network business? Contractor of the Year The network industry relies on its contractors and supply chain partners to drive forward best practice in construction, innovative techniques and sustainability, while maintaining high health and safety and employment standards. This award will recognise the contractor which can best demonstrate a combination of commercial success, agenda-setting innova- tion, environmental stewardship and workforce best practice through its work in 2018. The judges will be looking for: l Quantifi able evidence of innovation, and of the benefi ts this has created for businesses, customers and other stakeholders l A commitment to sustainability l A robust and profi table business model l A business that develops its staff and looks after both staff and the public, with a strong record in health and safety l A business that genuinely engages with cus- tomers and other stakeholders, and is able to demonstrate how this engagement has shaped its strategy. Independent Network of the Year Independent Network Operators (IDNOs), Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) and Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs) face the challenge of having to understand the require- ments of and work alongside both distribution network operators (DNOs) and gas distribution network operators (GDNOs) to achieve their customers challenging connection deadlines. This award will recognise the one that can best demonstrate meeting these timescales, collaborative working, operational resilience and customer commitment through its work in 2018. The judges will be looking for: l Evidence of working alongside DNOs/GDNOs NET WORK AWARDS more glamorous decarbonisation of power gen- as new providers pile into the sector. This award recognises an outstanding heat network project to achieve connection deadlines than one network business? DAY AND NIGHT EVENT Network 2019 is two events in one. The daytime Network Forum 2019, with a highly focused conference format, features more than 20 speakers across three distinct content streams, with a clear focus on the future: strategic intel to help energy network decision-makers deliver a whole system low carbon network. And when the sun sets, del- egates will be able to celebrate the sector's passion for delivering exceptional service and blazing a global trail for innovation at the Network Awards 2019. For further information on the Network Awards, including details of how to enter, visit http://future.networks.online