The Emerald Challenge

What topic areas can projects be based on?

The Emerald Challenge will consider any project that fits under the broader headline of sustainability, but typically would expect to see submissions in areas such as:

• Decarbonisation
• Energy efficiency
• Materials efficiency/circular economy
• Biodiversity and habitat improvement
• Pollution control/mitigation
• Water management

What sort of projects can be submitted?

Projects that are developing new processes or concepts to help deliver better performance or delivering existing technologies within a new context for the sector. For example:

• Development of a research proposal for new developments in sustainability.
• Development of an existing idea to implementation phase.
• Implementation of a process/system within an organisation.
• Implementation of a campaign delivering improved sustainability/environmental performance. 

These examples provide an indication of the types of projects that would be considered but is not an exhaustive list.

The project must be unique work undertaken by the candidate and not work relating to an existing award or discipline. So work being undertaken to achieve an academic qualification would not be eligible but could be used as a basis to progress that work to the next stage.

What is the application process?

The project is set out in two stages:

The first stage (part A) is the submission of a 1,000-word summary of the aims and objectives of the project, the people involved, and the research methodology that will be followed with a business case to show how the impact of the project will benefit the industry.

These initial submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel following the published criteria. Successful candidates will be invited to present their projects to the judging panel in the second stage (part B) of the process.

How will applications be judged?

The judging panel will consist of 6 people including the IQ President, IQ Chair, IQ CEO and representatives from the board of trustees, council and education team.

For the first stage (part A), project submissions will be evaluated against the following criteria with the weighting for each provided:

Introduction: A clearly articulated rationale for why the project is important for the industry, how it could be applied and its potential impact. Weighting 15%.

Aims and Objectives: Definition of scope for the project through the identification of the specific research questions to be answered and what areas of the industry it hopes to advance i.e. environment, health & safety, people etc. Weighting 10%.

Research Methodology: Outline of the proposed research approach and methodology to be used in answering the project's aims and objectives. Weighting 15%.

Analysis and Reflection: Demonstrating the business case for the idea to show how a positive impact can be made on operational performance through cost reductions or improved efficiencies as well as contribute to carbon reduction. Weighting 30%.

Recommendations: Plan for how the project will be delivered and the award grant will be used. Weighting 15%.

Presentation: Ideas are presented using clear language and in a logical structure. Weighting 10%.

Proposed dissemination strategy and engagement work with IQ: Considered thought is given as to how the entrant will provide project updates and results to IQ and its members. Weighting 10%.

The criteria and weighting for part B of the process can be found in the downloadable guide. The core criteria listed above are still fundamental to the success of the application but there is additional weighting towards the presentation performance.

What are the deadlines for applying to The Emerald Challenge?

Initial submissions for review will open on Tuesday 1st April 2025 and need to be with IQ by Friday 29th August 2025.

Initial judging of submissions will be completed in September 2025 with feedback provided to applicants.

Successful applicants will be invited to deliver their presentations in October 2025.

The grant winner will be invited to the IQ Fellows Lunch in November 2025.

The winning entrant will be required to share the project results with IQ, which will be in the form of a paper and presentation of their results to be delivered online, in print, and through Branch and IQ events.    

The project must be delivered within 18 months of receiving the Award.

How do I apply?

Submit your 1,000-word summary of your project using the submission template and

sending it to emeraldchallenge@quarrying.org.

It is recommended that you use the submissions template as your guide for completing your submissions. Submissions will be accepted in Word or PDF document format, alternatively, a voice-recorded summary can also be provided. Voice recordings should be 7-8 minutes long.

Ensure that your initial submission includes all the aspects listed within the criteria.

When sending in your submission, ensure that you include:

• Full Name

• IQ Membership Number

• Job Title

• Employer

• Email

• Contact Number

Project Sponsor Name and Job Title: this is the person within your organisation that will support you in completing the research project.

Further support

If you have any further questions or queries surrounding the Emerald Challenge, please contact Sarah Fry, IQ Head of Membership and Marketing at sarah.fry@quarrying.org