The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) has awarded Otto Hedges, Alireza Bayat, and Wenming Zhang the CSCE 2024 Best Paper Award for their outstanding work on the sustainable construction of wetlands and stormwater ponds. The award, recognizing the best contribution to sustainability in civil engineering, was presented during the CSCE 2024 conference held in Niagara Falls.

The CSCE’s Sustainable Development Committee acknowledged the group for their significant contribution to the conference. After a thorough review and deliberation of all contributions, the jury decided that the paper deserved the Sustainability Award for the Best Contribution to Sustainability in Civil Engineering.

The award-winning paper, titled “Sustainable Construction of Existing Wetlands for Stormwater Management,” was co-authored by Otto Hedges, Alireza Bayat, and Wenming Zhang. It highlights innovative approaches to wetland construction that enhance stormwater management practices.

This work is part of a major initiative currently underway at the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC), involving several organizations under Dr. Bayat's supervision. This recognition underscores the significant contributions of the CUIIC team and its partners in advancing sustainable practices in civil engineering.​

​About The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre:
The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) at the University of Alberta is dedicated to advancing research, innovation, and collaboration in the field of underground infrastructure. CUIIC works closely with industry partners, government agencies, and academic institutions. Together, we foster innovation to provide cost-effective, sustainable solutions to the challenges involved in building, assessing, and rehabilitating underground infrastructure. To learn more about CUIIC or to become a member please visit www.cuiic.ca.