Congratulations to the winners!
Hundreds of entries were received from countries all over Europe, bringing the total number of students who have participated in the competition to well over 4000. Entries included cultural and political solutions that tackle our carbon-producing lifestyles, as well as innovative ideas that used existing technology in a new way. The number and standard of entries far exceeded the judges' expectations. No matter where they come from, Europe's school students are passionate about solving global warming.
|
“Biogas: the best solution”
The judges named Aisha Hussain, Leon Lindqvist Nielsen, Oliver Aske Hansen and Mehmet Canpolat from Tove Ditlevsens Skole as overall European winners for their project which focused on turning organic biomass into biogas – methane gas. The project suggested creating a large biogas plant at Copenhagen Zoo using animal dung to create methane gas which would heat the tropical greenhouses. This has several positive effects: it uses up the dung (rather than having to transport it away), saves money on fuel and can also create revenue by selling the slurry that remains in the container as fertilizer. The judges felt the Danish entry deserved the overall prize because “It was the most holistic project, it is a local solution, the students described the importance of the zoo to the community, it is practical to implement and has an entrepreneurial aspect.” The students said “The most important thing is that a biogas plant can reduce carbon emissions and could inspire others to do something similar. The Zoo puts enormous efforts into preserving endangered species; adopting environmentally friendly energy practices which help combat climate change is another way of helping to preserve them.” |
Download and read the winning paper
Swedish winners Julia Stadig Roswall, Anja Olin-Pape, from the Ingrid Segerstedt Gymnasium in Gothenburg
Entry: “Unused sources of energy and energy storage”
This project involved trying to use previously untapped sources of energy such as velocity energy released during exercise on machines in gyms. The judges felt that the entry was very well-structured and offered a multi-local solution which could be implemented in the future.
Finnish winners Jussi Tiira, Mika Aalto and Vesa Kemppainen, from the Tikkurila High School in Vantaa
Entry: “Individual Waste Standard”
The students proposed a ranking system for energy consumed by various elements of our daily lives, from transportation to shopping and nutrition. Individuals and businesses would be allocated a capital of “eco points”, which they would be free to spend as they wish, bearing in mind that they had a total limit to respect. This project was welcomed by the jury as it offers a sustainable solution to issues linked to consumer consumption via personal regulation, but also educates people about the environmental impact of different products and activities.
German winners Damaris Schellenberger and Katharina Landgraf from Burgstadt High School in Burgstadt
Entry: “The Energy of the Future”
The Jury felt this project was well-researched and admired the fact that it challenged the current efficiency levels of solar panels and attempted to find a solution by suggesting better production materials and technological improvements.
Entry: “A Modern Waste Heap and Biogas Works Unit”
This project was well researched and presented, and proposed transforming organic waste currently deposited in landfill into biogas to be used to supplement fossil fuels currently used for heating and other energy uses in Poland. The Jury felt that the solution could feasibly be implemented at a multi-local level.
Entry: “Sustainable Agriculture ”
This project focused on the lesser-known issue of unsustainable agriculture. The project was well-presented and proposed ways of making local farming more self-sufficient, relying less on fossil fuels and addressing the problems created by animal manure.
Please note the competition is now closed.
