FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Teenagers solve sustainability challenges in National Competition
20th July 2015
Thirteen teams from ten schools across Yorkshire and the West Midlands shared
their Big Ideas to solve sustainability problems at the heart of our Parliament last
week, as part of a national competition - Solutions for the Planet (S4TP). They had
designed products, services and campaigns to help tackle water scarcity, landfill
waste, fuel poverty, endangered species, road safety, local crime and energy
consumption.
S4TP co-Director, Kat Luckock said, “Rarely is there an opportunity to hear so many
inspirational ideas covering such a diversity of issues, all in one afternoon. What is
more encouraging is these aren’t just ideas but practical, entrepreneurial solutions
to real challenges these young people are concerned about.”
S4TP is an annual programme linking secondary schools with local businesses in the
energy, utility and construction sectors to inspire the next generation of scientists,
engineers and responsible citizens. The programme seeks to tackle the STEM skills
gap in the UK and is unique in its focus on sustainability, the circular economy and
social entrepreneurship.
“The programme provides a fantastic way for schools and businesses to collaborate
and enable young people to engage with economic, social and environmental
problems in a dynamic and entrepreneurial way,” says Jen Baughan, S4TP coDirector.
After a series of regional heats the thirteen teams were invited to present their Big
Ideas to an audience of business leaders, MPs and Minsters. Hosted by Rt Hon Hilary
Benn MP for Leeds Central and Shadow Foreign Secretary: “I’ve seen for myself what
a fantastic difference the [Solutions for the Planet] programme has made. It really
brings out the talent, ideas and creativity in our young people”. Emma Reynolds MP
for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Communities Secretary, and Rt Hon
Anna Soubrey MP, Minister for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise introduced
the event, welcoming all the guests and encouraging the students.
Emma Reynolds said, “I was delighted to present the successful schools with their
awards. There were a number of inspirational ideas which shows just how talented
and entrepreneurial the participants were. I want to congratulate all of the teams
that took part.”
The judges awarded first place to THERMall, from Roundhay School in Leeds, who
designed a new brand of internal paint which reflects heat back into the room using
aluminum particles. Second place was awarded to Safety Connected, from Heath
Park School in Wolverhampton, who designed a wifi device for school ties (or hard
hats on construction sites) and cars to alert drivers to pedestrians and reducing road
accidents. In third place was Aqua, from Dixons City Academy in Bradford, who built
a retrofit for bathrooms, using waste water from sinks to flush our toilets, in turn
reducing the amount of fresh water needed.
Martyn Kenny, Sustainability Director at Lafarge Tarmac, said: “We’re very proud
supporters of the Solutions for the Planet programme and the opportunities it gives
young people to learn valuable skills, gain real-life business experience and get an
insight into the incredible breadth of careers on offer in our industry. Equally, the
employees from our organisation who have volunteered as mentors have benefited
hugely from working alongside the students who bring fresh thinking and new
perspectives to business challenges. We would like to extend our congratulations to
the winners and all those who took part in the initiative and wish them well with
their future careers.”
Caroline Nash, Managing Director at Brammer and Buck & Hickman “[We’re]
delighted to support Solutions for the Planet this year, and even more so to engage,
develop and mentor such vibrant young people in their pursuit of innovative
solutions for the environment. Sustainability is an increasingly important factor
within businesses, and observing young people coming forward with innovative big
ideas was truly rewarding. I was impressed by the creativity and quality of plans
demonstrated by every one of the teams, this process can only be encouraging for
British business as well as the environment.’
The national programme will re-start in September with schools in Yorkshire, West
Midlands and the South East. To find out more please contact us at
info@solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk
####ENDS####
Notes to Editors
Contact:
Kathryn Luckock, co-Director
Solutions for the Planet
kathrynluckock@solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk
c/o Candelisa People
12a North Parade
Bradford
West Yorkshire, UK
07715415267
For more information about Solutions for the Planet and the national competition
please visit www.solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk or contact Kathryn Luckock,
info@solutionsfortheplanet.co.uk
The final took place on Wednesday 15th July at the Palace of Westminster, London.
S4TP’s current partners include Balfour Beatty, Brammer, Buck & Hickman,
Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), Lafarge Tarmac and Northern Gas
Networks (NGN).