Crafty undergrads who can come up with an innovative, low-cost approach to "greening" old buildings may reap a hefty $5,000 cash prize.
The contest, the 2008 Energy Efficient Building Technologies Challenge, hopes to inspire sustainable interest in graying structures, a major energy drain across the country in cities like Pittsburgh where older buildings outnumber the new. Support for the challenge comes from the University of Pittsburgh’s Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation, part of Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering.
Contestants must create a product or system that pays for itself in savings over a one-year period, such as reducing electricity consumption. Projects will be judged on originality, potential for success and the level to which they allow people to maintain their quality of life.
First, second and third prizes will be awarded and all winners will be invited to present their projects at the 2009 Pittsburgh Engineering Sustainability conference hosted by the Mascaro Center.
Teams from any university or college in Allegheny, Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties may apply. Project concepts are due Oct. 17th. Five finalists will be chosen Oct. 31st, and each will receive a $2,500 grant for supplies, equipment, travel, and other project expenses.
Complete rules and deadlines are available on the Mascaro Center’s website. Click here.
Source: Morgan Kelly, University of Pittsburgh