GASTERRA PRIZE

[EDU: Heerlen, February 18]
The GasTerra Prize is concerned with innovative ideas to reduce the demand for energy and to encourage the use of sustainable energy sources in order to reduce CO2 emissions or increase the efficiency of fossil fuels. There will be an annual prize for energy transition and a chance of winning a major prize of EUR 50,000, a second prize of EUR 20,000, and three third prizes at EUR 10,000 each. The annual prize is for a college student with the best transitional idea for a changeover from the current period in which we are still dependent on fossil fuels towards a sustainable energy supply.

This year, six students have been nominated for the prize. Roel Derkx and Leroy Merks graduated in construction architecture from Hogeschool Zuyd last year, and they have designed an energy-saving office with an exhibition space. In addition to the extremely reduction in the use of energy, at 12kW per square meter, their building also uses very little material, and this is 590kg/m2 of floor space, and 51% of the material is from sustainable materials. One example is the use of firewood in the construction. Glued firewood is as strong as concrete but causes less damage to the environment, and is sustainable. The design will actually be built next year in Tomorrow’s Neighborhood.

The GasTerra Transitional Prize demands innovation and ideas that are practical and applicable. Check the website.

http://www.gasterra.nl/