Energetic Energy Challenge Final

Pupils from primary and secondary schools have been busy since January devising and implementing ways to save energy at school. On Friday, 29 June, teams from 28 schools met at the North Netherlands Energy Challenge Final on the former Suikerunie site in Groningen.

Early in the morning, the grounds of the EM2/the Barn cultural podium (the site of the former Suikerunie sugar factory) filled with pupils. Over recent months they had developed and launched campaigns to reduce their school’s energy consumption so that in the coming school year they could be taught in more sustainable classrooms. Now it was time for the final phase of their campaign: a presentation of all their hard work. The pupils raved about their energy campaigns at their own market stalls.

Savings

Many groups had made posters and videos for their presentations. Some had built their own solar panels to generate as much green energy as possible. Sophie (I), Sophie (II), Brendon and Nynke, in year 8 at the Nynke van Hichtum school in Dokkum, were able to save their school €400 in energy costs over the last xx months! They did so by first detailing the school’s energy consumption and then making smarter use of energy. They also wanted to use wind energy, so went on an excursion to a wind farm to explore the options. Brederoschool in Groningen came up with a great action plan full of ideas on how to use green energy. These included using solar panels and making smart use of ventilation systems.

Blender Bikes

During the Energy Challenge, the teams could win ‘stars’ by doing or organizing various types of activity. At the end, they could earn even more stars by taking part in 88 additional activities around the market stalls, the Crazy88. They had to take photos or make films to prove they had completed the activities, and the most active group won an additional small prize.

The entrants could also expend some of their own energy on the Science LinX Blender Bikes. These are bikes with blenders wired up to the pedals, allowing you to make your own smoothie with pedal power. The faster you cycle, the better the smoothie. The pupils battled it out in the hot sun to make the tastiest fresh smoothies. The UG’s Your Future Energy truck was also present.

Prizes

The day ended with a prize ceremony. First prize in the primary school category – a trip to Omniversum – went to CBS De Windroos from xx. First prize in the secondary school category went to Lauwers College. They won a trip to NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam.

Energy Challenges is an organization that encourages energy saving and sustainability in Dutch education by challenging young people to find out more about energy.

Text: Mónica Espinoza Cangahuala