The KU SDG Ambassadors are launching The Green Educational Environments Competition to assist the UAE educational community in making sustainable changes in our campuses to help create a better future for our planet. The competition will raise awareness and take action in reducing our carbon footprint, and creating a sustainable way of living in our educational institutions.


GOALS

The Goals of the Competition

Raise Awareness

Increase awareness among students about the UN SDGs and their importance in addressing global sustainability challenges.

Promote Innovation

Encourage students to develop creative and innovative solutions to real-world sustainability issues.

Engage Collaboration

Foster collaboration among students, faculty, and staff to implement sustainable projects on campus.

Inspire Action

Motivate students to take tangible actions that contribute to achieving one or more UN SDGs.


Types of
Competition Entry

Waste Reduction

Focusing on waste reduction and increasing recycling and composting rates on campus.

Sustainable Transportation

Encourage students and faculty to use sustainable transportation options like biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transportation.

Sustainability Innovation

Students can submit innovative sustainability projects or solutions. These could include ideas for renewable energy installations, water conservation, or sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable Campus Design

Students can propose sustainable campus design ideas or renovations that prioritize environmental stewardship.

Clean Energy

Projects related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions

Zero Hunger

Initiatives addressing food security, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Quality Education

Projects enhancing access to quality education, promoting lifelong learning, and supporting educational equality

Sustainable Cities

Proposals for creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments, addressing issues like transportation, housing, and green spaces

Life Below Water

Efforts to protect marine life, combat plastic pollution, and conserve oceans and marine resources


Judging Criteria

20 points

01

Alignment with UN SDGs

  • Clearly articulated alignment with one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Demonstrated understanding of the selected goal(s) and their relevance to the project.

15 points

02

Innovation and Creativity

  • The degree of innovation demonstrated in addressing sustainability challenges.
  • Creative approaches that distinguish the project from conventional solutions.

20 points

03

Impact and Scalability

  • Clarity regarding the project's potential impact on environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
  • Consideration of scalability, replication, or adaptation to other contexts.

15 points

04

Feasibility and Sustainability

  • The feasibility of project implementation, including resource availability and timeline.
  • Sustainability aspects, including long-term viability and potential for positive ongoing impact.

10 points

05

Interdisciplinary Approach

  • Evidence of collaboration across multiple disciplines or areas of expertise.
  • The incorporation of diverse perspectives and skills to address sustainability challenges comprehensively.

15 points

06

Presentation Quality

  • Clarity and coherence of the PowerPoint presentation.
  • Effective use of visuals, graphics, and other media to enhance understanding.
  • Engaging and well-structured narrative.

15 points

07

Communication and Engagement

  • Ability to convey complex sustainability concepts to a diverse audience.
  • Demonstrated engagement with stakeholders, including community members, organizations, or other relevant parties.
  • Efforts to raise awareness and garner support for the project.

10 points

08

Measurable Outcomes and Metrics

  • Identification of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) project goals.
  • Clear metrics and methods for tracking progress and assessing impact over time.

10 points

09

Ethical Considerations

  • Addressing ethical issues and potential conflicts related to sustainability efforts.
  • Transparency and accountability in ethical decision-making.

15 points

10

Q&A Responses

  • Quality of responses to judges' questions during the Q&A session.
  • Ability to provide additional insights and clarifications when prompted.

Scoring

Each criterion is assigned a maximum number of points, with a total of 145 points.


Registration Details

Eligibility

The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students currently in the UAE.

Team Size

Teams may consist of 1 to 5 members.

Submission Deadline

All project entries must be submitted by 17 November 2023.

Final Presentation

Shortlisted teams will be invited to present their projects at Khalifa University on 8 December 2023.

Contact Information

For inquiries and registration, please contact greencampuscompetition @ku.ac.ae.

Format of the entries

Entry format for the Green Campus Competition
Download


Prizes

(1st)
AED 5000

(2nd)
AED 3000

(3rd)
AED 2000

Registration
Dates

27

Oct

Launch the competition/ Registration Opens

17

Nov

Registration Closes

04

Dec

Announce the short listed candidates

08

Dec

Invite short listed candidates to present to judges at KU

15

Dec

Final Event and Winners Announcement