A million reasons for communities to go green. NESTA prize fund launched for new ideas to tackle climate change.
A million pounds is up for grabs from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) for groups of people who can come up with new ways to reduce their CO2 emissions.
Through its ‘Big Green Challenge’, NESTA is looking for ideas that are either brand new or which represent a better way of applying existing solutions, and that come from people working together in their communities. Examples of the kind of steps some communities are already taking range from setting up a wind farm to organising car pooling for local commuters.
Entering groups could be led by a not-for-profit organisation like a charity; represent an existing group like a PTA, residents’ association, fan club or branch of the Scouts; or be a new group formed by people with a common interest hoping to take part.
The competition will run over two years, at the end of which the group which has come closest to a 60% carbon reduction, and demonstrated their imaginative approach really works, will win the lion’s share of the £1m.
Groups have from now until 29 February to enter their applications for the Challenge. From these applications, NESTA will select the 100 most promising ideas, all of whom will be asked to submit more detailed plans about their approach. A panel of expert judges will then select ten finalists. Once selected, the finalists will have a year to show they can turn their big ideas into action, with the winner announced in late 2009.
Those interested in applying or finding out more about the Big Green Challenge should visit www.biggreenchallenge.org.uk.
