The Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge is back for 2022

Students across the Humber are being urged to get their green thinking caps on to win £2,000 for their school or college eco projects.

The Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge is back for 2022, with major backing from leading sponsors Equinor and SSE Thermal.

The Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge gives students across the Humber region the chance to make a positive impact on local and wider communities and environment by creating inspiring solutions to harmful climate problems, while being in with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes.

Students aged 9-18 can enter the competition, which is run by Marketing Humber as part of The Waterline campaign. The Waterline campaign brings together the University of Hull with Marketing Humber and leading regional, national, and international businesses to support the region’s transition to a zero-carbon economy.

The Waterline Student Sustainability has major business backing from sponsors Equinor and SSE Thermal. The businesses both have a leading involvement in numerous low and zero carbon initiatives across the region.

Dan Sadler, Vice President for UK Low Carbon Solutions at Equinor said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be supporting this important local initiative. We know that young people are interested in and motivated by tackling climate change and improving our natural environment, it is fantastic to see their innovative ideas to address these issues. We hope that activities such as this help to inspire their generation to pursue careers in these topics within this region.”

John Johnson, Development Director for SSE Thermal, said: “As a major developer of low-carbon projects in the Humber, it’s an honour to support the next generation who are genuinely passionate about helping the UK reach its net zero targets. We were delighted to sponsor the inaugural Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge, which saw a brilliant team from Ron Dearing UTC claim first place with their carbon calculator. The enthusiasm from all entrants was great to see, and we can’t wait to unearth more innovative ideas in this year’s Challenge.”

Eco teams will get the opportunity to learn about Humber-based businesses and organisations, providing an insight into what the Humber has to offer in relation to sustainable careers and skills development.

Six finalist teams will receive £250 in cash and a VIP behind-the-scenes business experience. Of the finalists, two winning teams will receive an additional £2,000 their school/college eco project or STEAM club.

New for 2022, projects must fall into one of three categories:

• Arts & Creativity
• People & Community
• Technology & Innovation

In The Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge’s inaugural year, students from Ron Dearing UTC’s ‘Sustainability Crew’ claimed the 2021 crown with their ingenious carbon calculator. Their invention helped students and staff calculate their carbon savings by walking or cycling to college rather than more carbon-intensive modes of transport and was used by teachers and pupils alike.

The ‘Sustainability Crew’ won £2,000 towards their project which tree being planted for each person that has learned or taught at Ron Dearing UTC and travelled to Glasgow for the COP26 global climate change conference in Glasgow, courtesy of sponsors SSE Thermal.

Alicia Woodward, Marketing and Communications Executive at Marketing Humber, runs the campaign. Alicia joined Marketing Humber in March 2020 and has managed the challenge from the outset.

Alicia said: “The response to the inaugural challenge was amazing and I was truly inspired by the creativity and enthusiasm of the students that took part. With some exciting changes for 2022, we are hoping for an even bigger and better year for the challenge - and look forward to seeing as many students as possible getting involved.”

Get more information, inspiration and register your interest in The Waterline Student Sustainability Challenge at thewaterline.global/students.