Energy Efficient Technologies Competition

The amount of energy conserved each year remains far below the demand for new energy. To meet energy needs, policies and practices to curb energy consumption must be paired with technological improvements to increase energy efficiency. Even in the face of recent expansion in renewable energy options, energy efficiency remains the greenest option for new sources of energy.

This contest seeks innovative ideas in energy efficiency, through new technologies, or though institutional or individual changes that can increase the use of existing energy efficiency technologies. Teams should submit a white paper that describes the energy efficient technology, a pathway to assure widespread use, and the energy savings projected. Proposed solutions can be local, national or international in scope. 

Background

Through over 40 years of pioneering work in the area of energy efficiency, Arthur Rosenfeld helped to drive technical and institutional innovation in this area. Through his tireless work at LBL, the Department of Energy, and the California Energy Commission, Rosenfeld has promoted technological change, efficiency standards, and energy analysis to put these approaches in the mainstream of California and US energy policy.

The Rosenfeld Fund for Global Sustainable Development enhances the welfare of the poor in developing regions through the development, testing and diffusion of low-cost technologies that emphasize energy efficiency and minimize negative environmental impacts such as CO2 emissions. These technologies are stunningly simple, yet they demonstrate how innovative technologies can be used to support socio-economic development that is also environmentally beneficial.

The Sustainable Products and Solutions Program funds research, fellowships, competitions and symposiums that seek sustainable solutions to global challenges. From carbon foot-printing and green chemistries to safe drinking water solutions, the projects it supports build on UC Berkeley’s tradition of excellence in sustainability research and teaching.

UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the College of Chemistry developed the SPS Program with a five-year, multi-million dollar commitment from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation. In 2010, Kimberly-Clark and Waste Management Inc. joined to extend the program to support research into sustainable end-of-life management for consumer products.

Competition Rules

The Energy Efficient Technologies Competition is open to all graduate and undergraduate students at UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC San Francisco. Multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged.

For additional information about general contest rules, timing and how to apply, please refer to the Contest Application Guidelines

Prizes will be awarded only if there are high-quality submissions and are expected to be used to support the proposed activities (e.g., research, travel, workshops, project expenses). Decisions of the judges are final and not subject to appeal.