by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – NO less than six out of the nine university groups competing in this year’s Middle East and Africa finals of Schneider Electric’s Go Green competition were from the Anglophone Africa region.
These are from Kenya (MetaMind, The Green Mavericks and Carbonclock), Nigeria (Ina Vibe) and South Africa (Power Pals and LolaGreen).
MetaMind explores the role of machine learning (ML) in smart energy control systems.
The Green Mavericks’ AquaSpark-thermal storage battery system provides
electricity and heats water for space heating.
Carbonclock designed a smart clock that displays real-time energy consumption of household devices, therefore user awareness of carbon footprint and energy usage, encouraging them to make more sustainable choices.
Ina Vibe entered a solar-powered, insulated electric burner with a battery pack for cooking, charging and lighting.
Power Pals’ solution aims to tackle the excessive heat within urban heat islands and LolaGreen’s idea demonstrates how industrial and plastic waste can be converted into sustainable, durable construction products.
Ultimately, SKYLARKS from Pakistan beat the stiff competition from Anglophone Africa with its Adaptive Facade Systems, an innovative solution that optimises insulation, reduces energy waste and adapts to occupants needs, making it ideal for new constructions and retrofitting existing buildings.
“We’re extremely proud of our teams from Anglophone Africa whose bold ideas truly impressed our panel of judges,” said Modlay Davids, Talent Acquisition and Employer Branding Lead: Human Resources at Schneider Electric.
SKYLARKS will be competing against finalists from across the globe to win €3000, an international trip, internship and other employment opportunities at Schneider Electric.
Launched in 2011 by Schneider Electric, the Schneider Go Green competition has grown rapidly over the last 13 years.
In 2022, more than 22 200 students from across 200 countries registered for the event, and more than 3 700 submitted innovative ideas that fitted into the competition’ categories.
– CAJ News