DuPage County and SCARCE, a non-profit education program educating kids on environmental challenges, announced they will host the 18th annual Sustainable Design Challenge.
The competition, scheduled for April 16, tasks high school students with creating building and landscape models prioritizing environmental and water friendly designs.
“Year after year, the Sustainable Design Challenge brings a wave of inspiration as high school students unveil their innovative green building designs,” Jim Zay, Chairman of the DuPage County Stormwater Management Committee said in a statement Thursday.
More than 500 teams have competed in the challenge over the last 17 years. Last year four teams were given awards for their design, two of which went to Hinsdale South High School students for best overall Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and Best Stormwater Design, Glenbard East High School students won for best energy design and Wheaton Academy students won second best overall Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Designs should include elements which save energy, preserve the environment and contribute to other sustainability goals.
“STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education continues to evolve, offering students increasingly immersive experiences,” SCARCE Founder and Executive Director Kay McKeen said in a statement. ““Yet, it’s the hands-on engagement provided by competitions like the Sustainable Design Challenge that we think truly ignites their passion for these subjects. By bridging theory with practice, students not only grasp the real-life impacts of sustainable thinking but also gain invaluable skills and insights that extend far beyond the classroom.”