Sustainability Award

This award recognises a project that demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Entries may come from any year level and any project category, as long as they show meaningful consideration of how digital technologies can support a healthier, more sustainable planet.

Projects might explore reducing waste, conserving energy, protecting ecosystems, improving environmental awareness, or designing solutions that help communities live more sustainably.

To be considered for  this award, simply select the checkbox during the project submission process.

The project is judged using the standard Core Award criteria, and the award will be presented to the entry that, in the opinion of the organisers, demonstrates the strongest commitment to a sustainable future.

Examples of Suitable Sustainability Projects

1. Smart Environmental Monitoring

Projects that use sensors, data, or automation to track and improve environmental conditions.

  • A micro:bit or Arduino system that monitors classroom energy use
  • A weather‑station project that tracks rainfall to support water conservation
  • A soil‑moisture sensor that helps reduce over‑watering in school gardens

Sustainability focus: resource conservation, data‑driven decision‑making.

2. Waste Reduction and Recycling Solutions

Digital tools that help reduce waste or improve recycling habits.

  • A vision‑based AI model that identifies recycling vs landfill items
  • A school‑wide recycling tracker with dashboards and leaderboards
  • A smart bin that alerts staff when full to reduce unnecessary pickups

Sustainability focus: waste minimisation, behaviour change.

3. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Projects that explore clean energy or help reduce energy consumption.

  • A solar‑powered device or prototype
  • A home‑energy monitoring app that visualises usage patterns
  • A classroom “energy coach” that gives tips based on sensor data

Sustainability focus: clean energy, efficiency, awareness.

4. Conservation and Biodiversity Tools

Digital solutions that help protect wildlife or natural environments.

  • A wildlife‑identification app for local species
  • A mapping tool that tracks biodiversity around the school
  • A project that analyses environmental data to identify habitat risks

Sustainability focus: ecosystem protection, environmental education.

5. Community and Social Impact Projects

Tools that help communities adopt more sustainable habits.

  • A carpool‑coordination app to reduce school traffic
  • A food‑sharing or food‑rescue platform
  • A digital campaign that teaches younger students about sustainability

Sustainability focus: community behaviour, awareness, social responsibility.

6. Sustainable Design and Innovation

Projects that rethink how products or systems can be designed more sustainably.

  • A prototype made from recycled or low‑impact materials
  • A digital tool that helps users calculate their environmental footprint
  • A system that encourages circular‑economy thinking (repair, reuse, repurpose)

Sustainability focus: sustainable design, long‑term impact.