Sharjah Sustainability Award honours winners of 13th edition
This edition saw unprecedented participation from schools, universities, and institutions, with a total of 235 projects submitted: 153 from schools, 66 from universities, and 16 from government and private entities. The student category had the highest participation, with 457 students from primary and secondary education, alongside 248 university students, all guided by 115 academic members.
A platform for talent and creativity
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), stated that the Sharjah Sustainability Award has evolved into a genuine scientific platform that fosters talent and creativity. She emphasised the importance of investing in people and knowledge to build a sustainable future.
Honoring supportive institutions
The ceremony honored 19 supportive government and private institutions, including the Ministry of Education and the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority. Additionally, 19 jury members were recognised for their role in evaluating projects based on precise scientific standards.
Award distribution
Thirty awards were distributed, including 13 for the Green Schools category, 14 for universities, and 3 for institutions, acknowledging outstanding initiatives in environmental sustainability. This year, there were 45 winners from schools, 47 from universities, and 3 institutions recognized for their innovative contributions.
Highlights from institutional category
In the institutional category, ENOC won first place for its "Future ENOC Service Station" project, while the Ministry of Culture and Dubai's Environment and Climate Change Authority followed with innovative projects focused on cultural climate action and air quality monitoring.
University innovations
In the universities category, the University of UAE claimed the top spot for assessing rainwater risks in urban development, with the American University of Sharjah winning second place for their project on rehabilitating Al Qasba Canal.
Graduate Student achievements
For graduate students, the University of UAE won for a project on sustainable concrete blocks, while Khalifa University was recognised for its work on the future of lithium extraction.
Environmental health and safety
In the realm of sustainability for human health and the environment, Khalifa University excelled in extracting gold from electronic waste, with the American University of Sharjah following close behind.
Future energy and emissions
The University of UAE also led in future energy projects by converting PVC waste into energy, showcasing innovative approaches to waste management.
Resource conservation
Khalifa University won for restoring coral reefs, while Abu Dhabi University was recognised for a self-driving boat project aimed at plastic collection.
Sustainable design and AI
In sustainable design, the University of UAE developed an eco-friendly geopolymer concrete, while the American University of Sharjah led in AI projects for oil leak detection.
Green Schools participation
The Green Schools category showcased impressive projects, with Masar Private School winning for a smart electric door and Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi School following for a waste sorting system.
Innovation in energy and water conservation
Fatima Bint Mubarak School earned recognition for a project on water and electricity conservation, while Al Mleiha School won for an innovative garden website.
Short environmental films
In the short environmental film category, Al Nabras School won for "Whispers of Nature," highlighting the importance of green cover, and Al-Hosn School secured second place for "Life on Earth."
Conclusion
The ceremony concluded with the recognition of James School in Dubai for its sustainable environmental initiatives, reinforcing the importance of eco-friendly practices in education.
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