The Energy and Climate Laboratory (EKW) promotes knowledge in the field of environment and energy efficiency, in combination with technical know-how, innovative spirit and design skills. The continuing success of the project is reflected in this year’s impressive figures: 532 vocational trainees from Swiss companies submitted 132 projects, from which three teams were selected in a preliminary round in each of the four sub-categories – Awareness-raising, Planning, Energy and Innovation. These 12 finalists were subsequently judged by a panel of experts, who then picked a winning team in each category.
The approaches adopted by the winning projects were very different, ranging from a poetry slam to raise awareness of climate protection through planning methods for energy conservation to greening buildings as a way to sequester carbon. One thing they shared in common, however, was that they were all developed with a great deal of enthusiasm and concern for our environment, and really conveyed the impact of climate protection projects at work.
This year, we were able to hold the awards ceremony, the EKW’s flagship event, at the Muttenz campus of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). In addition to the official prize-giving ceremony, a climate skills workshop was held for vocational trainers and company experts, while the students and trainees were given an exciting tour of the campus.