Tag: guidelines

Getting Started with AI: Don’t Know? Just Ask.

~ jo-anngarbutt ~ Leave a comment

You don’t need to be technical to use AI – you just need to start with purpose. Here’s how to do it well from the very first prompt.

[If you are totally new to AI, you may want to read this article first]

So you’ve heard of AI and maybe even read an introduction, but now you’re staring at a blank screen wondering what to do next. That’s perfectly normal. In this second post, let’s walk through how to actually use an AI tool well technically and thoughtfully and how to build a working partnership with AI from day one.

You don’t need to be a programmer to benefit from AI. This guide is for anyone working on real-world tasks from professionals and students to caregivers, planners, and creatives.

Step 1: Get to know AI by asking it a few basic questions

Before jumping into your first task, take a moment to ask a few simple questions. These help set expectations and establish a tone of curiosity and clarity and its especially helpful if you’re new to AI. Sometimes the best way to know how to best use AI is to ask AI:

a) “What kind of tasks are you best at helping with?”
This gives you a quick sense of AI’s strengths : idea generation, drafting, summarizing, and more. AI won’t do your homework or your job for you entirely. It helps with frameworks and drafts, but you need to proofread and check that the answer is actually addressing your needs.

b) “What are some things you can’t do or don’t know?”
Learn early what not to expect, like real-time data, personal opinions, or sensory experiences. It can’t watch a video or hear music. It can only tell you what people may have written about that painting or song.

c) “How should I ask for help with writing/summarizing/brainstorming?”
Helps you learn how to phrase requests clearly. The better the question, the faster the path to a useful result.

d) “What do you need from me to do this well?”
Encourages you to provide goals, format, audience, and context. For example, if it’s a fundraiser communication plan, share who it’s for, the desired tone, and who will review it.

Step 2: Start with a Real Task (Not Just a “Hello”)

Instead of simply typing “hi,” ask AI to help with something specific:

“Create a report on the current status of renewable energy in Finland. Include recent data, government policy highlights, and the role of wind and hydropower. Keep it under 800 words.”

If you’re unsure how to ask, explain your goal:

“I need to write a short report for work about renewable energy in Finland, but I don’t know where to begin. Can you help me outline it?”

AI will often guide you with clarifying questions or suggestions.

Step 3: Interface with It Like a Thought Partner

No need for perfect grammar, just clarity. Be specific:

  • “This is for a team of engineers. Keep the language precise.”
  • “Add a few bullet points to make this easier to skim.”
  • “Suggest a stronger title — something catchy but still professional.”

These details help AI understand your needs. Most paid versions of AI can remember your preferences.

Step 4: Use Follow-Up Prompts for Refinement

Don’t expect perfection on the first try. Use follow-up prompts like:

  • “Can you make this shorter and punchier?”
  • “Add a paragraph about environmental impact.”
  • “Change the tone — it’s too formal for a presentation.”

You remain in charge of the project and how it is shaping towards the outcome with each step.

Step 5: Choose the Right Tool for the Job

Different AI tools suit different needs:

Try a few and see which feels right for your style of work. Like any good toolbox, each tool has a role.

Suggested Prompt Starters

  • “Summarize this article into three bullet points.”
  • “Help me prepare questions for an interview with a circularity expert.”
  • “Give me 3 headline options for a company newsletter.”
  • “Explain this policy to someone without a technical background.”

You don’t need to be an AI expert to benefit. Just treat it like a smart teammate: fast, helpful, and always ready to try again.

But for now: Pick a tool. Try a task. Start the partnership.

9 Tips for Compelling Competition Entries in Sustainability

~ jo-anngarbutt ~ Leave a comment

Entering the project you are most proud of into an excellence competition is an exciting opportunity to showcase your hard work and achievements. But let’s face it, the competition can be stiff—especially when sustainability is a key judging criterion. Don’t worry, though; this post will guide you through how to focus on the right elements and tell a compelling story that highlights your project’s success without making things up. The secret? It’s all about having the right data, understanding what it means, and explaining why it matters.

Here are nine ways to make your project stand out and be memorable and remarkable:

1. Start With the Basics: Read the Rules

Before drafting your entry, carefully review the competition guidelines, especially sections on sustainability or innovation. These often hint at what judges value most—energy efficiency, water conservation, carbon reduction, waste avoidance, community impact, or even all of these. Align your entry with these priorities. And don’t stress over word limits—stay within 10% of the specified count, as they’re there to keep entries focused, not to demand a full thesis.

2. Tell a Story, Not Just the Facts

Before you start writing your entry, read the competition guidelines carefully. Pay special attention to any sections about sustainability or innovation. Competitions often provide clues about what the judges are looking for—energy efficiency, water conservation, carbon reduction, waste avoidance, community impact, or maybe all of the above. Tailor your entry to match these expectations.

3 Focus on Measurable Outcomes

Judges love numbers, so don’t shy away from sharing your data. If your project saved energy, reduced emissions, or cut costs, include the specifics. Here are some examples:

  • Energy Efficiency: “We installed energy-efficient lighting and reduced electricity usage by 30%, saving EUR 10,000 annually.”
  • Waste Reduction: “By reusing materials on-site, we diverted 95% of construction waste from landfills.”
  • Sustainability Impact: “The project’s solar panels now produce 20,000 kWh annually, enough to power 10 homes.”

Don’t have all the data? That’s okay—start with what you do have. Just be sure to explain how you measured these outcomes and why they’re meaningful.

4. Highlight What Makes Your Project Unique

Competitions are about standing out. Did you try something new that hadn’t been done before? Did you find a way to make the project faster, cheaper, or more sustainable? Maybe you combined existing methods or approaches in creative ways. For example:

  • “We used prefabricated components to speed up construction, reducing on-site waste and emissions.”
  • “Our landscaping included native plants, which cut water usage by 40% and boosted local biodiversity.”

Be clear about how your approach sets your project apart.

5. Talk About What You Learned

No project is perfect, and judges appreciate honesty. Talk about what went well but also acknowledge what didn’t. Maybe a new method didn’t work as planned, or you realized late in the process that a different approach would have been better. What’s important is that you show you learned from the experience.

For example:
“We underestimated the time required to train staff on the new energy management system, which delayed implementation. In the future, we would schedule training earlier to avoid this issue.”

6. Sustainability: More Than Just Energy

When we think of sustainability, energy efficiency often comes to mind first. But there’s more to it. Judges might also look for:

  • Circular Economy: Did you reuse, upcycle or recycle materials?
  • Water Conservation: Did your project reduce water usage?
  • Community Impact: Did the project benefit local communities or create jobs?
  • Biodiversity: Did your landscaping include native plants to support local ecosystems, or did you create green spaces that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies?
  • Positive Local Community Impact: Did you partner with local schools for educational programs or support community groups through funding or volunteer initiatives during the project?

By broadening your perspective, you can show how your project goes beyond energy savings to create lasting, meaningful impacts. Be sure to cover these aspects if they apply to your project.

7. Be Honest—Don’t Fake It

It’s tempting to stretch the truth to make your project look better but resist the urge. Judges have likely seen it all, and they’ll spot exaggerations a mile away. Instead, focus on presenting your project’s real achievements as clearly and confidently as possible.

8. Make It Easy to Follow 

A clear, well-organized entry can make all the difference. Judges don’t have time to untangle cluttered submissions, so present your work in a way that flows logically and is easy to digest. Use clear headings, concise bullet points, and short paragraphs to guide the reader. 

Think about your structure: 

  • Timeline Approach: Are you walking judges through processes, events, or project phases step by step? 
    • Top-Down Method: Are you starting with a big-picture overview and then zooming in on specific achievements or highlights? 
    • Comparative Lens: Are you showcasing measurable improvements by comparing past performance to present outcomes and projecting future benefits? 

If you’re including technical data, don’t let it overwhelm the narrative. Break it down into simple, relatable terms that anyone—even those without technical expertise—can understand. For example, instead of saying “airtightness of 0.6 ACH at 50 pascals,” explain how that translates into better energy savings or indoor comfort. 

A polished, intuitive format not only keeps the competition judges engaged but also ensures they don’t miss the full scope of your project’s excellence.

9. Think About the Future

Judges often like to see how your project has inspired or informed future efforts. Did it set a standard for your company or industry? Has it led to new ideas or processes? For example:

  • “The success of this project has prompted us to roll out similar solar energy systems at three other sites.”
  • “We are now working to integrate lessons learned into our next project to achieve even greater sustainability.”

Conclusion: Show the Big Picture

Entering a competition isn’t just about winning—it’s about showcasing what makes your work exceptional. By focusing on measurable outcomes, sustainability, and what you’ve learned, you can create a compelling entry that stands out.

Remember: the judges aren’t looking for perfection—they’re looking for impact, innovation, and integrity. Follow this approach, and you’ll not only improve your chances of winning but also demonstrate why your project truly matters.

Now go tell your story—sustainably, of course!