Tag: renewable-energy

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!

Timing is Everything: Save with Smarter Energy Use

~ jo-anngarbutt ~ Leave a comment

Looking to lower your electricity bill? It starts with understanding when and how you use electricity. By reviewing your energy usage, you can spot the times when you use the most power and which appliances consume the most. This information is key to cutting costs.

Below is an example that shows how much electricity a household uses each hour. The taller the bar, the more energy is used during that hour. You can see a spike around 8 AM, likely because people are getting ready for work or school. In contrast, early morning hours, when the household is asleep, show much lower energy use. This example might also reflect a home using efficient heating during winter, resulting in lower usage overnight.

Cut Costs with Time-of-Use Rates

Think of the electricity grid like a busy road. During rush hour, traffic slows down because everyone is on the road at the same time. The same thing happens with electricity—during peak hours (like afternoons and early evenings), lots of people are using power, which puts stress on the grid.

In the chart below, you’ll see the household’s energy use in two colors: green and orange. Green represents times when electricity is cheaper, while orange shows when it’s more expensive. As you can see, most of the electricity is being used during the orange (expensive) hours. If the household shifted some tasks, like running the washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher, to the green (cheaper) times, they could save money. Even small changes like this can make a big difference on their electricity bill.

Understanding Time-of-Use Tariffs for Electricity

Some utility companies offer plans that charge you based on when you use electricity. The rates vary depending on the time of day—electricity is cheaper during certain hours and more expensive during others. By understanding how these time-of-use tariffs work, you can adjust your habits and save money on your electric bill.

Why Do Power Companies Offer Variable Electricity Rates?

Variable electricity rates work like offering different prices to drive on the roads at different times of day. When more people use the roads at quieter times, traffic flows smoothly. Similarly, when more people use electricity during off-peak hours (when the grid is less busy), it helps utility companies avoid overloads and keep the system running smoothly.

By charging higher rates during peak hours, utility companies encourage people to shift their energy use to less busy times. This reduces strain on the grid and helps prevent blackouts or other issues during periods of high demand—like when everyone is cooking dinner or watching TV. During off-peak times, such as late at night when most people are asleep, electricity is cheaper because demand is lower.

This pricing system, known as Time-of-Use (TOU) tariffs, means that electricity costs vary throughout the day, giving you the opportunity to save money by using energy during cheaper, off-peak hours.

Example: How Variable Rates Can Save You Money

Let’s look at an example to show how time-of-use tariffs can impact your electricity bill. We’ll compare two scenarios: one where a household uses a variable rate plan, and another where they don’t. In both cases, the household uses 150 kWh of electricity in a month, so the only difference is the plan they’re on. This will help illustrate how using the same amount of energy can cost less when you take advantage of variable rates.

A Time-of-Use Electricity Tariff

For this example, let’s assume that electricity costs €0.18 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) during the day, from 8 AM to midnight. At night, from midnight to 8 AM, the cost drops to €0.10 per kWh.

Now, if your total electricity usage for the month is 150 kWh, and you use 100 kWh during the day and 50 kWh at night, your electricity bill would be calculated like this:

  • Daytime usage: 100 kWh x €0.18/kWh = €18
  • Nighttime usage: 50 kWh x €0.10/kWh = €5
  • Total bill: €18 + €5 = €23

Without a Variable Rate for Electricity

If there’s only one flat rate for electricity throughout the day, the cost is often higher. Let’s say the rate is €0.21 per kWh. In this case, the family’s monthly bill would be:

  • Total bill: 150 kWh x €0.21 = €31.50

As you can see, the household with a time-of-use plan pays less (€23) compared to the flat-rate plan (€31.50). This shows that variable rates can save you money, even though the peak-time rates are sometimes higher than a flat rate.

What can you do?

If your utility provider offers time-of-use or variable tariffs, where you pay less during certain times of the day, here are some steps you can take to maximize your savings:

  1. Install a Smart Meter: A smart meter tracks your electricity use hour by hour, so you can see exactly when and how much energy you’re using. Many utility companies offer free installations, giving you better control over your energy habits.
  2. Adjust Your Daily Habits: Shifting energy-heavy tasks like laundry or dishwashing to off-peak hours can significantly reduce your bill. Even small changes can add up over time.
  3. Monitor Your Usage: If your utility offers an app or online portal, check your electricity usage regularly. Look for patterns and try to match high energy use with specific activities (e.g., running the washing machine). This helps you identify when to shift energy use to cheaper times.
  4. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: When it’s time to replace appliances, choose energy-efficient models. These not only use less electricity but can save even more if run during off-peak hours.
  5. Use Smart Appliances: Some appliances can be programmed to run during off-peak times automatically. Set them to start when rates are lower, and enjoy the savings without having to think about it.
  6. Install a Programmable Thermostat: Adjust your thermostat to lower the temperature during peak hours to reduce heating and cooling costs.
  7. Invest in Energy Monitoring Devices: These devices show real-time energy usage, helping you identify which appliances are using the most electricity. With this information, you can turn off unnecessary devices or shift their use to cheaper times.

Taking these simple steps can help you cut costs and make the most of your time-of-use tariff plan.

In conclusion, saving on your electricity bill is easier than you might think. By simply shifting your energy use to off-peak hours and being mindful of when and how much electricity you use, you can make a big difference in your monthly costs. Small adjustments, like running appliances at cheaper times or using energy-efficient devices, can lead to significant savings over time. With just a little effort and smarter energy habits, you’ll not only reduce your bill but also take control of your household’s energy use.