(13.11.2009)

European Award for innovative Energy Saving school project awarded to Odtü Gelistirme Vakfi Özel Ilkögretim Okulu Primary School in Ankara, Turkey

Today Toyota Fund for Europe and Eco-Schools announced the European winner of the 2007-2009 school competition Let’s Save Energy.

Odtü Gelistirme Vakfi Özel Ilkögretim Okulu Primary School from Ankara, Turkey won the prize for its innovative project ‘I take Responsibility’. The project invites students to take responsibility for the electricity use in the classrooms. This aim is achieved by installing electricity switch units operated by a card – similar to the ones found in hotel rooms. Per class a student takes responsibility for carrying the class’ card. The project and the theme of energy saving was completely integrated into the curriculum of the entire school and its effects were closely monitored.

The Environment & Innovation Project, run by Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in the Eco-Schools network and funded by Toyota Motor Europe through the Toyota Fund for Europe, held a European competition in 6 countries: Norway, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Portugal and Turkey.

Over 80 schools involving about 20,000 students were involved in the competition and 28 projects were awarded a grant to implement their innovative energy saving projects.

Earlier in 2009, national best projects were selected in each country. From those national projects, the international jury today selected Europe’s best project. The jury contains prominent members of European organisations like the Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation, British Council, UNEP and CSR Europe. Chair of the jury is a member of the board of the FEE.

The Award ceremony will take place at the winning school in Odtü Gelistirme Vakfi Özel Ilkögretim Okulu Primary School, with participation of local stakeholders and key members of the community.