Large-scale public events have unique characteristics creating opportunities for new thinking around delivering energy efficiency. Large numbers of people congregate in one place for a set period of time; how do we reduce energy waste, maximise energy recycling opportunities and find better ways of harnessing and managing energy sources to deliver positive environmental outcomes?
New, innovative technologies are an integral part of the Mayor's Energy Strategy which aims to reduce London's contribution to global climate change, tackle the problem of fuel poverty and promote London's economic development through renewable and energy efficient technologies.
This focus on energy efficiency has led to a new impetus to explore alternatives to traditional supplies of energy such as decentralised approaches. Coupled with this is a drive to establish a set of core principles and approaches for encouraging more environmentally friendly behavior in the Capital.
This Challenge is looking for ideas and innovations that deal with the huge amount of energy waste that occurs during large-scale events. Solutions may include technologies that use alternative sources of energy, or that manage existing energy sources more efficently.
The Mayor's Energy Strategy highlights the importance of all citizens becoming more environmentally aware; ideas that encourage and support behaviour change are also welcome.
Olympic Games create a considerable increase in retail activity. Carbon reduction commitments that will come into force in 2009 will see CO2 emissions capped. One of the major business sectors to be hit by these new regulations will be retail chains.
There are positive benefits for all retail businesses, small and large, that can be derived through addressing energy efficiency. The Mayor's Energy Strategy and Climate Change Action Plan highlights positive ways in which London businesses can tackle climate change. Improving the environmental performance of businesses can increase profitability, as well as help to reduce negative effects on the environment.
This Challenge seeks ideas and innovations that promote and support energy efficiency. Energy is unnecessarily wasted in a range of areas: lighting, space heating, water heating, air-conditioning, electrical appliances and inefficient vehicles. Solutions should marry the business needs of retailers with the imperative to become energy efficent.
To design systems and processes that support energy efficiency at public events.
