Successful first Zittau sustainability competition at the HSZG
On April 12, 2024, the evaluation event of the first Zittau Sustainability Competition took place at the Faculty of Economics and Industrial Engineering at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Four schools from the region took part in this competition with five groups of pupils from fourth to ninth grade and presented their creative ideas on various sustainability topics.
The commitment and diversity of the posters submitted made it extremely difficult for the jury to determine a ranking. From greening buildings to waste separation and CO2 balancing, the entries offered an impressive insight into the awareness and creativity of the younger generation with regard to sustainable development.
First place went to the students of the Evangelisches Gymnasium Tharandt with their poster on the topic of "Sustainability, now and in the future". The special achievements of all participants led to the jury deciding to award not only one first place, but also four second places. These went to SCHKOLA Ostritz for their depiction of greening buildings and twice to Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium Görlitz for their posters on the topics of "Car-free and bio-diesel" and "Waste separation". SCHKOLA Oberland was also awarded second place for its CO2 balance.
Mario Linack, Chairman of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences Association, underlined the importance of such initiatives for the university and the region. The association provided the prizes for the winning student groups and emphasized the need to get young people interested in current topics at an early stage in order to further strengthen Zittau/Görlitz as a university location. Ms. Hünlich from Stadtwerke Zittau and Prof. Keil, Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs, also addressed the participants. Stadtwerke Zittau GmbH and SOWAG mbH also sponsored gifts for the participating students.
The event was not only a competition for sustainability, but also offered the opportunity to intensify the exchange between the university, schools and the community. Overall, the first Zittau Sustainability Competition was a great success, underlining the commitment and creativity of young talents for a sustainable future.
We look forward to the second Zittau Sustainability Competition in 2025.
Text: Zhaniya Pirmoldayeva
