Grand challenge to find solutions to sustainable future

The University of Newcastle’s Grand Challenge is back, posing the question: What can we do to work towards a future of net zero carbon emissions?

The Net Zero Grand Challenge is calling for innovators from the Central Coast and Hunter regions, and beyond, to get involved and submit applications for their big ideas that will empower organisations to be accountable for their environmental performance.

Being an expert in the energy sector is not essential, the Challenge is calling for applicants from all walks of life, including business owners, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers, students, coders, and designers.

The winning teams will share in $30,000 to develop their solution and test prototypes with the help of the university’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N).

Applications close on Wednesday October 9, with winners announced at the University of Newcastle Art Gallery, Callaghan campus on Thursday October 17.

With large organisations required to disclose their Scope 3 emissions by 2027, the Grand Challenge wants to facilitate solutions that will help these organisations to better reduce and record these emissions across their value chain.

Scope 3 emissions occur as a result of a company’s actions and include indirect greenhouse gas emissions, employee commuting, and end-of-life treatment of sold products.

By requiring companies to disclose these emissions, the government aims to enhance transparency, accountability and ultimately drive emissions reductions across the economy.

All information can be found on the Grand Challenge website, where you can find videos of expert panels that discuss the problem and solutions, FAQs, and more helpful events coming up in the schedule.