Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Discover the field of sustainable design while imagining the future of the built world! High school students work in teams to design and construct a sustainable building model in competition for cash prizes of up to $500. Students collaborate to research, design, and present their model to a panel of professionals from design fields including architecture and engineering. The 17th annual Sustainable Design Challenge is brought to you by SCARCE and DuPage County Stormwater Management.
The 2023 challenge will be conducted in person. For full details, download the info packet below.
The Challenge
Who: Up to 10 teams of students from each high school that serves DuPage County students
Goal: Design and construct a model of a sustainable building in a bid for cash prizes.
Cost: Participation is free.
Important dates
- February 2 (Thursday) – Team registration opens
- March 21 (Tuesday) 3:30-4:30pm – Virtual meet-up (see description below)
- April 7 (Friday) – Team Registration deadline
- April 18 (Tuesday) – 9:00am-11:00am Sustainable Design Challenge at the DuPage County Administration Building
- Early May – Winners notified
- June – Winners announced during the DuPage County Stormwater Committee meeting.
Important Links
Sustainable Design in Practice on April 18th
It is a day of sharing and learning for for these high school students! Student teams showcase their finished models and present designs to judges and the public at the DuPage County complex. Participants then have the opportunity to see DuPage County’s environmental initiatives throughout the county’s campus including car charging stations, green roof, reflective roof and a restored wetland.
Learning Opportunities for all
A live virtual meet-up and supplemental video content will be provided by SCARCE in collaboration with DuPage County and our business sponsors. These videos will offer information on sustainable buildings and infrastructure in DuPage County as well as information on careers in sustainable design fields such as architecture and engineering.
Sustainability in Action Virtual Meet-Up – Tuesday, March 21 3:30-4:30pm
The virtual meet-up offers participants the opportunity to explore a local green facility, presented by the architects that created the design. Learn about careers in sustainable design straight from local professionals in the fields of architecture, design, and engineering. Also, participants will gain insight and inspiration for Sustainable Design Challenge projects as well as future internship and career opportunities. Open to DuPage County high school students, teachers, and school administrators. All students participating in the Sustainable Design Challenge are strongly encouraged to attend. Register Here
Project Gallery
Following the event, projects will be available for viewing by the general public on scarce.org.
View a gallery of the 2022 project entries here
Sponsorship opportunities available – learn more
The Sustainable Design Challenge is a fantastic opportunity to inspire and engage the next generation of design professionals while promoting environmental awareness and education. Contact jean@sarce.org for more information.
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