Kohler joins Johnson Controls and the National Energy Foundation to host the 10th Annual Igniting Creative Energy (ICE) Challenge, a national competition for kindergarten through 12th-grade students to share ideas about energy choices and environmental stewardship. This year’s program runs through March 2011 and includes ICE Water, a new category for the competition that adds a water education component.
“When we conserve water, we conserve the energy needed to pump and treat it,” said Bruno Biasiotta, VP and general manager of Energy Solutions Americas, Johnson Controls. “For the last decade, the ICE Challenge has actively engaged youth to think about energy efficiency. Adding water conservation to this thought process enhances the learning experience for today’s students—our future environmental leaders.”
Water efficiency remains a concern, with nearly 36 states expecting to face water shortages in the next five years, according to a 2008 study by the Environmental Protection Agency. “The future of natural resources in this world depends on the actions we take now and the choices we make in our own lives. It is our responsibility to teach our children to make wise choices when it comes to natural resources,” said Rob Zimmerman, manager of engineering, water conservation and sustainability for Kohler Co. “The ICE Challenge is a proven and effective way to teach children about their choices and get them excited about making changes and taking action in their own communities.”
Five grand prize winners, four student winners and one teacher will travel to the 2011 United States Energy Efficiency Forum (EEF), where they will share their winning projects with leaders and energy policymakers. Cosponsored by Johnson Controls and the United States Energy Association, EEF aims to advance energy efficiency issues as part of a broader campaign to raise energy awareness.
All ICE Challenge entries must be postmarked by March 4, 2011; submissions postmarked by February 18, 2011 will qualify for additional early bird prizes. ICE Challenge winners will be announced in late March 2011. Information about the ICE Challenge and the official contest rules can be found here.
Pictured: Kohler’s Strela WaterSense labeled toilet.
