U4energy is a European Commission initiative that runs an annual school competition to promote energy efficiency among young people. The competition's objectives are to increase energy efficient behavior and share best practices among schools. It is open to schools across Europe and focuses on categories like best energy efficiency measures implemented, best teaching practices on energy, and best school campaigns on the topic. Winners are recognized at regional and European award ceremonies. The current school year 2011-2012 competition is now open for submissions by May 16, 2012.

1. U4energy
The European School Challenge
U4energy campaign for schools
School Year 2011 - 2012

2. U4energy The European School Challenge
• U4energy is a European Commission initiative,
funded through the Intelligent Energy Europe
programme
• An EU initiative with the support of the Commissioner
for Energy, Mr. Günther Oettinger
• U4energy is carried out by European Schoolnet on
behalf of the European Commission

3. U4energy The European School Challenge
Core objectives:
• Increase energy efficient behaviour amongst young
generations
• Mobilise schools and their stakeholders (teachers,
students, municipalities) to address energy efficiency
and share best practices

4. U4energy The European School Challenge
• Scope: 27 EU member states + Croatia, Iceland,
Liechtenstein and Norway
• Inclusive approach: Kindergarten, Primary and
Secondary schools (including specialist, vocational
and technical)

5. U4energy The European School Challenge
2 competition cycles:
•1st cycle: school year 2010 – 2011
•2nd cycle: school year 2011 – 2012

6. U4energy The European School Challenge
1st cycle: school year 2010-11
•4 Regional Award Ceremonies in October 2011: 62
national winners were invited to Bulgaria, Italy, Lithuania and
Spain
•European Award Ceremony on 22 November 2011 in the
benevolent presence of the EU Commissioner for energy, Mr
Günther Oettinger

7. U4energy The European School Challenge
2nd cycle: school year 2011-12
Starting NOW
Deadline: 16 May 2012 midnight
th

8. U4energy The European School Challenge
THE COMPETITION CATEGORIES

9. U4energy The European School Challenge
• Form templates for all categories
• New! Online submission*
• New! Possibility to complete application
in stages thanks to open ID*
• New! Updated and simplified guidelines
*(available early 2012)

10. U4energy The European School Challenge
• A - Best energy efficiency measures
• B - Best teaching actions on efficient energy use
• C - Best school campaign on energy efficiency
• new Special Award Category – Best practice
beyond U4energy

11. U4energy The European School Challenge
For those willing to engage long-term and fond of figures:
A – Best energy efficiency measures
Target: School management, staff, with teachers and pupils
ideally supported by local authorities
 Requirements: Implement energy saving measures at your
school and submit your Energy Saving Plan taking stock of
energy, financial and CO2 savings!

12. U4energy The European School Challenge
For those willing to address the topic but with limited time:
B – Best teaching practices
Target: Teachers
Requirements: Submit your Lesson Plan outlining a
successful methodology for teaching energy efficiency

13. U4energy The European School Challenge
For those willing to engage medium- to long-term and fond
of face-to-face interaction
C – Best school campaign on energy efficiency
Target: Pupils guided by a teacher
Requirements: Submit your Campaign Plan describing how you’ve
designed and implemented an innovative and creative campaign to
promote energy efficiency within your school and/or community.

14. U4energy The European School Challenge
For the winners of other projects on energy efficiency
•New! Special Award Category – Excellence in practice:
best energy efficient projects
Target: Winners and coordinators of national publicly-funded energy
efficiency initiatives
 Requirements: No direct submission needed - National coordinators
will submit a competition entry on behalf of the winners

15. U4energy The European School Challenge
In each participating country U4energy is facilitated by a
dedicated network of National Contact Points (NCPs)
•Promote the competition at national level
•Encourage schools' participation, provide technical support
and answer questions related to the competition
•Set up the Jury that will evaluate submissions

16. U4energy The European School Challenge
Main achievements during the 2010-2011
• Approximately 600 projects submitted prior to moderation
• Over 1,500 schools registered
• 24 countries took part in the 1st edition
• 62 national winners and 7 EU winners
• Energy education increasingly on the radar of Ministries of
Education throughout Europe

17. U4energy The European School Challenge
Plenty of tools and support
to make it easy for schools to participate
•U4energy website in 25 languages
•Over 100 teaching resources to get inspiration from
•U4energy communication toolbox: logo, mascots, e-badge, etc.
•U4energy poster, themes, debate cards, etc.
The first 1,500 schools to register will receive a pupil kit in their mailbox!

18. U4energy The European School Challenge
Thank you!
U4energy@eun.org