Since its inception, the initiative has awarded HUF 50 million to 29 institutions, encouraging young generations to take an active role in environmental protection.
Following the overwhelming success of the 2023 and 2024 editions, the competition is open for new submissions from schools and kindergartens nationwide. Institutions can apply for grants of up to HUF 2.5 million to implement sustainability programs that engage students, teachers, and even parents in tackling environmental challenges. The initiative underscores the importance of community-driven sustainability efforts and highlights the role of younger generations in shaping a greener future.
Applications covering topics such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate protection, water conservation, waste management, sustainable land use, and biodiversity can be submitted until April 11, 2024. Detailed information and submission guidelines are available on the Champions of the Earth website.
Over the past two years, 800 entries have been submitted from across Hungary, with winning projects ranging from small rural kindergartens to well-known urban high schools. The program has helped reinforce environmental awareness among children and their families by funding creative and impactful sustainability projects.
A panel of sustainability experts will evaluate the submissions, including Guntram Würzberg, CEO of E.ON Hungária Group, and climate researcher Dr. Diána Ürge-Vorsatz. They will be joined by Katalin Szomolányi, founder of Planet Fanatics, climate communication expert and journalist Réka Nagy (Ökoanyu), and actress Lia Pokorny, who has also authored a sustainability-focused cookbook. In addition to the jury-selected winners, a public vote will determine one additional recipient. The award ceremony will take place in October 2024.
“The purpose of the Champions of the Earth program is twofold: to support the best sustainability initiatives in kindergartens and schools, and to showcase these ideas as widely as possible to inspire others. At E.ON, we work every day to create a greener future and believe that as one of the country’s largest energy companies, we have an important role to play in supporting sustainability efforts. This is what we want to contribute to through this tender and by providing financial support for the implementation of the winning projects,” said Gergely Losonczi, head of Corporate Communications at E.ON Hungária Group.
Past winners have successfully implemented a variety of innovative sustainability initiatives. These include insect- and bird-friendly school gardens, bicycle safety and air quality programs for children, and outdoor classrooms near wetlands. Other projects have promoted the use of plant-based natural dyes, compost-heated greenhouses, sustainable fashion campaigns, and even a mentoring program for eco-conscious microbusinesses. The competition continues to emphasize that the health of our environment depends on responsible actions and sustainable decisions made today.
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