Going green wasn’t just the mantra for the moment. It’s a lifestyle. Especially in today’s unpredictable climate conditions the most recent and noteworthy being the lack of rain we’ve been experiencing.
And these days cars are now being designed with the emphasis on global warming as electrical mass produced vehicles with zero emissions. We pay our accounts online as it’s quick, easy and uses less paper. And we also increase the long term value of our properties by fitting low-energy light bulbs in our homes to make them more energy efficient, saving energy and money. As caring for the planet and its people will help us move towards a brighter, sustainable future.
And another way to achieve sustainability is to open a business with an environmental purpose. One such platform that has allowed innovative entrepreneurs with ideas in building, energy, water, transport or waste the opportunity to have their ideas developed into Green Startups is The Green City Startup competition.
An annual initiative by the City of Joburg in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg and Resolution Circle; where eight candidates are given R250 000 of funding each and the winner an additional R1Million from the City of Joburg. The prize money is spent on developing, producing and marketing the winning entries.
The competition’s winners for 2016 are first prize of R1m went to Paseka Lesolang, 27, a scientist whose toilet cistern leak valve will save millions in lost litres and homeowners thousands of rands in saved water.
Sean Moolman, 41, received R500 000 to further develop his electricity-usage management system. Trash trolley inventor, Gabriel Ally, 24, and Yolandi Schoeman, 37, who developed water-purifying eco-islands, took joint third spot in the competition and R350 000 each.
The 2015 Green City Startup initiative attracted more than 159 ideas for the second season this year. The top 20 entries were selected last month and the contestants must submit their business plans and model.
They’ll receive further training, and at the end of this month, will face a panel of judges. Eight finalists will be selected and funded for the development of their products over four months, culminating in a presentation with the judges.
The winners will be announced in August.