Registration is now open for the 13th edition of the Don't Waste Award

Ten actions, both public and private. By governments, but also by citizens. To guide decisions on energy policy, but also to change our lifestyles, reduce consumption, and encourage individual countries to become more self-sufficient. These are just a few of the new features of the 13th edition of the Non Sprecare Award, which this year focuses on the theme of energy. To mark International Earth Day, the award is now open for submissions of the best projects aimed at protecting the planet.

In response to the crisis stemming from the tragic war in Ukraine, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has indeed drawn up a 10-point plan to drastically reduce our energy consumption within a year without increasing greenhouse gas emissions. These range from accelerating the development of wind and solar energy to eliminating household waste. In fact, simply making consistent adjustments to the thermostats in our heating systems—lowering them by an average of even just one degree—would reduce the demand for natural gas in Europe by ten billion cubic meters per year. Ten actions that are particularly beneficial for Italy, which imports 95% of its gas needs from abroad.

This is why the 13th edition of the Non Sprecare Award places even greater emphasis on energy, reaffirming its focus on the major issues that affect quality of life and the environment. For these reasons, Luiss Guido Carli is renewing its partnership with the Premio Non Sprecare, the sustainable ideas competition created by Antonio Galdo, founder and director of the website Non sprecare.it. The initiative is aimed at various categories—companies, institutions, associations, schools and universities, young people (under 35), and startups—with the goal of gathering and promoting best practices to reduce waste. To participate in the next edition, you can submit your proposal no later than October 30, 2022.

“The Non Sprecare Award brings ideas, projects, and visions to our university, helping us identify new sustainable development solutions with the direct involvement of all societal stakeholders. One of the main goals of Luiss, an open, connected, and responsible university, is to educate new generations to be sensitive and aware of the health of the planet and its resources, guiding their behavior toward greener choices and encouraging them to engage in discussions about the issues outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda. “Supporting and promoting best practices in the circular economy is one of our university’s key goals. Last year, we already ranked 22nd in the World University GreenMetric ranking of the most sustainable universities and secured 2nd place globally in the ‘Energy and climate change’ category,” stated Giovanni Lo Storto, Luiss’s Director General.

According to Galdo, “the future of energy can only be a mix of different sources, with less reliance on imports and greater autonomy thanks to the push from renewables.” He adds, “But perhaps it's also time to acknowledge that the word 'transition' no longer adequately describes the moment we're living in. We need to shorten the timeline rather than extend it, and as the International Energy Agency explains in its 10-point plan, results could come within a year. And not in half a century, when it might be too late.”

Over the course of the various editions of the Don't Waste Award, numerous projects have received recognition, reflecting a growing social mobilization. An award for those who don't waste and who teach others to do the same. Initially, participants will be selected by web users. In a second phase, a jury of experts will choose the two winners: one Italian and one international. Throughout the entire process, the Award will be supported by the participation of students from over one hundred schools involved in the project.

In addition to the Non-Sprecare Award, the University actively participates in numerous networks and associations, including the Climate Alliance, with the aim of connecting with the best national and international practices and enhancing social engagement on these issues. On Earth Day, the world’s largest event celebrating the Earth and promoting its protection, a group of Luiss students from the Population, Environment, and Sustainability program will take part in the #ClimateTalks Student Challenge initiative by the Climate Alliance network for universities. The goal is to foster collaboration and the sharing of research on climate change, and to kick off a series of workshops and online talks to understand how climate change is impacting the world of work and career paths.

To apply: https://www.nonsprecare.it/premio