Georgetown University

FIRST Energy Hackathon hosted by ENGIE

Sunday, October 2nd, 2022
Hackathon: 11 AM—1 PM
Team presentations and winner selection: 1 PM—3 PM
Rafik B. Hariri Building 490 | 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20007

ENGIE (Georgetown’s long-term energy partner) and Georgetown University are looking for creative ideas about how to promote energy conservation among the Georgetown community and reduce our carbon footprint on campus.

The winning teams will be invited to help with implementing their ideas, and will also win the opportunity to direct $5,000 in prizes to the non-profits of their choice by developing the winning idea in response to this prompt:

How might we most successfully encourage the Georgetown community to reduce their energy use next semester?

This is a chance to do a lot of good with one great idea.

If you’re interested in Georgetown’s efforts to reduce its energy use and carbon footprint in the global challenge that is climate change – or any piece of that – please join us for Georgetown’s first Energy Hackathon on Sunday, October 2nd in Hariri 490, at 11 AM.

Just want to see your fellow student’s exciting ideas? Join us at 1 PM for the ideas presentation and winners selection.

Registration: To participate, please register here by Thursday, September 29th.


Background & Context
In July 2021, Georgetown took a huge stride towards sustainability and being a leader in carbon reduction efforts by partnering with ENGIE, and Axium Infrastructure – together known as Georgetown Energy Partners. They are now working behind the scenes to transform the energy landscape of Georgetown’s campus, highlighted by a 35% decrease in energy use intensity over 10 years. They work closely with Georgetown’s
Office of Sustainability, Planning and Facilities Maintenance and other departments to upgrade lighting, replace steam piping, improve air handlers, install solar and many other pieces of the University’s energy infrastructure.

While this will make a big dent, it won’t be everything that is needed to help Georgetown thrive in a carbon-constrained future.

This is where students come in, to support and learn from these projects through internships and event participation. Both opportunities are areas to provide ideas about how the students, staff and faculty that represent the Georgetown community could promote energy-conscious behavior.

The Energy Hackathon is an effort to do just that – engage the student body to develop ideas they believe will succeed at Georgetown – and help implement them almost immediately!

Schedule
10:30 AM Doors Open
11:00 AM Welcome address, Tirelle Lee, Georgetown Energy Partners CEO
11:15 AM Hackathon guidance, Andy Ludwig, ENGIE Energy Conservation Measure Program Manager
11:30 AM Team breakout, idea development, mentoring
12:00pm Lunch
1:00 PM Presentations from each team (3 minutes each), to audience and judges panel
2:00 PM Final four announced, followed by Q&A from judges/audience
2:30 PM Winning ideas announced, plus charity recipients

Prompt: How might we most successfully encourage the Georgetown community to reduce their energy use next semester?

Judging Criteria
Presented ideas will be judged by a panel of selected staff and students based on the following three criteria:

  1. Student-driven. Is the idea oriented towards students?
  2. Implementable. Is the idea feasible within the $25,000 budget and resources?
  3. Level of impact. Is the idea likely to go viral or impact energy use?

Awards
The winning team will choose a 501(c)(3) charity to receive a $3,000 donation.

The runner-up will choose a 501(c)(3) charity to receive a $2,000 donation.

In the weeks that follow, ENGIE and Georgetown staff will further explore and develop the winning ideas, endeavoring to launch the winning ideas on campus by January 2023. The winning team(s) are encouraged to participate in the planning effort, to ensure their idea becomes a success!

Questions?
Reach out to the event coordinator by emailing GUEnergyHackathon@gmail.com with any questions! We look forward to reducing Georgetown’s carbon footprint with you!

Register Now

To participate, please register by Thursday, September 29.