High quality CO2-reducing ideas compete for more than half a million Euro prize money

Amsterdam, 10 September 2009 – The preliminary jury of the Postcode Lottery Green Challenge has chosen six finalists who will have a go at winning 500,000 Euro or one of the two extra 100,000 Euro prizes. The nominees were selected from 313 entrants from all over the world, who sent in detailed plans for inventions that combat climate change. Three finalists are from Great Britain, one from the Netherlands, one from Belgium and one is from the United States.

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Six ideas that can change the world
The Dutch Sanne Castro aims at creating a revolution in developing countries with a biogas system that can provide millions of people with energy. American Robin Chase wants to introduce innovation and flexibility into the existing and future rolling stock of cars, buses, trucks and transit vehicles. Englishman Dean Gregory is dedicated to producing low-cost rooftop turbines that capture wind power in low-wind conditions. Michael Mathres from the UK developed a feed extracted from a natural product that reduces carbon emissions emanating from ruminants such as cows. His fellow countryman Robert Matthams brings together individuals who purchase items and transport providers, making use of current overcapacity. Belgian Hjalmar van Raemdonck developed an aerodynamic solution for truck trailers that reduces fuel consumption, increases  traffic safety and has a lower noise level.

"Its inspiring to see how many people across the globe are dedicating their time and expertise to find solutions for the environmental challenge we are facing today. Especially the category Energy had a lot of brilliant ideas and we've had a hard time selecting the six best ideas", says Femke Rotteveel, chairwoman of the Preliminary Jury. "However, there is one wish I have yet to see fulfilled – as many female entries in the Green Challenge as there are male entries."

The Finals
The finals take place during the multimedia event PICNIC’09 at the Westergasfabriek in Amsterdam. During the Deciding Round on 24 September 2009, the contestants will present their ideas to an international jury of acclaimed individuals with expertise in the areas of entrepreneurship, environment, politics and innovation. The winner of the Green Challenge 2009 will be announced at the Award Ceremony the following day.

The Juries
The Preliminary Jury consists of chairwoman Femke Rotteveel (Dutch Postcode Lottery), Jeffrey Prins (DOEN Foundation), Jan Paul van Soest (Sustainability Consulting), Molly Web (The Climate Group) and Joris Kruse (Media Republic). Members of the Final Jury are Liesbeth van Tongeren (Greenpeace), Niklas Zennström (entrepreneur, founder of Kazaa and Skype), Bas Verhart (Media Republic) and Jim Walker (The Climate Group).

The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge seeks to engage creative, innovative people prepared to instigate change.