The CHALLENGE

1. ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS AUSTRALIA The CHALLENGE

2. THE EWB CHALLENGE • It provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real and inspiring sustainable development projects • In 2011 EWB and Pitchandikulam Forest have worked together to identify a range of relevant student projects. Students are invited to develop innovative and appropriate project solutions that can make a real contribution towards the sustainable development of Devikulam.

3. What is sustainability? • “An attempt to provide the best outcomes for human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future” • “Living and working in ways that do not jeopardise our current and future social, environmental and economic resources” • “social and environmental practices that protect and enhance the human and natural resources needed by future generations to enjoy a quality of life equal to or greater than our own”

4. Sustainability model

5. PROJECT STATEMENT • Pitchandikulam Forest is looking to find a clean, renewable and reliable back - up power source that could be used during black - outs in Devikulam. In addition to this Pitchandikulam Forest is also looking at design proposals for reliable and safe cooking technologies. The design proposal would need to move away from the bio-mass fuel supply that is currently being utilised as it has led to many serious health problems.

6. CONSIDERATIONS When designing a solution, the following issues have been identified and should be considered a priority. The proposal should consider the following: • Frequent power outages mean the community requires a back-up or alternative power supply. • Maintenance of any systems and processes. • Implementation costs which may be a barrier to the design. • 70% of India’s population cook on bio-mass stoves that are inefficient and impact health. • Improvements to health and environment through reduced deforestation.

7. SUGGESTED PROJECTS EWB and Pitchandikulam Forest invite you to consider one or more of the following design projects: • Solar energy • Wind energy • Development of smokeless stove technology • Alterative cooking systems

8. KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS According to EWB and Pitchandikulam, all student proposals must meet the following criteria: • Alignment with the cultural responsibilities of the Devikulam community, such as protecting cultural sites. • Setting an example of sustainable land management. • Creation of opportunities for Devikulam people so they can improve their livelihood in the region. • To create centres of environmental education and training in rural and coastal contexts. • Proposed solutions must consider the capacity of the community to maintain the equipment and build on their existing • community strengths. • To take the necessary steps to protect, preserve the existing natural environment, and encourage traditional practices.

9. ENERGY PROJECTS - Context All but two households in Devikulam are connected to the grid for electricity. Electricity is provided free to some households in Dalit caste under a ‘one light free’ service scheme. Most other households pay electricity bills generally ranging from Rs 20-50 per month. Electricity is mostly used for lighting, fans and TVs. In the village, electricity is also used for grinders used for grinding rice flour. Three houses in the village also power fridges. • All households in Devikulam use firewood and kerosene for cooking; approximately 3L of kerosene is required each month for cooking purposes. Although LPG is preferred for its faster cooking rate, there are only 7 houses that have LPG as an option.

10. ENERGY PROJECTS - Context • Due to frequent power outage it would greatly benefit the community to have a back up power supply. There is an opportunity for renewable technologies to further replace mains power from the grid and diesel and petrol used for vehicles. Due to its geographical location, Devikulam would greatly benefit from solar power which offers a limitless supply of clean, safe, renewable energy for heat and power and it’s more affordable, more efficient, and more reliable than ever. Solar products generally require low levels of maintenance however; a few systems require periodic inspections and routine checks to keep them operating efficiently. Also, from time to time, components may need to be repaired or replaced. Some inspections and maintenance tasks can be managed by the user but others may require a trained technician. The development of solar powered technology in the region would have a profound impact on the cost spent on electricity, and would help to reduce the negative impacts made on the environment. • Improved cooking technology would also be beneficial for the community. Around 70% of India’s population currently cook on bio-mass fuelled stoves that are inefficient and very dangerous for health. Worldwide, 1.6 million people die every year because of respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation. The development of a smokeless stove would have many benefits as it would reduced indoor air pollution and related health issues. There would also be additional environmental benefits in terms of conserving biomass and slowing down deforestation

11. ENERGY PROJECTS • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JsHF8XTyF4&feature=player_embedded

12. RULES + REQUIREMENTS • Groups of 4-6 students • At least 1 Science ‘expert’ in each group • Each individual will be required to work on and submit a written portfolio.