ABU DHABI — Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya (KSV), the 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize winner in the global high school category for Asia, has partnered with 2014 SME finalist Selco India to carry out its award-winning sustainability project. The winner and finalist of the Prize were recognized during the 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize award ceremony on January 20 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). KSV, a school specializing in meeting the needs of disadvantaged children in the southern state of Karnataka, was granted $100,000 at the 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize award ceremony for its student-led project to become self-sustainable using energy efficiency, solar technology and bio-gas energy. The school has partnered with Selco India, a for-profit social enterprise that uses renewable energy for alleviating poverty, to build a solar powered ‘green amphitheater' to enhance its music and dance-focused curriculum. Selco will also install a solar powered mini-grid to power the school's classrooms and hostel facilities. In addition, KSV has commissioned Selco to undertake an energy audit prior to the solar installations, with a second energy audit planned post-installation to compare savings. Speaking about the partnership, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize, said: “This is a powerful example of the impact of the Prize and of the convening power of ADSW. The partnership between KSV and Selco is a true demonstration of how ADSW has fast become a center of gravity, bringing individuals and institutions committed to sustainability together for a greater cause. This project will transform the lives of KSV's students and the wider community by providing much-needed access to energy and water. The success of this project honors and underscores the legacy of the Prize's namesake, the UAE's founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.” “Winning the Zayed Future Energy Prize has given us the funding we so urgently need to meet KSV's energy requirements and provide our students with quality education facilities,” said Naveen Jha, president of the managing committee of KSV. “We are delighted to partner with Selco, a trusted name in solar energy solutions, to bring this venture to life. This project will instruct and inspire our students toward a more sustainable way of life — the students of today will be the inventors of new green technologies tomorrow.” Speaking about the project, Selco's founder Harish Hande said: “KSV's mission of using renewable energy to empower economically deprived students matches closely with Selco's own philosophy of driving energy access in underprivileged societies to enhance livelihoods and improve the quality of life. We are excited to join hands with KSV and the Zayed Future Energy Prize to make this project a reality.” The Zayed Future Energy Prize is a $4 million prize awarded annually to companies, schools and individuals that have made significant contributions to the future of energy and sustainability. In six years, the Prize has rewarded 30 innovators and benefitted communities across the world. Submissions for the seventh edition of the Prize are open until 14 July, 2014. — SG
