Lars de Keijser (26), The Netherlands
Background: Just Finished his Masters Degree in Business Administration at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam.
Project:
CoolSchools. A three-stage campaign plan focussing on educating primary school children (10-12 years of age) on the issue of Climate Change and Energy Saving. After the education round, which was done by Lars himself, the children took part in a door-to-door campaign, selling Energy Efficient Light Bulbs as well as Water Saving Shower Heads. The profit margins of the products sold was re-invested directly into the individual schools so that they themselves could engage in saving energy in the school surroundings and/or purchase teaching kits related to the issues of Climate Change and/or Energy. CoolSchools coupled education with actual agency, hereby creating true awareness on the issue of Climate Change amongst some of society’s youngest participants.
Target:
300 students in Alkmaar
500 households
500 products sold
Campaign Results:
In the end, the CoolSchools pilot campaign succeeded in getting six schools in Alkmaar (230 children) to participate. In total, they sold over 1300 energy efficient light bulbs and nearly 80 water saving showerheads. A total of 579 households purchased items as a result of the kids’ (and Lars’) efforts. This has led to a gross Co2 reduction of 42.000 kilograms in the first year (and these items last for approx. 7-8 years so do the math!).
As far as media-coverage was concerned, Coolschools was also quite successful. A summary:
- Appearance of throughout the day on MTV/TMF during live-earth.
- Appearance of approx. 10 min in the show FlexTV. A TV program airing in the greater Rotterdam Region.
- Radio interviews with Radio FunX and Radio 3 (Both National stations)
- Various Newspaper items (approx. 6) varying from a small article to half a page.
Because of the tremendous success Lars is planning on expanding Coolschools next year. Probably starting in the Greater Rotterdam area next year working with governmental subsidies.
Proudest Moment:
Actually getting the job done! It’s one thing to plan and talk about it. But doing it proved to be an entirely different ball game. Next to this I feel proud of the fact there is so much (professional) interest in the CoolSchools’ concept. Also…it will be nice to see some of the kids, who have contributed to CoolSchools, enjoying a concert of a famous Dutch Rapper as a reward for their efforts!
Click here to visit Lars Blog
