FAQs - EnviroDC

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact j.lyons@ssef.org.uk or s.hession@ssef.org.uk for assistance.

Will teams be broken up when competing?

Answer

No. You will enter the Environmental Design Challenge as a team, and you will compete as a team. Companies are formed by merging three or more individual teams together. However, teams that try to retain their cohesion after being placed inside a company typically put themselves (and their colleagues) at a disadvantage. The Challenge is all about teamwork and, while a few anxieties are to be expected at the beginning, most people make fantastic new friends by the end of the weekend.

Can I request accommodation before the competition as well as help with travel expenses?

Answer

Unfortunately, the Space Science and Engineering Foundation does not have the financial means to provide complimentary transport or additional accommodation, but we will do our best to provide accommodation for those with a long distance to travel to the event. We will also be happy to help teams organise their own transport and accommodation any way we can.

Is car parking available at Imperial College London?

Answer

Yes. On event days at Imperial College, complimentary parking is available a few minutes’ walk from the main competition venue. Parking must be organised well in advance of the event. After you are accepted, please provide us with accurate vehicle registration numbers and the name of the driver as soon as possible. Over the competition weekend, please check local parking information for on road parking. There is free parking on Sunday outside the venue.

How are students and supervisors assigned hotel rooms?

Answer

Students will be expected to share with other students from the same and other schools in non-mixed accommodation (up to 4 per room). Supervising adults will be asked to share with one or two other adults of the same gender.

What can teachers and adult supervisors do during the competition?

Answer

Teachers are welcome to attend any of the briefing sessions but are discouraged from playing an active role in formulation of student designs. Feel free to advise the students when you see them going wrong and to answer any scientific questions they may have, but remember that, ultimately, their design is their design. Independence is a valuable part of the competition experience. A supervisors’ room is made available, and there will be complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day.

Why are only 50 members of the winning team invited to participate in the Youth Climate Conference?

Answer

Putting aside the cost of flying 50 individuals to Imperial College, it’s important to realise that both the UK and International competitions rely heavily on pooling together lots of small, individual teams (from a variety backgrounds) into a single company. Although only a limited number of students will actively engage in formulating solutions to climate change at the Conference, any previous EDC participants will be welcome to attend this culminating event.

Can supervising adults see the final RFP in advance?

Answer

No. The RFP is delivered by a special courier and is not available until the day of the Challenge.

If I am not within the age requirements, can I still compete?

Answer

Students aged 9 to 14 are encouraged to look at the Eco Meet. Students older than 18 years are not eligible to take part in the Environmental Design Challenge. However, if demand for a university level competition is high enough, we may consider running an additional event for older students in the future. You may also attend as a volunteer</a>.

Can supervising adults be kept informed about their students’ progress in the Challenge?

Answer

Yes. For the UK stage of the Challenge, students can add a contact email address to their team’s application form to which all essential Challenge materials will be forwarded.