Canterbury student to attend Eco-Innovate 03

 

Published by the Communications and Development Department

 

14 July 2003

 

Canterbury University engineering student Matthew Bishop is one of only two New Zealanders selected to join innovative young people from around the Asia Pacific region to attend a forum called Eco-Innovate 03, at the University of New South Wales this week.

 

Matthew, 21, from Christchurch, was chosen to attend the inaugural event after winning a nationwide challenge searching for students who had demonstrated an outstanding knowledge of, and commitment to, environmental issues.

 

Matthew is studying mechanical engineering and has a particular interest in sustainable energy generation. He has been investigating ways to improve the efficiency of New Zealand’s energy use and to find sources of sustainable energy. He is also involved in a project to build a 7 kW household wind turbine capable of supplying the entire energy needs of a single household.

 

He says the most important aspect of sustainability is awareness.

 

“Realising that the refuse I put out on Tuesdays might end up back on my plate causes me to act in a more sustainable manner. In Christchurch I’m lucky to have access to several sustainable practices . . . I can separate recyclables from refuse in dedicated recycling bins, and I can use a reliable public transport system.”

 

Matthew is concerned that the majority of energy generation for human usage is unsustainable or detrimental to the environment.

 

“Electricity, the main form of energy used around the world is primarily generated by burning fossil fuels. The use of these fuels is unsustainable because they can’t be replaced, and the effects are detrimental to our environment.

 

“Some energy is necessary for basic human activities, but the availability of high energy fuels such as coal or oil has caused a situation where excessive usage occurs because of the low supply price.

 

“As shown by New Zealand’s recent power crisis, the time is near when our current supply will fail to meet demand.”

 

Eco-Innovate 03 is the first sustainability forum to teach young people how to develop their ideas and apply them on a commercial level. It is an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme, the University of New South Wales, and the international chemical company, Bayer.

The event will draw on the expertise of business, science and government leaders to inspire young people to think in a creative and entrepreneurial way when developing their ideas for a sustainable future.

 

The other New Zealander attending is Jay Piggott, from Dunedin