Bradford pupils showcase net zero vision in Dragon’s Den-style challenge
N-Gen supports inter-school competition to create a Net Zero Island at University of Bradford
We joined forces with local businesses, Bradford council and University of Bradford to see pupils put their creative and scientific talents to the test in a Dragon’s Den-style competition, pitching their ideas for how a fictional “Net Zero Island” could operate with no carbon emissions.
The inter-school competition, saw teams of Year 9 students (aged 13–14) develop concepts for sustainable living on an island with a population of 30,000.
Teams from Bradford Academy, Beckfoot School, Titus Salt School, Bingley Grammar School and Carlton Bolling explored how the island could generate energy for heating and cooking, power transport and manage waste and water – all without creating carbon emissions.
Students are given six weeks to develop a proposal and come up with ways to help their designated islands reach a Net Zero target.
Jane Herbert joined representatives from Northern Gas Networks, Yorkshire Water, Bechtle and Bradford Council to judge the competition. Beckfoot School was crowned the winner after impressing with a confident, well-structured presentation. Each team member took a turn to outline different aspects of island life, including ideas for incentivising sustainable behaviours and maximising the use of natural resources before facing questions from the judges.
Jane Herbert said “Taking part in the competition not only increased pupils’ understanding of how we can live more sustainably, it also helped them build organisational skills and confidence in presenting. It’s important for industry representatives to support initiatives like Net Zero Island which encourage the development of these vital skills for pupils’ future careers.”