Umicore awards jury prize at the Hanau Sustainability Award 2024

On July 2, 2024, the Hanau Sustainability Award ceremony took place in the Hanau Amphitheater for the eighth consecutive year. Once again this year, Umicore, as sponsor of the jury prize, provided prize money of €6,000 to promote outstanding projects that are committed to a sustainable future in Hanau and the surrounding region.

The Sustainability Award, which has now become a tradition in Hanau, attracted numerous outstanding applications, all of which exemplify the United Nations' sustainability goals. The jury had the difficult task of selecting the winners from among these impressive projects.

As the results of the jury's votes were very close again this year, the jury decided to award four prize winners. Third place was awarded to two projects.

One of the two third places, with prize money of €1,000, went to the project “Experiencing nature at the Licht- und Luftbad” by Licht- und Luftbad Hanau e.V. 1894. This project combines nature experiences and environmental awareness with education and community, thus promoting sustainable lifestyles. Monthly bee tours, raised beds for school classes, bat nesting boxes, and insect hotels are just a few of the many initiatives that bring visitors closer to nature.

Social and ecological measures such as refill stations and a barefoot path strengthen environmental awareness and contribute to promoting health and well-being.

Second third place went to the project “SVfit for kids – Courage for a peaceful world” by Martin Rumenjak. SVfit for kids is a self-defense course for children and young people that teaches violence prevention strategies and communication techniques that contribute to a more peaceful and understanding society. This project also promotes gender equality and contributes to the development of strong and fair personalities.

Working with children and young people at schools in Hanau and the MKK, in groups and clubs as part of this project, is part of Martin Rumenjak's vision of an open-minded and supportive communicative environment. The prize money of €1,000 will help him to run another 25 courses without financial barriers for the participants.

Second place, with prize money of €1,500, went to the “Solar Camp for Future Hanau/Main-Kinzig” by Fridays for Future. At a time when the energy transition is of crucial importance, this project offers young people the opportunity to learn about skilled trades in the field of renewable energies. The solar camp teaches participants the theoretical and practical basics of installing photovoltaic systems. The course concludes with a construction site internship at regional craft businesses.

The first place prize of €2,500 went to the project “Library of Things & Energy Packages for Loan” by the Trägerverein der Bibliothek Großauheim e.V. With its library of things, the association promotes sustainable consumption and, above all, connects people in Hanau and the surrounding region. Together, this initiative helps to protect our climate, combat poverty and inequality, and support one another.

Borrowing rarely used items not only saves money and space, but also protects the environment. In addition, the energy packages—with materials such as electricity meters, programmable thermostats, and thermal imaging cameras—offer valuable tools for reducing energy consumption and using resources more consciously. This project is a prime example of sustainable consumption and production, while also supporting educational work and climate protection.

“These projects are outstanding examples of how commitment and creativity can bring about sustainable change. The winners of the 2024 Sustainability Award have shown that a sustainable future is possible through collective action and innovative ideas.”

Katharina Brodt, Director Communications Germany & Site Services.