About the Challenge

Themes

The PJMT National Green Earth Challenge this year will focus on two distinct themes:

The Arch-Eng Challenge

The Arch-Eng theme encourages Architecture and Engineering students to create sustainable design solutions that are rooted in evidence and address issues related to the environment & people. The challenge emphasizes a transdisciplinary approach, integrating the environmental, social, and technological aspects while designing the solution. Participants should bring their innovative ideas and subject matter expertise to reinvent conventional practices or provide an alternate solution to enhance efficiency.

The principles of this challenge are the 5Rs—Repurpose, Recycle, Refuse, Reuse, and Reduce. While this category is primarily for engineering and architecture students, we encourage them to think beyond their primary discipline and incorporate methodologies from other fields to enrich their submissions. Participants are encouraged to creatively repurpose available resources by utilizing strategies such as advanced product design, spatial reconfiguration, material innovation, and energy-efficient systems. Submissions should not only challenge conventional thinking but also embrace out-of-the-box creativity.

To learn more about what each theme entails, the evaluation criteria, and guidelines for submissions, please click on the links below:

Arch-Eng Challenge

The Design Challenge

The Design category of the PJMT National Green Earth Challenge aims to promote sustainability by transforming available materials into innovative products that benefit humanity, communities, society, and the environment as a whole. Our planet faces escalating environmental challenges, from resource scarcity to mounting waste and pollution. Designers have a unique ability to shape how products are created, used, and discarded. In this challenge, we ask you to reimagine design processes through the lens of circularity—creating innovative solutions that keep materials in use for as long as possible, minimize waste, and regenerate natural systems.

Your submission can take the form of a product, textile, or any creative solution that addresses an environmental issue by incorporating circular design strategies. Designs should follow the core principles of the ‘Panchabhutas’ and align with the 5Rs: Repurpose, Recycle, Refuse, Reuse, and Reduce while planning the solution.

To learn more about what each theme entails, the evaluation criteria, and guidelines for submissions, please click on the links below:

Design Challenge
Both challenges are rooted in the ancient Indian concept of the Panchabhutas — Bhoomi (Earth), Gagan (Space/Sky), Vaayu (Wind), Agni (Fire/Energy), and Neer (Water). Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from the Panchabhutas and incorporate the 5Rs (Repurpose, Recycle, Refuse, Reuse, and Reduce), along with the principle of Reinvent. The PJMT NGEC invites students to showcase collaborations across disciplines and harmonize modern innovations with sustainable practices, creating future-ready, sustainable designs, products, spaces, materials, and technologies.
To ensure a fair evaluation process, entries will be judged anonymously based on a comprehensive set of criteria that reflect the following core values:
  • Transdisciplinary   – Integrates ideas, methods, and approaches from multiple disciplines to create innovative and holistic solutions.
  • Relevance   – Adheres to the principles of the Panchabhutas and the 5Rs (Repurpose, Recycle, Refuse, Reuse, and Reduce).
  • Innovation   – The idea is original, fresh, and not plagiarized.
  • Circularity   – The concept prioritizes the reuse of materials and minimizes waste.
  • Function   – Grounded in the practical use that the design or product is expected to serve.
  • Aesthetic   – Visually appealing and inviting, enhancing the overall experience.
  • Reliability   – Designed to withstand the test of time and endure real-world challenges.
  • Economy   – Practical and affordable, ensuring feasibility.
  • Efficiency   – Optimizes resource use, minimizes waste, and enhances overall performance.
  • Scalability   – Capable of being scaled up and easily replicated.
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