Here's the recap of ECO Challenge 2026: ECO Challenge - And the Winner is...

 

 

What is ECOChallenge?

ECOChallenge is LUSU Green’s flagship sustainability innovation challenge, delivered in partnership with the Sustainability Team, the 9 Colleges and Work in Progress. 

Join students, sustainability experts, and innovation mentors in an exciting, action-packed, 48-hour journey to tackle real world-challenges affecting campus. Learn new skills, network with professionals and build your CV.

 

What Happens at ECOChallenge?

Over the course of the weekend, you will: 

• Be assigned to a college team  
• Explore sustainability challenges facing Lancaster University  
• Develop innovative, practical solutions with expert guidance 
• Receive mentoring from sustainability experts and industry professionals  
• Pitch your idea to a panel of prestigious (but friendly!) judges from within and beyond the University 

No prior experience or knowledge is required. Whether you’re a budding innovator or just passionate about sustainability, ECOChallenge is for everyone. We will support you every step of the way .

 

What's in it for you?

• Cash Prize: Win £250 in cash for the winning team. There will be awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and People’s Choice. 
• Paid Internship Opportunity: One team will receive paid work via an internship to bring their idea to life with the Sustainability Team. 
• Join the Community: Be part of a vibrant, supportive community, and build friendships with like-minded students   
• Skill Development: Sharpen leadership, innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainability skills. Gain hands-on experience creating practical, grassroots-level solutions 
• Career Development: Gain recognition, new skills, and expand your professional network of contacts.  
• Impact and Rewards: Earn 15 Lancaster Award points and receive an official participation certificate to boost your CV with demonstrable experience in sustainability, innovation, and collaboration - enhancing your career prospects.

 

 

What did last year’s participants say about ECOChallenge 2025? 

• 95% agreed that they enjoyed taking part in ECOChallenge
• 95% agreed that they improved their teamwork and participation skills
• 92% agreed that they have developed new skills because of participating

 

Last year’s winner, Ruby Moss, said her favourite part of ECOChallenge was:  

"Meeting my team mates, being given space to be as creative as possible, and the mentor system! Especially swapping mentors for a short amount of time was amazing! I had such a wonderful time doing ECOChallenge! I really loved ECOChallenge! I've done it every year I've been at Lancaster University and it's gotten even better every year!"

 

Keep your eyes on LUSU Green's Instagram for next year's event!

 

If you have any questions about ECOChallenge, please contact Scott Baker, LUSU Green Coordinator, at lusugreen@lancaster.ac.uk.