Meet the finalist teams of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge 2024 and vote for your favourite project
Public voting for the finalists of the SHC
For the first time in the history of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, a public vote will be held to determine the public’s favourite project. The winning project will be celebrated and honoured on the main stage at the finals during the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai from 30 September to 2 October 2024.
Meet the Teams!
After the Semi Finals, held across three continents – Europe, Asia, and America – Seven teams have made it to the finals. Interested in learning about their innovative and revolutionary concepts? Read more about their innovative ideas below.
(1) Converting food waste into renewable energy - Cornell University
With their project called PYRO, Cornell University developed an appliance that converts food waste into renewable energy for hospitality companies. The innovation is addressing two sustainability challenges of live-fire restaurants: wasting food and burning wood. With the thermal process of the appliance food waste can be burned into renewable energy such as biochar.
by Emma Doherty, Fancine Aclan, Roodabeh Elavia
Find out more about their concept here.
(2) From wastewater to high-quality tap water - Dusit Thani College
The students of the Dusit Thani college designed THARA – an innovative green wall system created to treat water and cool buildings in an eco-friendly and efficient way. Using advanced organic processes and modern engineering, THARA turns wastewater into high-quality tap water and helps reduce carbon emissions and cools buildings. The water treatment system is an innovation aiming to offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional systems.
by Supakorn Zhang, Jirada Kluaymaingarm, Natthanicha Teeraatthawet
Find out more about their concept here.
(3) HYGROW: the ceramic pot that saves water - Politecnico di Milano
The team of Politecnico di Milano developed HGROW – a system of pot, plant and interaction addressing the challenge of overusing water in the hospitality industry. Their innovation consists of a ceramic pot which absorbs water, creating a humid microclimate for the plant which ultimately saves water.
by Leonora Melli, Gaia Foschini, Laura Fajenza
Find out more about their concept here.
(4) Enhancing energy efficiency and air quality with the power of algae - University of West London
The students of the University of West London developed a living wall – ALGI – which makes use of the potential and power of algae to enhance energy efficiency and air quality resulting in more sustainability and reduced energy costs.
by Rahul Dahiya, Marco Palamara, Andrei-Mihai Iftimie
Find out more about their concept here.
(5) PZYLO, the fabric that enhances air purification and insulation - University of the West Indies Mona Campus
The concept of PZYLO is a fabric made from a blend of Zeolite cotton and Jamaican bamboo cloth which absorbs air pollutants and odours. Next to air purification the concept is made to enhance insulation and provide comfort.
by Abigale Forbes, Katrina Chin, Judane Whittaker, Dedranae Davis
Find out more about their concept here.
(6) Kinetic tiles from recycled plastic producing electricity - VinUniversity
The concept Dynapath of the team from VinUniversity is addressing the problem of plastic pollution and the need for renewable energy. Therefore, the team designed kinetic tiles made from recycled plastic which produce electricity from footsteps
by Pham Gia Khuyen, Dang Dinh Dang Khoa, Nguyen Thao Van, Tran Dinh Le Hoang
Find out more about their concept here.
(7) Ancient cooling system paired with new technology - Artesis Plantijn University of Applied Sciences Antwerp x Thomas More University of Applied Sciences x University of Leuven
The concept of the students is Ecoqanat – a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system based on the ancient Qanat cooling systems used in the Arabian Peninsula paired with new technology for a sustainable and efficient result.
by Siebe Goormans, Ries Anderson, Joachim Chamerski, Wolf Vierbergen
Find out more about their concept here.
About the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge
The Sustainable Hospitality Challenge (SHC) is a Hotelschool The Hague initiative launched in 2014. This global student competition annually brings together hospitality leaders and the next generation of hoteliers who apply innovation in addressing the industry’s evolution.
Participants from top-tier universities work towards bettering the planet and the hospitality industry by establishing innovative and sustainable solutions. The students are given the incredible opportunity to present on a global stage in front of significant industry leaders such as NEOM, The Bench, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and Mews who can turn their ideas into real projects.
Theme 2024
In the pursuit of global leadership in sustainable hospitality, the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge 2024 positions itself as a proponent for innovative solutions driving fundamental sustainable practices in the industry. Recognising the need for transformative ideas, this year's focus centres on product development, addressing the evolving landscape of hospitality.
With over 75 universities participating from around the globe and over 100 innovative concepts, the SHC offers industry leaders the chance to re-imagine the future of hospitality.
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