ECOChallenge has returned for its 8th year, bigger than ever! 42 students from 9 colleges tackled real-world sustainability challenges in an action-packed weekend of workshops, talks, and innovation.

This year’s challenge: identify a community sustainability problem and design an innovative solution. The final took place on Sunday March 2nd where teams pitched their ideas to a panel of judges for their chance to be crowned ECOChallenge 2025 champions.

This year, for the first time in ECOChallenge history, audience members at the final were invited to vote for who they wanted to win for the People’s Choice Award.

The winner of the first ever People Choice Awards...

People’s Choice Award: Cartmel / County Colleges – EcoDuck: An app innovation focused on improving sustainability engagement through points, rewards and social networking.

After the judges deliberated the winners in private, they returned to announce this year’s winners.

The winners of ECOChallenge 2025 are...

Third Place: Fylde / Grizedale Colleges – LUSU From Me to You: A digital solution focused on reducing food waste from on-campus conferences and events.

Second Place: Lonsdale / Pendle Colleges – ECOPop: A fizzy drink refill innovation focused on reducing single-use plastic bottles.

First Place: Furness College – Binnovation: A community-based project focused on improving the attractiveness, safety and knowledge of campus bin stores and recycling.

Congratulations to Furness College, our ECOChallenge 2025 champions! The team will receive a share of £100 and have the ECOChallenge trophy proudly displayed in their college for the rest of this year!

Work in Progress are proud to partner with LUSU Green for ECOChallenge again and look forward to giving the winning team guidance and support on how to take their project forward in the University.

All teams from ECOChallenge are encouraged to reach out to the Work in Progress team so we can help you make your sustainable solution into a reality.

If you want to get in contact with the WIP Team, please contact us via email workinprogress@lancaster.ac.uk or fill out our enquiry form to begin your journey.

Want to find out about all the latest events, workshops and funding competitions? Join the Work in Progress Community on LinkedIn today.