Studenten der University of Canberra gewinnen Microsoft Imagine Cup

UC students 'best in the nation'

A software program that tracks the impact of everyday items on the environment has led to three University of Canberra, Information Sciences and Engineering students winning the 2009 Microsoft Imagine Cup.

Xharmagne Carandang, James Thompson and Donovan Ryan designed a program that tracks a product from start to finish showing consumers the full environmental impact of their purchases. The system uses an 'eGreen' rating based on energy, chemicals and emissions with the information intended to change consumer behaviour, resulting in market forces making it economically essential for those in production and supply of goods to minimise the effects on the environment.

Current solutions to the pollution problem from these activities include the use of energy and water ratings, and monitoring emissions by factories and suppliers. "These ratings do not consider the passive consumption of the item, for example, how much chemical and pollution was used to produce the item and transport it to the retail outlet where the item was purchased," said James Thompson.

"What started off as a really simple idea has expanded. Most of the existing rating systems target consumption, ignoring the rest of the supply chain, I really believe this is now something that could take-off and be rolled out globally," he said.

University of Canberra Dean of Information, Sciences and Engineering, Professor Dharmendra Sharma said he was very proud of all of the students involved in the competition, "The University has won the Imagine Cup three out of the past four years. This is an amazing record and goes a long way to show the quality of our courses and student experience. Microsoft's Imagine Cup gives universities an opportunity to show case their talent in developing ICT solutions to hard, real world problems. And we have excelled in the challenge.

"Our other teams finished third and fourth, so we really dominated the competition. All our staff members have contributed to the successes and are proud of the achievements. A special kudos to Dr Dat Tran for convening Imagine Cup and all the work he has done with the students."

The three University of Canberra teams in the finals of this year's competition were; 'deCarbonate' highlighting the size of our carbon footprint, 'IWork' helping those who find it difficult to find jobs and 'eGreen' named as the Australian champions.

Held annually, the Microsoft Imagine Cup is open to all students and aims to encourage young people to use technology to create an idea that can 'make a difference' in the world today.

The 'eGreen' team will now represent Australia at the international finals to be held later this year in Egypt.

Quelle: Graham Robinson, University of Canberra, CRICOS Provider Code 00212K