8 bright ideas for a cleaner future

In November, OpenIDEO challenged the world to come up with new ways to achieve a renewable energy-powered future. Innovators submitted proposals of their designs and projects and got feedback from the community. The best entries were singled out for their potential effectiveness.

OpenIDEO’s Renewable Energy Challenge* — sponsored by the 11th Hour Project, which was founded by Grist board member Wendy Schmidt and also funds Grist — recently announced the top ideas from the challenge. Some are still in the planning stages, while others are further along, but all are absolutely applause-worthy. Here are the eight finalists:

1.  Avava Systems: This organization wants to turn vacant lots in San Francisco into spots for sustainable and affordable housing. They’re currently working toward a goal to deliver 10 units by Aug. 1 of this year.

2. Energy Lend: This team wants to connect NGOs, energy providers, and individuals to lenders around the world, in order to get renewable energy to more people.

3.  The Giving Tree: This idea, submitted by an MBA student at Chicago Booth, makes wind generators out of beautiful sculptures of trees. The trees would conduct enough energy for 2.4 families, 15 streetlights, and cellphone charging. One tree costs $30,000, so growing this organization will take some financial cultivation. Not as easy as planting a real tree, but hey, still pretty neat.

4. RE-volv (Solar Seed Fund): This organization uses a revolving fund to deliver solar energy to nonprofit organizations and worker-owned cooperatives. They’ve already crowdfunded three projects, and are looking to launch more.

8. 5 Houses Up, 5 Houses Down: This project brings together people who already use solar to power their homes, and trains them to advocate for renewable energy in their communities.

*Grist Founder & CEO Chip Giller is on the advisory panel for the Renewable Energy Challenge.