A carbon saving idea developed by three PhD students from Imperial was praised by a host of judges at the Mayor's Low Carbon Prize Awards Ceremony.

Over 100 ideas ranging from recyclable bike helmets made from wastepaper to motion sensors to help save energy in the home, were entered into this year's prize.  Alex Bak (Physics), Laurence Drummond (Physics) and Frank Murphy’s (Physics) carbon saving initiative was one of just ten ideas to be shortlisted.

Their proposal was to restrict one of London’s key roads for use only by zero-emission vehicles. Signage would indicate the zero-emission road and fines would be imposed on road users who didn’t qualify. The students suggested that if successful the pilot scheme could be extended to other areas of London, encouraging Londoners to replace their vehicles with greener alternatives, such as electric and hybrid cars and bicycles.  

Established in 2011, the Mayor’s Low Carbon Prize challenges the capital's further and higher education students to come up with innovative ideas to cut carbon emissions and boost London's green credentials. It forms part of the Mayor's commitment to achieve a 60 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2025.

A week before the awards ceremony, the finalists, including Alex, Laurence and Frank, were called on to present their ideas to a 'Dragon's Den' style judging panel which included business guru Deborah Meaden, international fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, and Zac Goldsmith MP.

Alex said: "The Mayor's Office had helped us to prepare to pitch our idea to the celebrity judges. When the time came the adrenaline was rushing through my veins, but I kept confident and channelled my energy to enthuse the judges with my idea.”

After deliberating over the carbon saving schemes, the winning idea was announced one week later by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. UCL students William Hines and Rachel Clemo took the top prize for their innovative idea which suggested that companies in the capital issue receipts electronically to customers’ smartphones as a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to paper receipts. The students will receive £20,000 and practical support from Siemens to turn their idea into a commercial reality.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Boris Johnson said: "The wonderful wealth of ideas from the many students who entered this year’s prize is a true testament to the bright minds of London’s future. I have no doubt that every student involved will go from strength to strength as they move into the world of work, via the exciting apprenticeships opportunities at Siemens, or as young entrepreneurs forging their own way from the outset, to ensure London’s economic future.”

Alex represented his team at the awards ceremony, and although their idea didn’t win, the experience was a positive one. Alex said: “I’m really glad that we entered, we got some fantastic feedback, especially from our Mayor. Being at the ceremony also gave me the chance to do some networking to see if I can get our idea developed.”

For more information on the Mayor’s Low Carbon Prize and a full list of runners up visit: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/environment/mayors-low-carbon-prize