Resourceful designers have one last chance to design and create a working energy efficient lamp prototype for entry into State-owned utility Eskom’s 2014 Energy Efficient Lighting Design Competition, which closes on August 15.

In an effort to entrench an energy efficient culture in South Africa and show that it was possible to develop contemporary and attractive efficient residential lighting, using discharge, fluorescent, fibre-optic and light-emitting diode technologies, Eskom invited high school learners, students, architects, interior designers, engineers, electrical contractors, consultants, lighting specialists and professional designers to submit their prototypes.

Entrants would be required to design and build the working prototype, prepare a budget, submit a sketch and photographs for each entry, as well as comply with strict safety and quality standards.

The competition, which was themed ‘Celebrate 20 years of democracy!’, would see prize money of R200 000 divided between the winners in three categories, namely full-time students, professionals and secondary school learners.

The lamps would be judged on design innovation and uniqueness; cost-effectiveness; the use of an energy-efficient light source; marketing potential; environmental impact; the extent to which the design is aesthetically pleasing; and the promotion of the concept of energy efficiency.

Winning entries would also be chosen based on the budget plan; the ease with which the design could be manufactured by local small, medium-sized and microenterprises; the extent to which its roll out would create jobs; and its compliance with the applicable South African Bureau of Standards requirements.

The independent panel of judges appointed by Eskom comprises South African Institute of Architects president Sindile Ngonyama, Visi Magazine deputy editor Annemarie Meintjes, Gauteng Department of Education deputy chief education specialist Chris Gryffenberg, LED Lighting South Africa CEO Pierre van Helden, Eurolux brand manager Andrew Wex and Beka director Enock Zikalala, as well as a previous winner in the professional category, David Krynauw.