Cologne Chamber of Commerce and Industry Energy Scouts Competition: Quarzwerke trainees take third place with clever project
In times of rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, innovative solutions for saving energy in companies are more in demand than ever. The Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) has recognized this need and has been organizing a competition for several years in which trainees develop energy-saving projects in their companies.
The young talents demonstrate not only creativity, but also a high degree of environmental responsibility.
For the first time, trainees from Quarzwerke also took part: Saskia Frohn, Yannick Zech (who unfortunately couldn’t be there for the presentation), and Giuseppe Platania took third place. Their project questioned the traditional use of landline phones in the company. After some serious analysis and research, the three of them found a software solution that would make landline phones unnecessary. This change would not only modernize everyday work, but would also result in remarkable savings: Quarzwerke could save €12,000, 40,400 kWh, and 14 tons of CO2 annually at its Frechen site. The changeover is a prime example of how digitalization and sustainability can go hand in hand.
The trainees’ efforts were duly rewarded. In addition to applause from those present, the winning teams received prize money donated by Sparkasse KölnBonn and Kreissparkasse Köln. The expert jury, consisting of Dr. Claudia Eßer-Scherbeck (Chair of the IHK Committee on Environment and Energy), Nicole Freiberger (Efficiency Agency NRW), and Horst Behr (VDI), was enthusiastic about the innovative approaches of the young talents. “You didn’t make it easy for any of us; you are great energy scouts!” said Dr. Eßer-Scherbeck, praising the participants.
The competition organized by the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce has once again demonstrated that trainees can also make a valuable contribution to sustainability. The Energy Scouts’ projects are not only ecologically sound, but also contribute to the economic efficiency of the companies. Quarzwerke and its successful trainees Saskia Frohn, Yannick Zech, and Giuseppe Platania are a shining example of this.
