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How do we make Utrecht Science Park more beautiful, more sustainable and greener? That was the key question in the sustainable public competition that took place from March to May 2024. Eighteen entries were received. Susanne Vermeulen is the winner with her idea for multifunctional flower hills.

Flower power, Green Sol Oasis and the Windwall: some of the creative names of the entries for the public competition. Ideas for generating energy and enhancing biodiversity in the Utrecht Science Park emerged from all corners of the university. It was a tough job for the jury to pick a winner. Margot van der Starre explained during the festive award ceremony on 19 June: "In the entries, we saw the challenge that we ourselves experience in the Utrecht Science Park: how to combine biodiversity and energy generation in one location?"

Susanne Vermeulen, management assistant at Geosciences, emerged as the winner with her idea for multifunctional flower hills. The jury selected the idea based on originality, feasibility and the extent to which the design actually generates energy and contributes to biodiversity.

Multifunctional flower hills

Susanne's idea for the multifunctional flower hill consists of two elements: a wooden ramp and a canopy. Susanne: 'The slope is made of wooden steps that are filled with flowers or edible plants. The slope ends in a canopy. There are solar panels on top of the canopy. Anything can be placed under the canopy: for example a swing or a bicycle rack. The design is multifunctional, colourful with flowers, and also a bit playful."

Chairman of the jury and professor of solar energy integration Wilfried van Sark on Susanne's idea: "The multifunctionality of Susanne's design shows that solar energy and biodiversity can go very well together, provided that you include all aspects in your design. " 

Susanne's design will be implemented in Utrecht Science Park, if feasible.

Honourable mentions

Two ideas just missed out on first place. Emma Ravenswaaij came up with the 'Green Sunflower': a rotating column with solar panels on one side and vertical gardens with insect hotels on the other three sides. The jury was impressed by the originality and creativity of this design. Remy Visscher and Lieke Verhoeven made a design for biodiverse solar panels: pillars with solar panels that move with the sun. Remy and Lieke planned to place the pillars in a wadi, making them less prone to destruction. A good idea according to the jury, but a similar project is already in progress elsewhere on campus.