INDEX Design Challenge : Designing Water's future

We have a long-standing tradition in research and innovation. We see these as fundamental tools in tackling some of our and societies most challenging CSR dilemmas -such as water usage. This is one of the reasons why we sponsor the INDEX design challenge: Designing Water's Future

Water is an important element in Carlsberg's production process. We use it directly in our products. Water is also an increasingly scarce resource. At Carlsberg, we are committed to find ways to reduce our water consumption – in our business operations and together with our partners.

Designing Water's Future

The 2009 INDEX: / AIGA Aspen Design Challenge: Designing Water's Future aims to generate creative and original design thinking to raise awareness of the emerging global water crises.

In August 2008, AIGA, the professional association for design, and INDEX: a global non-profit network for design, issued an ambitious call to action: calling on the next generation of creative thinkers to develop solutions to the global water crisis. The purpose was to develop a contest that not only would encourage young people think about solutions to the global water problem, but also provide them with opportunities to implement these solutions in the real world by connecting them with corporate partners and specialised organisations.

Connecting creative thinkers with businesses

In December 2008, 700 students from 28 different countries submitted their ideas and designs to encourage responsible water use, provide access to fresh water to those in need and increase awareness about the importance of water conservation. From 225 designs, seven projects were chosen as Finalists for successfully addressing the Challenge in terms of form, context, potential impact and feasibility

Read more about the seven final designs.

In August, the finalists will be invited to Copenhagen, where the winning project will receive the $10,000 INDEX: | AIGA Aspen Design Challenge Prize—to implement its solution. During the Index Award 2009 Exhibition, which is sponsored by the Carlsberg Group, the finalists will be able to present their ideas to businesses, venture capitalists and other organisations.

Selected finalists will also present their concepts at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December.

Sponsoring the INDEX design Challenge is part of The Carlsberg Group's commitment to participate in community engagement activities that reflect our three key CSR areas. Carlsberg and INDEX share a common goal: To find solutions to reduce the water scarcity and ensure an effective and careful management of water