The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge 2009 seeks to identify innovative product and service ideas for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The international competition, sponsored by the Dutch Postcode Lottery, offers a €500,000 award to the top idea and €100,000 each to two possible runners-up.

Entries should contribute to an eco-friendly lifestyle, directly reduce emissions, and score highly on convenience, quality and design.

After the contest closes on 31 July, a preliminary jury will select three to five finalists. These nominees will present their ideas publicly at PICNIC’09 in September. The winning entrant will win €500,000 to bring his or her idea to market. He or she will also be introduced to potential clients and business partners.

Last year, the jury awarded the €500,000 prize to Eben Bayer (pictured) of the US for his all-natural Styrofoam substitute Greensulate™. American Capra J’neva won a €100,000 runner-up prize for her stylish Veranda Solar panels. They were chosen from among 235 entries. In 2007, the first Green Challenge award went to the Netherlands’ Igor Kluin for his renewable-energy network plan Qurrent.

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