‘Although we drew up slightly stricter rules this year and specified the topic of the sharing economy, we received a similar number of applications as in the past two years,’ says Christina Martens from our team. She is jointly responsible for organising the Klever Birne on behalf of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW). ‘The range of ideas submitted was enormous,’ adds Pascale van Koeverden from the city of Kleve.
‘The majority of the proposals actually deal with sustainable consumption and production, but always in combination with other aspects, such as climate protection measures, reducing inequalities or high-quality education.’
In addition to students from the HSRW, individual citizens, companies and associations also submitted proposals. The top 10 ideas include a city-wide reusable coffee cup system, swap cabinets for everyday items to complement existing or planned libraries of things, and a second-hand market in the town hall. A group of committed citizens wants to do voluntary community work and create good neighbourhoods. A team of colleagues is planning to set up a local environmental data network that is accessible to everyone. Gardens are being searched for to plant communal miniature forests and support is being sought for community-supported agriculture, in which a farmer joins forces with a group of private households to produce sustainable fruit and vegetables.
The ten teams, including five project groups made up of students and former students of the HSRW, are currently gearing up for the award ceremony on 11 September 2025. Their task will be to convince the jury and the audience of their ideas in a three-minute pitch. There are three prizes to be won, consisting of cash sums ranging from €1,000 to €2,000, coaching and a certificate, as well as the audience award. In preparation for their pitch, they are receiving support from the city of Kleve and our project: Together, we are organising the Klever Birne for the third time in a row this year.
Curious? View individual introductions to this year’s finalists here on our website or on our social media channels in the coming weeks leading up to the Klever Birne award ceremony on 11 September 2025 and find out more. Admission to the award ceremony is free of charge, but registration is requested.
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