Environmental Challenge
The Environmental Challenge international (EC) Program is a student team competition to prepare and present an optimal solution to a complex “true-to-life” environmental problem. The problem presented will be of current value, representative of the location of the event, and require multi-disciplinary approaches for success. The Challenge seeks not only technical and scientific analyses, but solutions that are presented in conjunction with the development of appropriate regulatory approaches and resolution of political and community issues.
The Environmental Challenge would not be possible without the gracious support of our Sponsors!
The goals of the EC are to…
- Involve students in the PNWIS Annual conference;
- Provide experience in solving complex environmental situations in a fun and supportive atmosphere;
- Provide students an opportunity to display their talents; and
- Be a premier networking event for students to connect with internship and job opportunities.
Each year the PNWIS EC gives away over $4,000 is cash prizes as well as a trip to compete in the A&WMA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE) Environmental Challenge International (ECi).
The ECi is designed to promote formation of student teams with the broadest feasible range of environmental disciplines including engineering, planning, policy, economics, and various other sciences. The problem will be relevant to the conference location and current events. Teams must research the problem background, as well as the technical, social, economic, and political aspects of the situation. Teams must stay apprised of ongoing events related to the problem adjusting their solutions appropriately leading up to and during the conference.
PNWIS Environmental Challenge History
How does the Environmental Challenge work? How can I prepare?
*Updated Environmental Challenge Protocol Guide — Coming Soon (by May 2023)*
2023
Download 2023 EC Guide and Problem – just released! Proposals due by October 20th.
The EC 2023 Tweak will be released on October 20th, 2023!
2022
Download 2022 EC Guide and Problem
2021
PNWIS Virtual EC 2021
Download 2021 EC Guide and Problem
2020
PNWIS Virtual EC 2020
Download 2020 EC Guide and Problem
2019
Butte, Montana
2018
Nanaimo, BC
Download 2018 EC problem
2017
Boise, ID
Download 2017 EC problem
2016
Juneau, AK
Download 2016 EC problem
2015
Skamania Lodge, WA
2014
Spokane, WA
2013
Victoria, BC
Download 2013 EC problem
2012
Portland, OR
2011
Harrison Hot Spring, B.C.
Dowload problem document
Download tweak document
2010
Missoula, MT
2009
Cle Elum, WA
2008
Anchorage, AK
Download problem document
Download tweak document
2007
Boise, ID
Download problem document
2006
Victoria, BC
Download problem document
Download tweak document
2005
Bellingham, WA
Download problem document
2004
Portland, OR
2003
Anchorage, AK
2002
Tacoma, WA
For more information, contact PNWIS Students Coordinator Melody Kieneker at mkieneker [at] farallonconsulting.com
