Innovation: PASIMANO — A Solar-Thermal Window

UP Visayas students named Philippine champions of the 2021 Go Green student competition

BS Biology students from the University of the Philippines–Visayas were crowned as the champions of the 2021 Go Green Country Finals. Running on its 11th year, Go Green is a global student competition searching for innovators and game-changers who dare to disrupt, put their skills to the test, and push the boundaries of sustainable and digital transformation in energy management.

Team Pasimano, composed of Jade Karrie Palma and Pauline Anna Lamela, emerged victorious among the Top 3 finalists from over 100 entries nationwide. Their winning project, Pasimano, is a solar-thermal window that collects and converts light and heat energy into power and electricity. It allows consumers to use natural sources of energy while using products derived from materials often neglected in the environment: agricultural waste. The window, made from nano-silica and lignocellulose extracted from rice husk and biomass, is able to provide energy that is efficient and long-lasting.

“Agriculture is perhaps one of mankind’s most pivotal pursuits, but just as it secures the economy and ensures food security, it also takes its toll on the environment. Electricity accounts for 30% of the global carbon dioxide emissions and agriculture is responsible for 24% of greenhouse gas emissions,” Lamela shared at the beginning of their pitch to the panel. “The inefficiency and unsustainability of sources of energy, as well as the improper handling of agricultural waste is a pertinent problem that we aim to provide a solution for.”

Pauline Lamela

In addition to their promise of creating sustainable energy, utilizing green technology, offering a more affordable option to commercial windows and commercial solar panels, and promoting agricultural waste management, Pasimano pledges to provide clean and sustainable energy to underprivileged communities.

“We are committed to reaching our goal of providing a more efficient and sustainable source of energy. We aim to launch Project Bintana Para sa Tanan or Windows for All, wherein for every 10 Pasimano window panels purchased, one window panel will be donated to a chosen household from an underprivileged community,” said Palma. Through this cause, clients will be able to contribute to environmental change, as well as help those in need. With Pasimano, nobody will be left in the dark.

Jade Palma

“We strongly believe in the prudence and creativity of the Filipino youth, as well as their potential to rise as global leaders in innovation and sustainability,” said Homer Ilagan, director for power products, home and distribution, and digital energy of Schneider Electric Philippines, and one of the panelists for the event.

“Schneider Electric Philippines always believed that the Filipino youth are more than capable of coming up with the next big innovation for our future,” he added

Lamela and Palma will be representing the Philippines in the 2021 Regional Finals to be held on June 15-17, 2021. They will be competing against delegates across Asia-Pacific.