Competition Guidelines – Green at Heart: Sustainability Infographics Challenge

Eligibility

• Open to all NTU students, regardless of discipline.
• Entries may be individual or team-based (max 3 members).
• Each entry must align with the theme of sustainable cities and reference at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Bonus recognition for multiple SDG connections.

Submission Requirements

• Infographic Themes:
  • 🌊 Sea – Coastal & Marine Sustainability in Urban Areas
  • 🌱 Land – Sustainable Agriculture & Green Urban Infrastructure
  • ☁️ Sky – Clean Air & Climate Action for Cities
• Design Focus: Infographics should effectively communicate urban sustainability solutions, using data visualization, graphics, and concise messaging.

• The design must be original and adhere to copyright regulations (no unauthorized third-party images or text).

Format & Specifications

• File Format: PDF or PNG
• Resolution: Minimum 1080x1920 px (high-quality for digital and print use)
• Size Limit: Max 10MB
• Description: Each submission must include a 100–150-word explanation of the infographic’s concept and SDG relevance.
  

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on:

• Clarity & Visual Impact – Effective communication of sustainability themes
• Creativity & Innovation – Unique and engaging design approach 
• Data Accuracy & Relevance – Correct and well-presented sustainability insights
• Call to Action – Inspires awareness or action

Prizes & Recognition

🏆 Cash prizes awarded to top 3 entries

• 🥇 1st Place: $500 + UNITAR Certificate of Achievement
• 🥈 2nd Place: $300 + UNITAR Certificate of Achievement
• 🥉 3rd Place: $200 + UNITAR Certificate of Achievement

📜 Credentials certificates for winners & notable submissions

📢 Winning entries showcased on NTU-CIFAL platforms and sustainability events

Deadline & Submission Process

📅 Submission Deadline: 1 December 2025 (All submissions should be in before 23:59)

How to Submit:

• Click on the link below or scan the QR to enter the submission portal
• https://bit.ly/GreenAtHeart-Infographic

• Select the category you would like to submit under.
• Upload the infographic
• Ensure all submission details are complete and accurate before finalizing.

Three Thematic Categories: Sea, Land, and Sky

Each infographic should focus on sustainable cities, should highlight sustainability in urban environments. Designs must demonstrate relevance to at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)—with bonus recognition for designs addressing multiple SDGs.

🌊 Sea – Coastal & Marine Sustainability in Urban Areas

Our oceans cover over 70% of the planet, yet they face threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Urban coastal communities are deeply impacted by climate change, pollution, and habitat degradation. This theme explores marine conservation within urban development and solutions for integrating sustainable water management.

Infographics under this theme could explore:

• Marine conservation strategies  – Protected coastal areas, biodiversity preservation, eco-friendly waterfront development.
• Plastic pollution & waste reduction – Circular economy approaches, sustainable materials, urban water waste management.
• Climate change impacts on oceans – Rising sea levels, acidification, coastal flooding resilience.
• Innovative ocean cleanup projects – Eco-tech solutions, sustainable fisheries, urban water filtration systems.

🔗 Relevant SDGs: SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

📌 Ideal for students passionate about marine ecology, ocean advocacy, and sustainability innovation.

🌱 Land – Sustainable Agriculture & Green Urban Infrastructure

As cities expand and populations grow, ensuring food security, responsible resource management, and biodiversity conservation is crucial to building sustainable urban environments. This theme focuses on innovative land-use strategies, integrating agriculture, green infrastructure, and circular economy principles to shape eco-friendly cities.

Infographic focus areas:

• Urban farming & sustainable food production – Vertical farming, regenerative agriculture, alternative proteins, precision agriculture.
• Green infrastructure & biodiversity – Nature-based solutions, urban reforestation, climate-resilient land planning.
• Circular economy in cities – Waste reduction, responsible consumption, sustainable food systems.
• Regenerative farming & soil health – Organic practices, carbon sequestration, sustainable land management.
• Forest conservation & biodiversity – Reforestation projects, ecological restoration, urban green spaces.
• Smart cities & sustainable land use – Eco-friendly urban planning, green building materials, carbon-neutral developments.

🔗 Relevant SDGs: SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

📌 Ideal for students interested in food systems, urban development, sustainability policy, and regenerative design.

☁️ Sky – Clean Air & Climate Action for Cities

Rapid urbanization has intensified air pollution and climate challenges, making sustainable transport and energy solutions essential for resilient cities. This theme encourages participants to explore urban climate resilience, showcasing solutions that reduce environmental impact and promote healthier, more sustainable communities.

Infographic focus areas:

• Air quality improvement strategies – Low-emission transport, urban tree planting, pollution reduction measures.
• Renewable energy in cities – Solar, wind, hydrogen technologies, energy-efficient infrastructure.
• Carbon-neutral urban planning – Smart cities, green building policies, emissions reduction initiatives.
• Climate change mitigation – Reducing carbon footprints, net-zero urban development, climate adaptation strategies.
• Policy-driven solutions for climate resilience – Government regulations, corporate sustainability commitments, urban environmental policies.

🔗 Relevant SDGs: SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy)

📌 Ideal for students interested in environmental science, climate governance, and public health.

By participating, NTU students can showcase their creativity, research skills, and problem-solving abilities, translating complex sustainability challenges into impactful visual narratives.

Infographics will help drive engagement, awareness, and action, turning data into meaningful stories that inspire change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can participate in the competition?

All NTU students, across all disciplines, are welcome to participate—whether you're studying engineering, business, humanities, or science.

2. Can I work in a team or do I have to submit individually?

You can submit as an individual or as part of a team of up to 3 members.

3. Can I submit more than one design?

Yes! Participants can submit up to two entries, provided each infographic is unique and aligns with one of the three competition themes.

4. What are the themes for this competition?

The competition focuses on three sustainability themes within the sustainable cities framework:

• 🌊 Sea – Coastal & marine sustainability in urban areas
• 🌱 Land – Sustainable agriculture & green urban infrastructure
• ☁️ Sky – Clean air & climate action for cities

Each infographic must align with one of these themes and demonstrate relevance to at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)—with bonus recognition for addressing multiple SDGs.

5. What format should my infographic be in?

Your submission must meet the following requirements:

• File Type: PDF or PNG
• Resolution: Minimum 1080x1920 px (high quality for digital & print)
• Size Limit: Max 10MB

6. Do I have to use NTU-specific data?

No, NTU-specific data is not required. You can use global, national, or NTU-relevant sustainability statistics—as long as your sources are credible and properly cited.

7. How should my infographic be structured?

Your infographic should:

• Present sustainability data clearly and visually engagingly
• Include relevant facts, statistics, and design elements
• Avoid excessive text—let visual storytelling do the work!

8. How will entries be judged?

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Clarity & Visual Impact – How well the infographic conveys its message
• Creativity & Innovation – Unique and compelling design approach
• Data Accuracy & Relevance – Well-researched sustainability insights
• Call to Action – Does the design inspire awareness or action?

9. Can I collaborate with someone from another NTU college?

Absolutely! Students from different NTU colleges are encouraged to collaborate, combining diverse expertise and perspectives to create impactful designs.

10. What prizes are available?

• 🏆 Cash prizes for top 3 entries
• 📜 Credentials certificates for winners & notable submissions
• 📢 Winning entries showcased on NTU-CIFAL platforms & sustainability events

11. What is the deadline for submissions?

All entries must be submitted by XXXX.

12. How do I submit my entry?

You can upload your infographic via the official submission portal made available at registration. 

13. Do I need prior design experience to participate?

Not at all! Whether you're a beginner or experienced, this challenge is about creativity, storytelling, and sustainability advocacy.

14. Can I use third-party images or graphics in my infographic?

All content must be original or free-to-use (Creative Commons or royalty-free sources). Avoid using copyrighted images.

15. Will my infographic be published or displayed?

Winning entries and standout designs will be showcased on NTU-CIFAL platforms, sustainability events, and other public forums to highlight innovative sustainability storytelling.