Student and graduate enterprise
Graduate innovation generates energy from footsteps
Company
Pavegen Systems
Loughborough University graduate Laurence Kemball-Cook has developed a pioneering flooring product that converts kinetic energy from footsteps into electricity to power street lighting, advertising, information displays and other applications that spring into life when people approach them.
Flexing just 5mm, Pavegen slabs absorb the kinetic energy produced by every footstep. The energy is either stored within the slabs or distributed to nearby street lights, displays or other electrical appliances. The energy generated from five slabs can illuminate a bus stop throughout the night. It is estimated that with heavy usage a Pavegen installation could pay for itself within two years, with each slab targeted to have a five-year lifespan. The technology is currently suitable for indoor use and is being finalised for outdoors.
Laurence's company Pavegen Systems has also just completed its first major round of investment funding. It has also won a host of awards for sustainable innovation including the Big Idea category at the 2011 Ethical Business Awards, hosted by The Observer newspaper. Pavegen slabs will be installed in the new Westfield shopping centre on the Olympic site in Stratford City, helping the development achieve strict targets for environmental sustainability. A Canterbury school has also installed the slabs in one of its busiest corridors.
Laurence developed the technology while studying Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough in 2009. The University has recognised Lawrence's achievements during his studies through the Student Business Plan competition and more recently with a Graduate Enterprise Award in 2010.