The TRACE Challenge
The TRACE Challenge is an initiative led by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes delegation of the AFNOR Group and ESQESE in Lyon.
This inter-school competition highlights the creativity and commitment of students in the region to environmental issues.
Its goal is to promote the innovative and responsible ideas of future professionals who are already contributing to the preservation of our planet.
Who is this for?
All students (Bachelor's, Master's 1, Master's 2) Students from partner schools are invited to participate in this challenge. Whether working alone or in groups, submit your ideas, innovations, and projects aimed at addressing an environmental challenge.
Why participate?
Make visible
Highlighting exemplary and innovative projects
Grow
Helping students and their projects make progress in addressing environmental challenges
Share
Share best practices and expertise among students, future professionals, and companies
The environmental challenges we face
Proposed projects may address a single theme or multiple themes, as each environmental issue is intrinsically linked to the others.
Partner Schools 2026
Partner Schools 2026
Initiative supported by:
2026 Edition: Get Ready
Registration for the 2025–2026 academic year is now open. New challenges, new innovations: be agents of change. All key dates (submission deadline, judging, webinars, awards ceremony) will be announced here and on our social media channels. Stay tuned!
Selection criteria
The projects submitted by students are shortlisted by a jury composed of interdisciplinary evaluators from AFNOR, ESQESE, participating schools, and sponsoring companies. The selection criteria are transparent and aim to highlight the projects most likely to result in a tangible reduction in environmental impact.
Innovative nature
Originality of the analysis and proposed actions
Impact of the project
Demonstrated or assessed real impact of the project on environmental challenges
Feasibility
Technical, political, and financial feasibility
Sustainability
Scalability, rebound effect, positive externalities
Quality of the application
Completeness, synthesis, writing
Some examples of projects
Patron of the 2026 edition
David Brémond, Head of Marketing & Communications at Kingspan Light + Air, is the patron of the second edition of the TRACE 2026 Challenge. With 14 years of experience in the building industry, specializing in natural lighting, ventilation, and smoke control solutions, he has gradually shifted his focus toward corporate social responsibility.
Since 2018, he has been leading Kingspan Light + Air’s CSR strategy, developing concrete initiatives that position sustainability as a key driver of performance and innovation.
This commitment has been recognized with the award of the Exemplary CSR label, which was renewed in 2025. Convinced that governance plays a key role in the sustainable transition, David Brémond advocates a vision in which CSR is fully integrated into strategic decisions—not as a cost, but as an investment that creates economic, social, and environmental value.
A belief that is fully in line with the spirit of the TRACE Challenge and the projects led by the students.
Relive the 2025 edition of the Trace Challenge
The awards ceremony, held on June 30, 2025, on the UCLy campus, recognized outstanding projects led by students committed to the environmental transition.
- First prize goes to the ESDES team for its UnBuy app (consumption reduction).
- Second prize goes to an ISARA Lyon student for an eco-friendly wardrobe made from biotextiles.
- Third prize goes to two ESQESE students for a gender-neutral and inclusive children’s clothing rental service.
Congratulations to all the finalists for their creativity and environmental awareness.
Partner Schools 2025
Patron of the 2025 edition
I want to work toward improving our shared living environment. I want to do everything possible to protect the natural spaces that have survived the intensive urban development of our cities. Our challenge is also to recreate spaces for gathering, sharing, and mutual support that have been undermined by the health crisis. As vice president, I will work in particular to ensure that we reduce our waste through “Zero Waste” initiatives, by improving recycling and implementing organic waste sorting.
Isabelle PetiotVice President of the Lyon Metropolitan Area in charge of waste reduction, waste management, and public sanitation
