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New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024

Reconnecting with nature

#EnergyWings
DTEK Grids #EnergyWings — "The Winged Energy for Good"
#EnergyWings is an environmental and educational project of DTEK Grids, with objective of about systemic changes in the society for green recovery of Ukraine.
The 292 nests of white storks that were twisted on power lines have been relocated to platforms with children and influencers. Thematic art installations have been opened.
In 2022, the return of storks has provided with hope for peace in Ukraine, inspiring to persevere with project despite ongoing war and our emphasis on restoration.
EU Member State, Western Balkans or Ukraine
Ukraine
National
Yes
Poland- Małopolskie, Poland- Świętokrzyskie, Poland- Podkarpackie
Yes
Poland- Silesia
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2023-10-25
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
As a representative of an organisation
Yes

#EnergyWings (#Лелеченьки in Ukrainian) is an environmental and educational project initiated by DTEK Grids, with the aim of bring about systemic changes in Ukrainian society for the purpose of green recovery.
DTEK Grids is a utility business, that unites seven distribution system operators.
White storks have been cherished birds in Ukrainians for centuries. The nests are about 500 kg on the power line supports, posing a threat to both to birds themselves and power supply infrastructure.
In 2021, the technical initiatives were launched in five regions of Ukraine - Kyiv, Kyiv, Dnipro, Donetsk, and Odesa regions. The media campaign was implemented across Ukraine.
Target groups of the project:
- Residents in the regions of DTEK Grids operation as well as all of Ukraine
- DTEK Grids employees
- Opinion leaders, media
- Children
- Local government
At the onset of 2022, the war compelled us to temporarily halt the project.
Throughout 2022-2023, our efforts remain focused on restoring the damaged power infrastructure. Nevertheless, we continued the project.
Project objectives and outcomes:
1) Created the largest bird protection campaign in Ukraine. Generated more than 35 million engagements and surpassing our target of 12 million.
2) Involved 40 children environmental activists, and 40 opinion leaders.
3) Relocated 292 white stork’s nests to platforms, surpassing our goal of 250. Integrated sustainable approach to renovation and restoration of power lines, thereby enhancing reliability of electricity supply to Ukrainians.
5) Created #EnergyWings art installations in three Ukrainian cities merging technical aspects with protection of natural ecosystems and promotion arts and culture.
6) Implemented innovated digital tools, included addicted pilot module #EnergyWings on the websites of four electricity distribution system operators.
7) Supported European scientific research on the state of white stork’s population. Organized the ringing of 42 chicks.
#EnergyWings
White storks
Public
Involvement
Synergy
The #EnergyWings project embodies the principles of the New European Bauhaus, reflecting its values and ideals.
The project seamlessly blends the technical aspects of eco-design for power line supports, protection of natural ecosystems, as well as the promotion the art and culture.
1. The implementation of the #EnergyWings modules and participation of children and opinion leaders at transferrin relocating white stork’s nests to platforms have created an inclusive and accessible environment for people of different ages, education, and abilities.
Anyone can contribute to the noble cause of protecting white storks by using special function on websites of distribution system operators.
This initiative encourages people to observe these iconic birds of Ukraine, find inspiration and see the real outputs of the common efforts.
Accurate data on the population of white storks hold significant importance in the realm of climate change research in Ukraine.
2. Sustainable solutions play a pivotal role in the renovation and rehabilitation of structures. The installation of platforms for white stork’s nests fosters a positive dialogue and synergy between our man-made environment and nature ecosystems.
By relocating and reinforcing 292 white stork’s nests that were previously constructed on power lines, we not only protect the storks from harm but also enhance the energy efficiency of electricity transmission, mitigating the risks of emergencies, outages and fires.
The metal platforms have been handcrafted by our electricians, utilizing recycled materials, thereby exemplifying the principle of circular economy.
3. Fundamental shift in our approach to the renovation, construction and restoration of structures including power lines, art installations, is at the forefront.
The #EnergyWings sculptures in Kyiv and Odesa, exhibition at the Time Machines Museum in Dnipro promote the ideas of harmonious coexistence between the urban environment and bird’s life.
The #EnergyWings project aims to create a fresh aesthetic for power line poles, incorporating technical solutions for both birds and humans.
The nests situated on the platforms attached to power line pole becomes a focal point, capturing the attention and evoking inspiration and positive emotions between observers.
The project has two main objectives in this regard:
1) To draw public attention to the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity through cultural excellence and art.
The #EnergyWings sculptures in Kyiv and Odesa promote the concept of harmonious coexistence between the urban landscape and bird’s life. These sculptures not only represent the company’s efforts in bird protection but also pay homage to storks, an important symbol of peace for Ukrainians.
The sculptures were created a young and talented Ukrainian artist Les Panchyshyn, who employed a contemporary art style. Each sculptures featured a QR code, that visitors can scan to learn more about DTEK Grid’s ornithological safety program.
The design of the #EnergyWings exhibition at the Time Machines Museum was developed to popularize the environmental protection and engage Ukrainians in a meaningful cause. The museum showcases examples of innovative environmental inventions, such as the first eco-cars that appeared in Ukraine etc. #EnergyWings was complemented by exhibits symbolizing how people can adapt progress to meet the environmental needs.
2) The project also aims to foster connections and share positive news, that unites society, contributing to the mental health of Ukrainians and fostering hope for a brighter future.
The project involves active participation from 40 young environmental activists and 40 opinion leaders. Communications outcomes have been impressive with 35 million contacts.
We have received overwhelming support from the local communities with residents expressing attitudes for our efforts in protecting stocks and sharing new sightings of these magnificent birds.
The main goal of the #EnergyWings project is to popularize the protection of biodiversity, the renovation of power lines according to the best practices of the European Union and ESG principles, as well as the values and responsibility of business in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Global Compact No. 15 - "Conservation of Earth's ecosystems".
The project aims to provide free access to biodiversity protection and involve people in the decision-making of technical solutions by distribution system operators. It also promotes the smooth operation of power grids and sustainable electricity supply.
Participation in the #EnergyWings is open to anyone, regardless of age, social status, occupation or geographic location.
The art installations of #EnergyWings are installed in freely accessible parks - at VDNH in Kyiv and at Victory Park in Odesa.
Anyone can contribute to the protection of storks by visiting the sculptures and scanning the QR code to learn about the project.
Pilot #EnergyWings modules were implemented for the first time in Ukraine on the websites of the energy companies including DTEK Kyiv Grids, DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids, DTEK Dnipro Grids and DTEK Odesa Grids. The public joined with 288 requests received during the three months of the module’s operation. These requests pertained to the relocation of nests from power lines to platforms and reported the success of nesting storks in artificial nests already installed. Through public engagement 165 additional stork’s nests were identified, requiring assistance.
The modules will continue to operate for six months until January 01, 2024.
Public feedback helped in developing a strategy for transferring white stork’s nests to platforms.
This digital approach is an example of using modern tools to engage the public in maintaining the sustainable balance between the artificial environment and ecosystems.
The project can be replicated throughout Ukraine and in other countries.
The #EnergyWings project embodies the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus. The project combines the technical aspects of eco-design for the renovation of power lines, protection of natural ecosystems, scientific research, as well as artistic and cultural component.
Our clients and public received have benefited from the following:
1) Reliable energy supply without interruptions caused by stork nesting on power lines.
2) Aesthetic modern art installations in Ukrainian’s three major cities.
3) The opportunity to contribute to protection of storks, one of Ukraine's beloved bird species.
4) Positive emotions and good news about the project, promoting psychological well-being.
Through implementation of the #EnergyWings modules and involvement of children and opinion leaders, we have created an inclusive space for people of all ages, educational backgrounds and abilities.
The public and NGO have actively engaged with the project through the following means:
1) Participation in monitoring and enhancing the lives of white storks with the ability to influence the situation through a digital tool of the #EnergyWings pilot modules.
2) Involvement of children in the relocation of white stork’s nests with their training in creating video content.
3) The choice of locations the installation of #EnergyWings sculptures in Kyiv and Odesa was made considering the recommendations of local authorities.
4) The concept and creation of the #EnergyWings exhibition were discussed at the IX All-Ukrainian Forum for Interaction and Development platform, organized by the NGO Let's do it Ukraine.
5) The NGO Western Ukrainian Ornithological Society played a crucial role in replicating the best practices from the European Union, in particular Poland. This includes initiative in the Silesia, Lower Silesian, Małopolskie, Świętokrzyskie and Podkarpackie Voivodeships, specifically related to transferring stork’s nests to platforms and scientific research on stork’s ringing.
Various stakeholders were involved in the design and implementation of the project.
1) A request was made for a modern tool to monitor the emergence of new stork’s nests on power lines. Ornithologists also emphasized the importance of tracking the success of established nests for white storks.
In response, a modern and user-friendly digital tool the #EnergyWings modules was developed to encourage public participation in the noble cause of protecting white storks.
At the local and regional level, the public actively monitored the stork’s life on power lines.
The project’s value is the synergistic effect of interaction between both the public and distribution system operators. It protects birds from electric shocks and increases the reliability of electricity supply.
2) Employees of distribution system operators at the local and regional level rely on the public's assistance in monitoring the appearance of new stork’s nests on power lines.
Therefore, the request for collaboration with the public led to the implementation of pilot #EnergyWings modules on the websites of energy companies.
3) Prominent figures and opinion leaders at the national level actively participated in the project by assisting in the transfer of white stork’s nests entangled on power lines to dedicated platforms.
Their involvement not only contributed to the promotion of sustainable development ideas but also emphasized the harmonious coexistence of power grids and white storks.
4) Over 3 years of implementation period, the project generated over 35 million connections at both national and international levels, fostering widespread awareness and engagement.
5) The Western Ukrainian Ornithological Society played a pivotal role in influencing the replication the best practices from the European Union, particularly Poland. Through their collaboration with DTEK Grids in the transfer of stork’s nests to platforms, and participation in the scientific research (stork’s chicks ringing).
The #EnergyWings project is an interdisciplinary and cross-functional. It represents the synergy of expertise and direct involvement from professionals in various fields of knowledge:
Each made a unique contribution to the project's outcomes.
1) Scientific ornithologists replicated the best practices of the European Union, conducted scientific research on the state of white stork’s population.
Dr. Sci. Biol., Senior scientific specialist, Head of the Western Ukrainian Ornithological Society Andrii Bokotey.
PhD Natalia Dziubenko.
PhD Oleksandr Ponomarenko.
Ornithologist Oleksandr Gaidash.
2) Environmentalists including PhD Olena Potapenko implemented modern European best practices.
3) Power engineers from distribution system operators manufactured platforms for white storks and #EnergyWings exhibition based on the principle of the circular economy, using recycled materials. They installed the platforms, including during the power grids restoration projects.
4) PR specialists organized the communication campaign, prepared press releases and video content.
5) Les Panchyshyn, a young Ukrainian artist, created and brought to life the #EnergyWings art installations.
6) Local authorities in Kyiv and Odesa identified locations for them.
7) Museum experts from the Time Machines Museum developed the concept of the #EnergyWings exhibition, provided museum space.
8) CEOs of distribution system operators took part in the opening of the #EnergyWings art installations and the communication campaign.
9) IT specialists implemented #EnergyWings modules on the websites of distribution system operators.
10) Children and opinion leaders participated in the project including in promotion the ideas of sustainable development and environmental protection.
11) The public participated in monitoring the condition of stork’s nests and the success of the settlement.
In total, more than 1500 participants involved in the design and implementation of the project.
The #EnergyWings project aims to introduce innovations such as digital tools, collaboration with contemporary art and museums, and the involvement of children and opinion leaders in the transfer of white stork’s nests to platforms.
In Ukraine, pilot #EnergyWings modules were implemented on the websites of four electricity distribution system operators for the first time. This allows residents to join in the important cause of protecting white storks.
This effort, alongside the restoration of networks affected by the war, contributes to the green recovery of Ukraine.
The Time Machines Museum in Dnipro has also opened the #EnergyWings exhibition for the first time in Ukraine. This exhibition complemented #EnergyWings by showcasing exhibits that symbolize how people can adapt progress to prioritize the needs of the environment.
In addition, there are several non-standard activities included in the project:
For the first time in Ukraine, children and celebrities have been involved in transferring nests made on power lines to artificial platforms in four regions of the country. This aims to promote the ideas of synergistic coexistence between the artificial environment and the ecosystem.
Personalized platforms and "patronage" of the stork’s families are being provided to opinion leaders, employees and customers.
There is also an educational project for children, where young naturalists have spent the entire summer observing the life of storks in the wild and creating videos highlighting the importance of environmental protection.
Furthermore, working with Ukrainian artist Les Panchyshyn, two sculptures have been created that embody the main idea of the project and brand identity. The sculptures are installed in 2 most popular parks in Ukraine. They not only represent the company's bird protection project, but also symbolize the stork, an important symbol of family and well-being for Ukrainians.
The interdisciplinarity and cross-functionality of the #EnergyWings project necessitated the use of various methods and approaches to achieve its goals.
The following methods and approaches were employed in developing the project’s concept and activities.
1) Analyzing of global environmental challenges and the current issues pertaining to Ukraine's recovery to determine how the project can contribute towards addressing them.
2) Conducting interviews with energy professionals and other project participants to gain insights and consider their inputs.
3) Analyzing public demand through customer feedback to communication strategy.
4) Utilizing the synergy method in project planning; this involves the interaction of different activities to generate a cumulative effect that exceeds their individual results.
5) Collaborating with scientists to plan the ringing of storks which entails identifying locations, ringing procedure, etc.
Ringing is an effective method of studying wild birds as it allows researchers to track their migration routes, assess the impact of external factors on the population across different countries, and monitor the number of birds returning to their home country. Later, this data will help scientists gather up-to-date data on the population and implement effective conservation measures.
6) Monitoring media-coverage, analyzing visits to the project's landing page and collecting visitors’ data from the parks where the sculptures were installed to assess the level of engagement and public interests.
The #EnergyWings project has a high potential for its replication in Ukraine and beyond, encompassing various measures and approaches.
1) Promoting environmental protection values through modern art and museum exhibitions.
2) Replicating digital tools for public participation in environmental protection, which will aid in addressing local and global environmental challenges.
3) Engaging famous personalities not only in the protection of the white storks but also in addressing other global environmental issues, such as waste sorting and recycling.
4) Educating and involving children in tackling environmental problems has garnered significant public response and inspired support for positive initiatives.
5) Implementing technical solutions to transfer white stork’s nests onto platforms, including during the restoration of electrical networks. This creates a safe space for both birds and people. These solutions show promise for replication across the territory of Ukraine.
6) Ringing storks in various countries and regions will make a valuable contribution to climate change research.
The #EnergyWings project has made a significant contribution addressing both global challenges and regional issues: The project’s impacts can be observed in the following aspects:
1) Construction the artificial platforms for white stork’s nests using recycled materials align with the principles of circular economy.
2) Advocacy for biodiversity conservation, promotion of ESG principles, as well as business values and responsibility towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Global Compact No. 15 - "Conservation of Earth's Ecosystems".
3) Integration of sustainable practices in the renovation and restoration of power transmission insures more reliable electricity supply and reducing the incidence of emergencies related to the white stork’s population.
4) Combining the technical component of installation of electrical installations and the protection of natural ecosystems, as well as with the artistic and cultural elements such as installation of art installations #EnergyWings, thematic exposition in the Time Machines Museum, they will teach and inspire humans to protect biodiversity and green restoration of the country.
5) International cooperation, such as partnership with Polish Society of Ornithologists Małopolskiego Towarzystwa Ornitologicznego and the Western Ukrainian Ornithological Society allows for the joint study and protection of the white stork, contributing to climate change research.
6) Positive news about the protection of Ukraine’s cherished bird species and collective engagement in meaningful endeavors promote mental health and vitality among Ukrainians.
Thanks to the #EnergyWings project, a synergistic effect was achieved for both direct and indirect beneficiaries. The following achievements highlight the impact of the project:
1) We engaged 42 opinion leaders and 40 young environmental activists, surpassing our initial target by 50%. Our educational project for children represents a significant step towards cultivating a new culture of sustainable thinking and understanding among the younger generation of Ukrainians.
2) From 2021 to 2023, we installed 292 platforms for stork’s nests, exceeding our planned target by more than 16%. This includes the restoration of power lines damaged during hostilities, which prevents the loss of biodiversity, integrates power lines into ecosystems, and applies nature-oriented solutions in the restoration efforts, ultimately enhancing electricity supply reliability.
3) DTEK Grids employees became brand ambassadors, even those who were skeptical.
4) The #EnergyWings pilot module has been successfully implemented on the websites of four the electricity distribution system operators.
By rallying public support, we have safeguarded white storks and utilize their data to develop a strategy for transferring nests of white storks to dedicated platforms.
5) The public received unique contemporary art installations. These art installations of #EnergyWings have been opened for the first time in Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro.
6) We participated in the international stork’s ringing of the Polish Society of Ornithologists Małopolskiego Towarzystwa Ornitologicznego and the Western Ukrainian Ornithological Society to study and protect the white stork. 42 stork’s chicks were banded. This collaboration will provide scientific ornithologist with invaluable data for research and protection efforts.
7) The project has generated over 35 million interactions, spreading positive news that has fostered the mental health of Ukrainians and our hope for a brighter and peaceful future.
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