As our world’s resources become increasingly scarcer and scarcer, it becomes evident that sustainability awareness and practices will need to be implemented into our society. SmartPower, the nation’s leading non-profit marketing and research firm, came up with an idea for a competition that does just that.

America’s Next Eco-Star competition was formed with the premise of promoting sustainability and alternative energy leadership for students and young professionals ages 16 to 26. The competition premiered this year and is a nation-wide event. 300 applicants submitted a video of themselves that contained their general information and why they would make a good “eco-star.”

Casey Fangmann, senior in industrial engineering, has been chosen as one of the top five contestants.

“Initially my work with the Green House Group motivated me to apply, but when I looked into the program, I saw they were interested in energy as well. I had worked with Rockwell Collins [an Cedar Rapids-based international provider of technology systems] before in energy reduction and ultimately cost reduction.”

Fangmann’s other sustainable efforts on campus include: Earth Hour, composting on campus, recycling during Veishea and the Green Umbrella social experiment. He also won the Udall scholarship, which is a nationally renowned and prestigious scholarship offered to students, nominated by their university, who are pursuing a career related to the environment.

Fangmann was referred to the competition by Director of Sustainability Merry Rankin, who had collaborated on sustainability projects with Fangmann in the past.

“Casey is extremely passionate. He is always looking for ways to be involved, always enthusiastic and driven to achieve more. He is a leader but a selfless leader, always working to get others engaged,” Rankin said.

The 300 applicants were narrowed down to the top ten by a voting system and then to the top five by a panel of sustainability experts. Coincidentally, a student from the University of Iowa also made it into the top five, demonstrating the strong environmental culture Iowans possess.

The winner earns national recognition for their university as the home of America’s Eco-Star, $1,000 towards sustainability efforts on campus, a trip with their university’s president to Austria for the 2012 Sustainable Futures Academy at the Salzburg Global Seminar, and a fellowship with Smart Power.

“[America’s Next Eco-Star Competition is] looking for someone showing leadership in alternative energy and sustainability, a diverse portfolio, academic strength, commitment, and a passion in sustainability efforts,” said Fangmann.

When asked why he wants to win the competition, Fangmann discussed his longing to be exposed to other culture’s diverse sustainability and energy efforts. He is also excited to shed light on Iowa State’s progress in sustainability development.

The winner will be selected by the panel of sustainability experts and announced on March 16.