The photovoltaic islands installed in the campus's internal gardens are the result of an innovative project that won 1st place in the Prémio Sustentabilidade, an initiative promoted by ISEL Eco-Campus in partnership with the Santander Foundation.

Developed by undergraduate and master's students in Electrical Engineering José Marcos, Daniel Ferreira, and Marcos Diniz, the project proposes the integration of photovoltaic solar panels into garden tables and benches, allowing the generation of renewable electricity to power laptops, charge cell phones, and other electronic devices.

Each photovoltaic island includes two solar panels that generate energy and a storage battery, allowing the system to be used even when there is no sun. The system integrates a charge regulator, which optimizes battery charging, and an inverter, which converts the energy produced to a voltage level suitable for the use of electrical equipment.

The photovoltaic islands directly benefit the entire ISEL academic community, totaling approximately 4,000 people, in addition to external visitors. A recent example of its significant use occurred in August during the IAGA/IASPEI Joint Scientific Meeting 2025, where this equipment was widely used by participants.

The Sustainability Award grants a cash prize to the winning students and additional funding for the implementation of the solutions on campus, ensuring their realization. The winning project stands out for its strong technological component, practical applicability, and relevant contribution to promoting sustainability and energy efficiency at ISEL.

Meanwhile, the results of the second edition of the Sustainability Award have already been published, reinforcing the continuity of this initiative and its role in valuing sustainable innovation in the academic community.