In May of this year, in collaboration with our subsidiary Pipex Italia and the Private School Železiarne Podbrezová, we launched an exceptional project – a competition aimed at connecting the world of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance responsibility) with the values of our company.
A Competition that Encourages Responsible Thinking among Young People
The competition, titled Strong Tradition, Responsible Future, offered students a unique challenge: to design a logo or audiovisual output (jingle, animation, video) that clearly and creatively expresses our commitment to the environment, the community, and corporate culture. This wasn’t just a school assignment – it was a real opportunity to bridge theory and practice, bring their ideas to life, and show how the younger generation perceives the future of responsible business.
Important criteria included not only originality and creativity but also technical feasibility, functional output, and the possibility of using the output in various formats and media.
A Level of Interest That Pleasantly Surprised Us
Even though it was a pilot edition, the level of participation pleasantly surprised us. Each project brought its own unique approach, creativity, and interest in the ESG theme. The jury, made up of representatives from Železiarne Podbrezová and Pipex Italia, faced a difficult task – each submission brought something inspiring. In the end, the best works in each category were awarded. All participating students also received a certificate of participation, which can be a valuable addition to their portfolio.
Award-Winning Ideas that Resonated
After thorough evaluation, the jury selected winners based on four main criteria: creativity and originality, alignment with ŽP brand values, functionality, and clarity of the communication message.
Awarded students by category:
- Tatiana Budovcová – Creativity and originality
- Gabriel Vagaday – Creativity and originality
- Nela Kúdelková – Functionality and applicability
- Michal Mydlo – Functionality and applicability
- Terézia Ďuriančíková – Alignment with ESG values
- Sára Báboľová – Alignment with ESG values
- Terézia Danove – Alignment with ESG values
The most comprehensive projects that connected ESG principles with high-quality execution were submitted by Terézia Ďuriančíková, Sára Báboľová, and Terézia Danove. As a prize, they won a four-day inspirational trip to Italy, where they will enjoy not only a cultural program and relaxation but also the opportunity to see ESG approaches in practice.
Sustainability as a Key Value
The Strong Tradition, Responsible Future competition was not only about awarding winners but also about promoting values that are crucial for our company and future generations.
As a leader in “green steel” production, Železiarne Podbrezová has long invested in ecological technologies, recycling, and the circular economy. Up to 97% of input material consists of recyclable steel scrap, and the final products – steel tubes – are fully recyclable.
At the same time, trials are underway to replace raw iron and anthracite with more environmentally friendly alternatives, actively responding to climate change challenges.
The Private Combined School Železiarne Podbrezová also encourages students to adopt ecological thinking. In addition to the competition, students regularly participate in activities such as “Recyklohry” – a mobile phone recycling initiative that helps reduce electronic waste.
Toward a Responsible Future
The students’ projects show that the younger generation growing up at our school is ready to think innovatively and act sustainably. Together, Železiarne Podbrezová and Private Combined School Železiarne Podbrezová are creating space for the development of knowledge and values that will shape the society of the future.
Winners Look Forward to Their Trip to Italy
As part of the main prize, the winners will enjoy a four-day trip to the picturesque Arona region in Italy. In addition to the cultural program, they will get acquainted with innovative ESG solutions that are a common part of practice in one of Europe’s most technologically advanced countries. We believe this experience will provide them with valuable inspiration and new insights for their personal and professional growth.
Article written by:
Ivana Malčeková
Marketing Department
malcekova@zelpo.sk
