Loughborough graduate competes for design award

The design uses the kinetic energy from footsteps to produce electricity

An electricity producing floor tile, designed by a Loughborough University graduate, has been nominated for a prestigious design award.

Laurence Kemball-Cook developed the revolutionary energy system during the final year of his degree.

The 25-year-old's design has now been nominated for Product of the Year at the 2011 Brit Insurance Design Awards, alongside some top global innovators.

The product, Pavegen, converts kinetic energy from footsteps into electricity.

The floor tiles can be used to power street lighting, information displays and other applications that spring into life when people approach them.

"We are delighted to be taking on such big companies and high-profile products with a low-carbon innovation," said Laurence.

"If rolled out, this product could help local authorities, developers and communities reduce their energy bills but also get their staff and customers engaged in delivering a low-carbon future."

Laurence's company recently won a contract for the new Westfield shopping centre at the Olympic site in Stratford City, and have also installed the floor tiles into a busy corridor at a Canterbury school.