Luke DeMott
2025 Eco-Hero
FINALIST
Luke DeMott
Age 16
La Jolla, California, USA
Sustainable Housing San Diego
Luke DeMott is a creative and driven innovator who founded the non-profit Sustainable Housing San Diego to tackle a critical issue: environmental injustice. His organization focuses on educating individuals and businesses about how to implement sustainable housing solutions in a cost-effective way.
Through monthly presentations at local libraries, his website, and educational pamphlets, Luke provides clear guidance on everything from solar panels to home energy management systems. He specifically targets lower-income communities to ensure that the benefits of sustainable living—including tax incentives and long-term cost savings—are accessible to everyone.
Luke's work goes beyond education; he is also a dedicated researcher and collaborator. He conducted a science experiment on home composting, and his findings are now being used by the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department to update their community educational materials. He has also partnered with organizations like I Love a Clean San Diego and Habitat for Humanity to amplify his outreach.
Luke's environmental passion is also showcased in his other projects. He co-created an AI drone-based system called HARVEST that helps farmers conserve water and has even applied for a preliminary patent for his design. His work has been recognized with awards from the NEED Project and was a semi-finalist in the international EarthPrize, proving that his ideas are not just local but have global potential.
