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Student Teams Prepare for This Fall’s Solar Decathlon
NAHB is again sponsoring the international Solar Decathlon this fall.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2009 challenges 20 university teams from the United States, Canada, Germany and Spain to design and exhibit solar-powered, energy-efficient homes.
Student teams design, build, test and then ship the homes to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The teams take a week to rebuild their houses as a solar village and open their homes to the visiting public Oct. 9-18.
The Solar Decathlon attracts thousands of people who come to see the latest creations from some of the world’s most elite universities. The competition demonstrates innovative clean-energy technology, shows consumers the potential of solar-powered living and develops a well-trained workforce of engineers, architects and entrepreneurs uniquely prepared for green jobs.
Teams compete against one another in 10 contests, which test the homes’ energy efficiency and ability to produce electricity and hot water from solar panels to perform all the functions of home — from turning on the lights to cooking, washing clothes and dishes, powering home electronics and maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Each team’s home will also be judged on its architecture, livability and marketability. The teams must provide documentation about their home's design and communicate information on their home to the public.
Judging criteria include:
- Architecture — 100 points
- Market Viability — 100 points
- Engineering — 100 points
- Lighting Design — 75 points
- Communications — 75 points
- Comfort Zone — 100 points
- Hot Water — 100 points
- Appliances — 100 points
- Home Entertainment — 100 points
- Net Metering — 150 points
Net Metering has been added to this year’s contest to determine how close the competition entries come to qualifying as a zero- or net-zero energy house.
Out of 1,000 possible points, the team with the most combined points at the end of the competition wins.
NAHB will provide educational sessions on the use of the National Green Building Standard and also sponsor a lunch for the student participants.
For additional information and a complete list of sponsors, visit www.solardecathlon.org.
 ‘National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“The National Green Building Standard,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides “green” practices that can be incorporated into multifamily and single-family new home construction, home remodeling and additions and site development.
The standard covers lot design, resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environment quality; and owner education.
Currently the first and only ANSI-approved green building rating system, the National Green Building Standard is the benchmark for green homes.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here.
 The Future of Residential Construction Is Green
The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.
Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 3,500 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
 ‘Build Green and Save’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Build Green and Save: Protecting the Earth and Your Bottom Line,” available through BuilderBooks.com, is a comprehensive, easy-to-read reference that shows builders how to identify and select green building materials; implement green construction techniques; explain the benefits of green housing and offer affordable green building solutions to consumers; and use resources wisely and reduce water and energy consumption.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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